What's the Deal: Protecting yourself from robocalls and phone scams

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- If you feel like you're fielding way more scam or robocalls this day - you're not alone.

Roughly 95% of people say they've gotten a call from a telemarketer in the past six months.

The survey by by telecom service company First Orion says unwanted calls to cell phones are on the rise.

And while some are simply annoying, others are dangerous, especially if they're offering free cruises, vacations or other expensive gifts.

If you've been "specially selected" for some sort of "free bonus" - hang up.

Even more so, never give out personal information or pay someone.

The Tax Administration says scam artists posing as an IRS debt collectors have already schemed $54 million from unsuspecting victims.

So what you can do?

First, if you haven't already, register your number with the national Do Not Call Registry.

This is your first step to stopping those calls.

Then you can add another layer of protection by downloading apps like Call Blocker, PrivacyStar, or Truecaller, which uses community feedback to compile a database of spam and telemarketer numbers. But, some are paid apps and the FTC warns that some apps may require access to your contact list.

Other easy ways to handle robocalls:

- Play hard to get. Hang up immediately and do not engage.

- Don't answer the phone when you see an unknown number.

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