robo-calls
Pre-recorded spam calls
Robo-calls are automated telephone calls that deliver prerecorded messages, typically used for telemarketing, political campaigns, or scams.
The technology allows mass dialing at minimal cost, making it attractive to legitimate businesses and fraudsters alike.
Most robo-calls are unwanted, and regulations attempt to limit them: I get three or four robo-calls a day trying to sell me extended car warranties.
Unsolicited bulk messages
- unwantedNot wished for
- annoyingCausing mild irritation
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
blocking · screening · hang-up · interruption · dinner-time · persistent · repetitive · flood
Automated calling device
- pre-recordedCaptured beforehand for playback
- automatedOperating without human control
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- VOIPDigital voice transmission
Intentional criminal trickery
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- warrantFormal authorization document
- lotteryRandomized prize distribution
Medicare · con · swindle · deception · impersonation · vishing · urgent · threatening
Organized effort toward goal
- pollingSystematic opinion gathering
- electionOrganized public voting
- candidatePerson seeking selection
- get-out-the-voteCampaign encouraging electoral participation
survey · endorsement · ballot · primary · midterm · grassroots · canvassing · partisan
Commerce regulatory agency
- FCCBroadcast oversight agency
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
- fineAcceptable in quality
penalty · enforcement · consent · opt-out · violation · attorney-general · class-action · illegal
Medical dispensing authorization
- healthcareOrganized provision of treatment
- dentalRelating to teeth
- veterinarianDoctor for animals
- libraryBook collection or building
spam
Unsolicited bulk messages
harassment · blocking · screening · hang-up · interruption · dinner-time · persistent · repetitive · flood · barrage
autodialer
Automated calling device
- pre-recordedCaptured beforehand for playback
- automatedOperating without human control
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
fraud
Intentional criminal trickery
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- warrantFormal authorization document
lottery · Medicare · con · swindle · deception · impersonation · vishing · urgent · threatening
campaign
Organized effort toward goal
get-out-the-vote · survey · endorsement · ballot · primary · midterm · grassroots · canvassing · partisan · constituent
FTC
Commerce regulatory agency
- FCCBroadcast oversight agency
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
fine · penalty · enforcement · consent · opt-out · violation · attorney-general · class-action · illegal · complaint
prescription
Medical dispensing authorization
- healthcareOrganized provision of treatment
- dentalRelating to teeth
- veterinarianDoctor for animals
- debt collectiondebt collection, garnishment, late payments, debt collector, delinquent accounts
- voter suppressionvoter suppression, voter intimidation, disenfranchisement, poll tax, poll taxes
- automationautomation, macros, macro, automate, hotkeys
- digital annoyancesspam, pop-ups, ads, malware, viruses
robo-callsreturn call
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