My 8 Plus sending unknown numbers straight to voicemail has really helped a lot. I do not have the same feature on the very cheap Android mobile. The calls still ring in, and I let them roll over to voicemail where I often find truncated messages. Occasionally, I do pick up, though, and I have been surprised to learn that some of the robo calls sound more sophisticated than they used to do. For example, there is one that calls about a "business opportunity." It is a recording, but it sounds very naturalistic, and at first, I thought there was a real person on the other end of the line. The recorded message begins with "Hi. I know we have not spoken in a long while, but....." I soon realised it was a robo call, but they managed to keep me listening longer than I would usually do.
I think these calls are increasing in number and sophistication. I liken these robo/spam/scam calls to the gold rush in California in the mid 19th century. These criminals are similar to the people who rushed to California to mine for gold. It does not matter that few people ever became wealthy doing so or that only a tiny amount of gold may have been uncovered by some individuals after a lot of labour and other costs were incurred. It is the idea that these criminals "may" find a pigeon or that they once or twice found a pigeon to dupe with these calls. Like the miners, it is enough to keep them going, and the reports of those who have been successful at it are enough to draw in more and more "miners."
Sadly, many people have been conned out of a lot of money, especially seniors. My advice is not to trust any callers unless you know beyond doubt they are people/companies with whom you already have a business relationship, and if you have the slightest doubt, do not speak to them. Call the number you have on file for the person/company to find out if they were trying to reach you for some reason.
As for SS, have you ever tried to get them on the line?? The wait is unreal. If you go to a local office, you are likely to wait hours if not all day to talk to a representative in person, too. I know because I have done it. The government certainly does not have enough people to sit on the phone calling YOU about anything. I tell everyone that using simple common sense will defeat these criminals in many cases.
