Don’t share personal information with unknown people, companies

Robo calls and robo texts are somethings I truly dislike. Because of robo calls, I don’t answer calls on my cellphone unless either my phone or I recognize the number.

I’m certain I miss calls I need to take and I’ve had people and businesses to say, “We’ve tried to contact you.” You probably have and I’m sorry (in a way) I missed you, but I’m really not. Find a way to identify yourself or your business.

Many of the calls are unwanted calls — including illegal and spoofed robo calls. If I’m close to a computer, I often google the number to see if it’s a real call I need to answer and 99.9% of the calls come up robo calls.

The other small percentage, I hang up when I do answer.

If I don’t recognize your voice when I do answer, I hang up immediately. Don’t ask me any questions. I’ll not give you any information.

I used to answer “local” numbers, but I’ve learn many of them are not necessarily from here.

Along with not answering questions, I don’t hit any buttons unless I’m certain who I’m on the line with. I don’t want to be a target.

Don’t try to pressure me. I never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other information.

I don’t trust folks who say they are representing an agency or a group. I’ll take the time to look up a number online and call back if you are legit.

If you really need to get in touch with me and you are not in my call log, send me a letter, email or a text. I don’t answer robo calls.

Barbara Ann Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at bhorton@darnews.com.