Unwanted robocalls and texts can be frustrating and some are used by scammers trying to steal money or personal information. Scammers can also disguise the number that appears on your caller ID to make a call look legitimate. Knowing the rules and taking a few simple steps can help you protect yourself. 

Businesses generally need your permission before making automated or prerecorded calls or sending automated texts to your cell phone. If the call or text is for telemarketing or commercial purposes, your permission must be given in writing. Some calls are allowed without consent, including emergency calls and calls from nonprofit organizations to landlines. Political robocalls can be made to landlines without prior consent, but automated political calls and texts to cell phones generally require permission. You can tell a caller or sender to stop at any time, even if you previously gave permission. 

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) suggests the following steps to protect yourself from unwanted calls and texts: 

• Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. 
• Do not respond to suspicious texts or click unfamiliar links. 
• Ask your phone provider about tools that block unwanted calls. 
• Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) if your mobile carrier offers this service. 
• Register your number for free at donotcall.gov.