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Geek Note: A couple of months ago I answered a question from reader Paul D. about robocalls (I.G.T.M. #967, February 1, 2026). It has recently come to my attention that not everybody is as savvy as Paul in being able to detect and identify a call as actually being a robocall.  Let’s consider this week’s issue as a follow-up, as we talk about how to identify robocalls, and a few additional ways to handle them when they occur.

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So, I mentioned in the above-referenced column that the single most effective way to handle a suspected robocall is not to answer it.  Well duh, Geek, how do we know it’s a robocall if we don’t answer it?  Fair point, but as I mentioned, if you don’t recognize the number, or if your phone provider’s anti-SPAM features display something like “Suspected SPAM Call” then it’s best to just not answer it, let it go to voicemail, and if the caller leaves a message (which is somewhat rare for SPAM calls) then you have the option of whether to return the call.  In other words, you can deal with it on your terms, not theirs.

If you answer anyway, whether it is out of sheer curiosity, boredom, or whatever is your reason, here are some ways to recognize a robocall.

One telltale sign you’re dealing with a robocall is that slight delay after you pick up and say “Hello.”  The computer on the other end is actually listening for that word, and once it hears it, it launches the next step.  This takes anywhere from a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds, during which you’ll hear silence, or perhaps even a click if the system transfers you.  That “next step” can be as simple as a recorded message, or as elaborate as an interactive AI system.  Sometimes it even connects you to a live person.

If the next voice you hear sounds monotone, overly polished, or in any other way unnatural, trust your instincts.  Robocalls sound scripted for one simple reason: they ARE scripted.  One common tactic is for the caller to try and make it sound like they’re calling you back, or that there’s some urgent matter that you must respond to.  Don’t fall for these manipulations!  I can tell you authoritatively, no law enforcement agency will call you to inform you that there is, or will soon be a warrant out for your arrest.  Nor will the IRS personally call you about your unpaid taxes.  Neither will Microsoft call you because they remotely detected an issue with your computer.  And no legitimate business anywhere has ever, or will ever accept gift cards as a form of payment for a debt owed.  Most of this is simple common sense, yet people fall for these scams frequently enough that it makes it worth the scammers’ while to continue to make the attempt.

One major red flag is if the caller – be it a person or an automaton – is overly urgent, or aggressive.  They can get pushy really fast, because they know they don’t have very much time before the average person catches on and simply hangs up on them.  That’s why you won’t see very much proper telephone etiquette, or an attempt to build customer rapport like a legitimate business would.  So, if you notice that sense of urgency, or a sudden demand for personal information, your best option is to simply end the call.  You don’t even owe them the courtesy of a “Good-bye” – just hang up.

One last sign I will mention for you to watch out for is the style of communication coming from the caller.  As sophisticated as robocalls have become, many are still terrible about proper pronunciation, including emphasis on the wrong word or syllable.  Even the overall message they are trying to convey can seem random or repetitive.  Someone reading from a script (which happens more than you might think) might pause as they look for the scripted response to what you just said.  If the caller sounds like they don’t have a clue what they’re saying, again, it’s time to end the call – for your own good, and theirs.

If you haven’t already read the issue of It’s Geek To Me that I referenced at the outset of this article, I encourage you to go and check it out to learn things that make you a target for robocalls, and for some pretty good strategies on reducing their occurrence.  It’s also worth a re-read to keep those things in the front of your mind.  The scammers don’t rest, and neither should you!   

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