Spectrum of Self-Defense, Page Three
Note: Most of the links and resources posted here are relevant to visitors in the United States.
Information, services and laws may be different in other countries.
Consult your local resources if you live outside the United States.
Information, services and laws may be different in other countries.
Consult your local resources if you live outside the United States.
Telephone Defense
National Do Not Call Registry - Operated by the Federal Trade Commission. This list allows users to opt out of telemarketing calls. Registration is permanent. There is no need to reregister unless you change your phone number. You can register by visiting online, or you can call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to add to the registry. You can also file complaints against offending telemarketers by calling 888-TELL-FCC or by submitting their electronic form. If you encounter a suspected scam, you can also alert the Federal Trade Commission. Persons living in the United Kingdom can register with the Telephone Preference Service.
NoMoRobo - This service stops robocalls to your cell and many digital VOIP/cable phone systems. NoMoRobo actively updates its database of offending callers on a daily basis. It doesn't affect your ability to receive the automated calls that you want, such as calls from your pharmacy, school, medical offices or Emergency Notification Services, like Reverse 911. You can also add offenders who manage to slip through NoMoRobo's system in order to quickly stop them from reaching other users. Note: NoMoRobo does not work with analog copper landline systems. NoMoRobo stops some political calls, but it does not stop calls from charities.
Google Voice - Another way to skim unwanted phone calls is to port your number to Google Voice. This is a mostly free service which comes with a powerful set of calling, blocking, screening, voice mail and text tools. It also allows you to keep your phone number forever regardless of whether you move or change service providers. As far as your friends, family or business contacts are concerned; your phone number never changes. Presently, Google Voice will only port cellular phone numbers, so if you want to port your landline number, you need to port it to a cell provider first. You can do this with any cheap no-contract cell service. Make sure to do this with a prepaid or no-contract account. You don't even have to buy a phone. Just get a SIM card. Once that's done, you can port the number to Google Voice for a one-time fee of $20. The cell provider will usually auto-cancel the account you created to port the number. You can then set up your Google Voice account to forward all calls to any phone service you're using simultaneously or you can schedule your forwarding according to caller, location and time of day. This way you don't miss calls and you get the benefit of call blocking, screening, centralized voice mail, transcription and so on.
Landline Spam Blocking - If you still use a traditional analog landline system (POTS), you can connect a screening/blocking device to your phone jack to screen incoming calls in concert with your answering machine and your phone provider's call blocking service. All blocker boxes require Caller ID in order to work. There are several blocker boxes available to consumers, but many use only blacklist blocking methods. The downside of a blacklisting system is that robocall companies and scammers spoof Caller IDs easily and often. Manual blocking devices don't autoupdate their blacklists so some unwanted calls still make it past these kinds of blockers.
From an ease-of-use standpoint, the Tel-Lynx Guardian is a nice option. Instead of continually programming a blacklist, the Tel-Lynx Guardian uses an adaptive whitelist so that it doesn't pester your preferred callers repeatedly. It can also be set up with custom ring options for each household member so you know which calls are for whom. Tel-Lynx makes several models which scale up in features like cell phone pairing, voicemail and multiple device compatibility. If you don't need as many fancy features, the Sentry 3.1 Screener is a less expensive blocker that works similarly to the Tel-Lynx Guardian. Both of these blockers work with either a traditional copper landline or digital VOIP/cable phone service. Installation methods may vary depending on what type of phone service you use and whether your system requires a router. Note that whitelist blocker boxes may cause a problem with automated call services like Reverse 911 since callers are prompted to press a number to get past the blocker. You can get around this by changing your local Reverse 911 preferences to call your cell phone.
A few people have mentioned SIT tone generators, like the TeleZapper. A SIT tone device does not block calls. It merely plays SIT tones whenever you answer your phone. SIT tones tell an autodialer (ATDS) that your phone number is disconnected so that it takes you off its call list. For autodialers which are programmed to detect SIT tones, this method may work. Predictive dialers may be programmed to ignore SIT tones and put delays into a call to wait for a human answer, an answering machine or for a line disconnection. Another caveat with SIT tone generators is they emit tones whenever the line is picked up. They don't differentiate between and incoming or outgoing calls. A SIT tone may confuse your burglar/fire alarm system's modem if it uses your landline to communicate with a monitoring center. It may also interrupt your fax machine's incoming or outgoing transmissions. Tone generators don't stop manually dialed sales calls.
