Annoying Robocalls.

Aren’t you annoyed—if not outright disgusted—by the never-ending robocalls you receive every day? It has truly gotten out of hand.

Back in the 1970s (or perhaps even earlier), real human beings actually picked up the phone to pitch their goods. In the 1990s came the era of toll-free 800-number calls. After 2010, “robocalls” emerged, using Skype or similar internet-based programs that borrowed legitimate area codes and delivered prerecorded, robotic messages to introduce the call.

The latest ruse, now common since around 2019, is automated robocalls disguised with our own regional and local area codes—(954), (561), (305). These numbers appear on our caller ID, leading us to believe the call is from a friend, a doctor, or a familiar local service. Naturally, we are inclined to answer.

What is the next subterfuge?

Where is RoboCop? Who is policing this national pestilence?