robocaller
Machine-generated phone pest
A robocaller is an automated system that places phone calls, typically to deliver recorded messages.
Most robocalls are unwanted—telemarketing pitches, political campaigns, or scams impersonating banks and government agencies.
The term carries strong negative connotations: I get five robocalls a day trying to sell me extended car warranties.
Cause of aggravation
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- disturbanceDisruption of order
bother · disruption · intrusion · pest · unwelcome · irritation · aggravation · persistent
Intentional criminal trickery
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- impersonationPretending to be another
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- swindleDeception for financial gain
Preset number calling
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- pre-recordedCaptured beforehand for playback
- telephonyDistant voice communication systems
- dialerOne who places calls
Headed away from origin
- upsellingEncouraging costlier purchases
- surveySystematic data collection
- opt-outChoose not to participate
- prospectingSearching for mineral wealth
Commerce regulatory agency
- FCCBroadcast oversight agency
- complaintExpression of discontent
- fineAcceptable in quality
- enforcementCompelling compliance with rules
nuisance
Cause of aggravation
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
disturbance · bother · disruption · intrusion · pest · unwelcome · irritation · aggravation · persistent · hang-up
fraud
Intentional criminal trickery
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- impersonationPretending to be another
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
autodial
Preset number calling
- text-to-speechConverting writing to audio
- pre-recordedCaptured beforehand for playback
- telephonyDistant voice communication systems
outbound
Headed away from origin
FTC
Commerce regulatory agency
robocallerlive operator