Seniors across Georgia, Florida and South Carolina tell us the same thing every week: "My phone won't stop ringing." Robocalls hit a six-year high in 2024, and "Medicare" is one of the most common lines scammers use. The good news is most of it is stoppable with a few free settings and one new habit.
The one sentence that ends most spam calls
When a real human does get through, say plainly: "Please take my number off your call list." Legitimate telemarketers are required by law to honor it. For the scammers who don't, just block the number and move on — arguing only tells them a real person is listening.
Seven steps to take back your phone
- 1
Stop answering numbers you don't recognize.
Let it go to voicemail. Real Medicare and a real local agent will leave a message — robocalls almost never do.
- 2
Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. It won't stop scammers, but it cuts down legitimate telemarketing and gives you a way to report violators.
- 3
Turn on your carrier's free spam blocking.
AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter and T-Mobile Scam Shield are free and built in. A free app like Nomorobo adds another layer for the worst offenders.
- 4
Never press a button or say "yes" to a robocall.
Pressing 1 or "speak to a representative" proves your number is live and earns you more calls. Saying "yes" can be recorded as consent. When in doubt, hang up.
- 5
Never give out personal numbers on an inbound call.
Medicare, Social Security, banking and card details belong to no one who dialed you first. Real Medicare will never call to ask for them.
- 6
Block the number and report it.
Block the caller on your phone, then report robocalls and scams at donotcall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps regulators track the worst offenders.
- 7
Work with one local, licensed agent you chose.
When you have a trusted local contact you reached out to — not the other way around — you can hang up on everyone else with confidence.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Prefer a local person over a 1-800 number?
If you'd rather talk with a licensed agent you can reach by name — not whoever the call center routes you to — we're a phone call away.
Sources & a quick note
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Older Americans and Medicare Call Scams
- U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Ringing in Our Fears (2024–2025 robocall data)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 2023 Elder Fraud Report
- Federal Trade Commission, How to Stop Unwanted Calls (consumer.ftc.gov)
This guide is educational and not legal advice. We don't sell anti-spam tools and we don't endorse any single app. Figures are drawn from public government and watchdog reports and may change from year to year.