Kansas robocalls are calls that deliver a pre-recorded message with the help of an auto-dialer. The auto-dialer allows individuals, businesses, or government agencies to dial many phone numbers automatically. Generally, robocalls are a fast way to disseminate information to a large audience at a cheaper rate compared to traditional calls.
In Kansas, robocalls are a legitimate means of conveying information according to state guidelines. Telemarketers may use robocalls to sell their goods and services to residents of Kansas. Health workers may also use robocalls to remind residents to stay healthy. Similarly, political organizations and candidates use robocalls to deliver political messages to state residents, especially during elections. Many government agencies in Kansas use robocalls for public service announcements, especially when there is an emergency.
Robocalls can also be employed illegally. In Kansas, it is a crime to defraud another individual using a robocall. A common instance is when they are used to deliver bogus sales pitches without the recipient’s express permission. Such a call is referred to as spam calls, and many con artists employ these calls to defraud their target and steal personal information from them. Kansas residents are advised to contact a reverse phone lookup application to identify the true origin of any robocall they receive.
What are Kansas State Robocalls Scams?
Kansas robocall scams include every fraudulent act that is executed using a robocall. These automated calls try to sell non-existing services to unsuspecting individuals often. Scammers often make bogus promises to lure their victims into giving up money or sensitive information. Over the years, Kansas has taken strict measures to protect residents from robocalls. The state prohibits calls to consumers from automatic dialing-announcing devices in certain instances. Some of these instances include illegitimate telemarketing and phone scams. Kansas robocalls scams are a means to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
How are Robocalls Used in Kansas Scams
Kansas robocalls are usually spoofed. Scammers spoof legitimate businesses or government agencies to commit several scams in Kansas. Generally, con artists employ the use of pre-recorded messages to offer fraudulent services or goods to innocent individuals. They send bulk messages and calls to several residents with the aim of finding the perfect target. Since not all phone numbers are active, the scammers may request that the receiver dials a particular number or presses a button to opt-out from future robocalls.
This is often a ploy to know the active numbers and target them with threats, unrealistic offers, and harassment. The robocalls may often bear renowned public agencies and legitimate businesses’ caller ID, causing the target to believe the scammers. They spoof their caller ID in this manner because they know targets may decline unknown calls. Once a con artist gets through to a target, all forms of manipulation and tricks will be deployed to defraud the victim by leveraging certain information they might have obtained from the victim's current situation.
Does Kansas Have Anti-Robocall Laws?
Yes, Kansas Do Not Call Act regulates all consumer telephone calls in the state. The act regulates all telemarketing calls, including calls made from an automatic dialing-announcing device. Kansas Do Not Call Act prohibits individuals from concealing their identity and real intention during a robocall. Telemarketers who are willing to make telephone solicitations must be transparent enough to enable customers to choose whether to make a purchase or not. In addition to this, the state prohibits any telemarketers from contacting individuals who enrolled their number on Kansas Do Not Call List. Any violation of this act is considered an unconscionable act or practice under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Are There Special Requirements for Robocalls in Kansas?
Every legitimate robocall must adhere to all the requirements for robocalls in Kansas. The required provisions are a means to enable residents to differentiate between illegal and legal robocall and to avoid being defrauded by fraudsters. Some of these requirements include:
- The call must be introduced by a live caller who must identify the business on whose behalf they are calling. If the robocall comes from an Automatic Dialing Announcing Device (ADAD), the message provided shall include only caller identification information and nothing more.
- The agent must state the purpose of the call immediately after contacting the customer, who is the telephone solicitation object.
- Telemarketers should discontinue the solicitation if the person being solicited gives a negative response during the call.
- Telemarketers must hang up or disconnect the telephone within 25 seconds if the customer fails to take the call.
- Agents cannot obtain the receipt or proof of a consumer's payment through couriers or any professional delivery service.
- Telemarketers can not contact numbers on Kansas Do Not Call List.
However, there are institutions and agencies in Kansas that are exempted from these provisions. They can reach out to residents when necessary, and they do not require any live introduction. Such agencies and institution include:
- Financial organizations, especially banks
- Public health, fire, and environmental agencies
- Public and private utility companies
- Academic institutions and campuses
How Do I Stop Robocalls?
Kansas residents receive multiple robocalls every day. This can be very frustrating, especially when scammers defraud you of something valuable. The Kansas Office of Attorney General (KAG) has notified residents of the increase in robocall scams in the state on several occasions. KAG listed the following steps to help residents stop robocalls. These steps include:
- Avoid calls from organizations that you have no business with.
- End the call if the caller refuses to introduce themselves and state the reason for the call. Legitimate telemarketers must inform you of the purpose of the call.
- Hang up immediately you realize you have taken a robocall. If you must continue with the call, do not act on instructions delivered during the call. Scammers will always ask you to press a button to subscribe or unsubscribe to their call. Do not respond to this; it is a way of identifying live phone numbers they can contact for subsequent engagement.
- Residents can enroll their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, making it difficult for illegal telemarketers to contact them. Alternatively, call 888-382-1222 with the phone number to be registered.
- Download call blocking or any third-party application that allows you to identify and block robocalls. Some of these applications can create a robocall list automatically. They include Truecaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo.
- Residents may also set their phone to receive calls from only numbers saved on the phone. Alternatively, residents may contact a reverse phone number service provider or download a reverse phone lookup app to differentiate legitimate telemarketers from fraud.