Trolling Telemarketers - Like NoMoRobo, Jolly Roger Telephone Company counters spam callers with a bot which wastes their time. One advantage of Jolly Roger Telco is that it works with Google Voice. It is a subscription service, but the rates are very reasonable. The service uses call forwarding, simultaneous ring and conference calling (land lines) to divert junk calls to a bot with humorous results.
NoMoRobo - This service stops robocalls to your cell and many digital VOIP/cable phone systems. NoMoRobo actively updates its database of offending callers on a daily basis. It doesn't affect your ability to receive the automated calls that you want, such as calls from your pharmacy, school, medical offices or Emergency Notification Services, like Reverse 911. You can also add offenders who manage to slip through NoMoRobo's system in order to quickly stop them from reaching other users. Note: NoMoRobo does not work with analog copper landline systems. NoMoRobo stops some political calls, but it does not stop calls from charities.
Google Voice - Another way to skim unwanted phone calls is to port your number to Google Voice. This is a mostly free service which comes with a powerful set of calling, blocking, screening, voice mail and text tools. It also allows you to keep your phone number forever regardless of whether you move or change service providers. As far as your friends, family or business contacts are concerned; your phone number never changes. Presently, Google Voice will only port cellular phone numbers, so if you want to port your landline number, you need to port it to a cell provider first. You can do this with any cheap no-contract cell service. Make sure to do this with a prepaid or no-contract account. You don't even have to buy a phone. Just get a SIM card. Once that's done, you can port the number to Google Voice for a one-time fee of $20. The cell provider will usually auto-cancel the account you created to port the number. You can then set up your Google Voice account to forward all calls to any phone service you're using simultaneously or you can schedule your forwarding according to caller, location and time of day. This way you don't miss calls and you get the benefit of call blocking, screening, centralized voice mail, transcription and so on.
Landline Spam Blocking - If you still use a traditional analog landline system (POTS), you can connect a screening/blocking device to your phone jack to screen incoming calls in concert with your answering machine and your phone provider's call blocking service. All blocker boxes require Caller ID in order to work. There are several blocker boxes available to consumers, but many use only blacklist blocking methods. The downside of a blacklisting system is that robocall companies and scammers spoof Caller IDs easily and often. Manual blocking devices don't autoupdate their blacklists so some unwanted calls still make it past these kinds of blockers.
From an ease-of-use standpoint, the Tel-Lynx Guardian is a nice option. Instead of continually programming a blacklist, the Tel-Lynx Guardian uses an adaptive whitelist so that it doesn't pester your preferred callers repeatedly. It can also be set up with custom ring options for each household member so you know which calls are for whom. Tel-Lynx makes several models which scale up in features like cell phone pairing, voicemail and multiple device compatibility. If you don't need as many fancy features, the Sentry 3.1 Screener is a less expensive blocker that works similarly to the Tel-Lynx Guardian. Both of these blockers work with either a traditional copper landline or digital VOIP/cable phone service. Installation methods may vary depending on what type of phone service you use and whether your system requires a router. Note that whitelist blocker boxes may cause a problem with automated call services like Reverse 911 since callers are prompted to press a number to get past the blocker. You can get around this by changing your local Reverse 911 preferences to call your cell phone.
A few people have mentioned SIT tone generators, like the TeleZapper. A SIT tone device does not block calls. It merely plays SIT tones whenever you answer your phone. SIT tones tell an autodialer (ATDS) that your phone number is disconnected so that it takes you off its call list. For autodialers which are programmed to detect SIT tones, this method may work. Predictive dialers may be programmed to ignore SIT tones and put delays into a call to wait for a human answer, an answering machine or for a line disconnection. Another caveat with SIT tone generators is they emit tones whenever the line is picked up. They don't differentiate between and incoming or outgoing calls. A SIT tone may confuse your burglar/fire alarm system's modem if it uses your landline to communicate with a monitoring center. It may also interrupt your fax machine's incoming or outgoing transmissions. Tone generators don't stop manually dialed sales calls.
