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Cyber Crooks Take Robocalls to the Next Level

The FTC is trying to figure out how to block these calls, but with cheap technology allowing scammers to place millions of calls from other countries, it's hard to do.

It's the latest robocall ripoff in the Carolinas.

Police are warning about crooks calling around, posing as Blue Cross Blue Shield workers, and trying to steal your personal information.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina says that they have not received any reports of problems in our state, but they’re asking people to remain vigilant.

These fraudsters calls are becoming so real, they can use your area code and part of your phone number to get you to answer.

The Federal Trade Commission said Americans are being bombarded with 2.6 billion robocalls a month. That's more than seven calls per person.

"It happens non stop every day."

"It's very frustrating."

It can also be dangerous.

Fraudsters posing as IRS agents have netted $54 million from unsuspecting victims in the past four years.

And how about the rise in phone numbers that look familiar on your screen?

"It's a number I don't recognize, and I think, oh, maybe I need to answer it."

That's called spoofing -- where robocallers use your area code and the first three numbers of your phone number to get you to answer. They can even impersonate your entire phone number.

"On a more sinister scale, using that same impersonation technology to call centers to your banks or life insurance co and basically steal your money," said Lee Sutterfield, CEO of SecureLogix.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the big scam right now is targeting people who have specific insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield. The scammers even make it look like they're calling from Blue Cross offices then ask for social security numbers and other important information.

The other big target in our area -- customers of the North Carolina State Health Plan for teachers and state employee.

The FTC is trying to figure out how to block these calls, but with cheap technology allowing scammers to place millions of calls from other countries, it's hard to do.

"It's annoying."

So what can you do?

Number one: Download a free or paid subscription blocking app. An FTC contest found the Nomorobo app is the best spam blocker. It costs $1.99 a month.

For Android phones, Should I Answer? is a good bet. The free app displays a phone number rating when an unknown number shows up and allows you to block numbers.

For iPhone users, the Hiya app is free and designed to identify and block a variety of robocalls.

"I would recommend folks do a quick search robocalls applications, best of, because it changes every six months."

The trade group, CTIA, also provides a list of robocall blocking apps.

If you do answer the phone, and discover it's a robocall:

"I immediately hang up."

Number two: Hang up. The worst thing you can do is engage in anyway by pushing buttons or answering questions. That lets them know they've reached a live phone number, and you're added to a hot list.

"You'll start getting a flood of those calls."

Number three: Make sure you're signed up with the Do Not Call registry.

Number four: Keep your phone number to yourself. Don't offer your number when you sign up for things in stores or register online unless it's required.

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