Trolling Telemarketers - Like NoMoRobo, Jolly Roger Telephone Company counters spam callers with a bot which wastes their time. One advantage of Jolly Roger Telco is that it works with Google Voice. It is a subscription service, but the rates are very reasonable. The service uses call forwarding, simultaneous ring and conference calling (land lines) to divert junk calls to a bot with humorous results.
Email Defense
Email Scams - James Veitch has a couple of funny TedTalks adventures in trolling scammers. Giving the Nigerian Prince a taste of his own medicine with Re:Scam.
Evading Spam -
Financial/Identity Defense
Charity Navigator - Online guide to determine good charities from scams and money pits. If you want to donate to a cause, research whose taking the money and where it actually goes. Make sure to check GuideStar.org, Charity Watch and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, as well. This article from Consumer Reports also provides handy tips on ways to scam-check a charity when you're on the spot. The Federal Trade Commission also gives tips on checking charities and what to do if you fall victim to charity fraud. Don't fall for fake police and first responder charities.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft - There are few things that are a bigger pain than having your identity stolen. Fraudulent accounts can wreck your credit rating.
Remove Info from Public Record Search Engines - Identity defense websites, such as Lifelock advise protecting your privacy by removing your listing from public record search engines. A quick name search on Google will give you some idea of how many places you show up, but it won't be the complete list. OptOut.com hosts an excellent online guide to removing yourself from many aggregates of public records. Lifewire and ZDNet also list likely sites where your personal info may turn up and how to scrub them.
Doxing - Doxing is the intentional circulation of personal information with the intent to threaten, harass or intimidate someone. There are several things you can do to remove ways someone could mine your information. If you've been doxed, Crash Override Network published a guide to responding to it and discussing it with family and law enforcement. If you are being threatened or harassed with revenge porn or nonconcentual pornography, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers an online removal guide with instructions for sites like Facebook, Instagram, Bing, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, Yahoo, Google and other services.
Safe Web Browsing - https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-prevention/safety-online-browsing
Scams/Ransomware Reporting - FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). FBI Cyber Crime Division. Online threats report to local FBI Field Office.
Hospital/Medical Overcharges - Medical claim auditing services who may be able to help lower inflated medical bills by checking for double-charges, wrong codes and other mistakes. Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals and Medical Recovery Services.
Credit Card Processing 'Fees' - It is normal to encounter credit card surcharges and convenience fees in many shopping and service venues, but did you know there are some situations where charging credit card processing fees is illegal? Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover all require merchants to post notices of surcharges at their points of sale, whether they are in a physical store or online. No merchant may charge over 4%. Don't accept surcharges for using your debit and prepaid debit card.
AnnualCreditReport.com - This site offers your free annual credit report with no extra fees, scams, trial offers or other strings attached. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your FICO score. Getting your FICO score does cost a fee.I have credit report links posted to the self-defense page because it's a very good idea to keep an eye on them. Not only for incorrect listings about you, but for any false accounts that you never applied for.
LifeLock - A lot of what LifeLock does you can do yourself. It just cuts down the footwork for a fee. This service is a good idea if you are applying for jobs, or you are putting your info into job sites and online applications. It is also good if you've ever had your wallet or personal information stolen. LifeLock monitors activity related to your ID and alerts you to things which seem off like inappropriate credit report queries which might come from someone using your information to apply for credit cards, loans and bank accounts. There are also ways to lock your reports, which also helps stop these types of activities. Note: Locking your credit reports may keep you from getting a job with some employers. You also need to unlock your reports for any activity which requires checking your credit history, such as applying for loans, credit cards, housing, etc.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Consumer Protection Unit) - Collects complaints against banks and other financial institutions.
Federal Citizen Information Center (Consumer Action Website) - Offers a copy of the Consumer Action Handbook. Operated by the US General Services Administration. Offers consumer tips and information on protecting your identity, financial history and business dealings.
Better Business Bureau - Check business reputations and submit reports about questionable business practices.
State Attorney General - Look up your State Attorney General's Office to find your state's Consumer Protection Unit and State or Local Licensing Boards. Use this information to verify the licensing of a business or service provider, or to report one that is operating unlicensed or otherwise illegally.
OptOutPrescreen.com - A website which enables consumers to opt out of unsolicited prescreened credit offers which may leave people vulnerable to identity theft. Users can opt out for a period of five years and permanently opt out of firm credit offers.
StopJunkMail.org - Offers a free kit to help stop junk mail from clogging your mailbox. You can also take yourself off of direct mail marketing lists and stop catalogs as well. Everyone shops from the web anyway. Why do people need printed catalogs?
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - A non-profit consumer education, research and advocacy program. Their publications provide practical tips on privacy protection.
Avvo.com - Visit for legal Q&A or to find an attorney. Find more tips and do-it-yourself tools at Nolo.com as well.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft - There are few things that are a bigger pain than having your identity stolen. Fraudulent accounts can wreck your credit rating.
Remove Info from Public Record Search Engines - Identity defense websites, such as Lifelock advise protecting your privacy by removing your listing from public record search engines. A quick name search on Google will give you some idea of how many places you show up, but it won't be the complete list. OptOut.com hosts an excellent online guide to removing yourself from many aggregates of public records. Lifewire and ZDNet also list likely sites where your personal info may turn up and how to scrub them.
Doxing - Doxing is the intentional circulation of personal information with the intent to threaten, harass or intimidate someone. There are several things you can do to remove ways someone could mine your information. If you've been doxed, Crash Override Network published a guide to responding to it and discussing it with family and law enforcement. If you are being threatened or harassed with revenge porn or nonconcentual pornography, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers an online removal guide with instructions for sites like Facebook, Instagram, Bing, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, Yahoo, Google and other services.
Safe Web Browsing - https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-prevention/safety-online-browsing
Scams/Ransomware Reporting - FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). FBI Cyber Crime Division. Online threats report to local FBI Field Office.
Hospital/Medical Overcharges - Medical claim auditing services who may be able to help lower inflated medical bills by checking for double-charges, wrong codes and other mistakes. Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals and Medical Recovery Services.
Credit Card Processing 'Fees' - It is normal to encounter credit card surcharges and convenience fees in many shopping and service venues, but did you know there are some situations where charging credit card processing fees is illegal? Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover all require merchants to post notices of surcharges at their points of sale, whether they are in a physical store or online. No merchant may charge over 4%. Don't accept surcharges for using your debit and prepaid debit card.
AnnualCreditReport.com - This site offers your free annual credit report with no extra fees, scams, trial offers or other strings attached. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your FICO score. Getting your FICO score does cost a fee.I have credit report links posted to the self-defense page because it's a very good idea to keep an eye on them. Not only for incorrect listings about you, but for any false accounts that you never applied for.
LifeLock - A lot of what LifeLock does you can do yourself. It just cuts down the footwork for a fee. This service is a good idea if you are applying for jobs, or you are putting your info into job sites and online applications. It is also good if you've ever had your wallet or personal information stolen. LifeLock monitors activity related to your ID and alerts you to things which seem off like inappropriate credit report queries which might come from someone using your information to apply for credit cards, loans and bank accounts. There are also ways to lock your reports, which also helps stop these types of activities. Note: Locking your credit reports may keep you from getting a job with some employers. You also need to unlock your reports for any activity which requires checking your credit history, such as applying for loans, credit cards, housing, etc.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Consumer Protection Unit) - Collects complaints against banks and other financial institutions.
Federal Citizen Information Center (Consumer Action Website) - Offers a copy of the Consumer Action Handbook. Operated by the US General Services Administration. Offers consumer tips and information on protecting your identity, financial history and business dealings.
Better Business Bureau - Check business reputations and submit reports about questionable business practices.
State Attorney General - Look up your State Attorney General's Office to find your state's Consumer Protection Unit and State or Local Licensing Boards. Use this information to verify the licensing of a business or service provider, or to report one that is operating unlicensed or otherwise illegally.
OptOutPrescreen.com - A website which enables consumers to opt out of unsolicited prescreened credit offers which may leave people vulnerable to identity theft. Users can opt out for a period of five years and permanently opt out of firm credit offers.
StopJunkMail.org - Offers a free kit to help stop junk mail from clogging your mailbox. You can also take yourself off of direct mail marketing lists and stop catalogs as well. Everyone shops from the web anyway. Why do people need printed catalogs?
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - A non-profit consumer education, research and advocacy program. Their publications provide practical tips on privacy protection.
Avvo.com - Visit for legal Q&A or to find an attorney. Find more tips and do-it-yourself tools at Nolo.com as well.