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LoneWulff829's avatar
LoneWulff829
New Contributor
3 months ago

Fake or Real?

I am a new Cox member, it's been only about a month. But I've been getting calls nearly every day this week from a number listed as Cox Communications. The number is 1-877-316-1403. Every time I answer the phone it hangs up after a few seconds. If I recall the number it will identify itself as Cox Communications, tell me to hold for the next agent but them immediately hang up. Is this a real Cox number or is this just something I should block? I have no idea what the purpose of the call would be.

  • I have the same exact number doing the same thing to me. It’s been frustrating cause I’m not sure if it’s a scam or not cause I’m currently having to communicate back and forth with Cox to get my new stuff setup already. Is it them or is it a scammer? 

  • I had it call me back twice this month (didnt answer cause working) and i finally called it back like a dozen times each time it answered it sounded like dozens of people talking then hung up. Finally got through to someone and they offered to make my payments lower then immediately asked for security questions. I adamantly said "I'm fine paying $90 for my cox" to which they continued pushing lower rate and i continued pushing fine with my $90. Finally they said "okay thank you" and i said dont call me again before hanging up. Its definitely located in the middle east somewhere as they sounded Muslim.

  • I have only had Cox for a month. I have no idea how they would know to associate my number with a new Cox account unless it's just a wild coincidence. Either way, thank you.

  • CurtB's avatar
    CurtB
    Honored Contributor

    Do you know about Spam Blocker in Voice Tools?  You can use it to block spam calls.  See this post.

    Note: The referenced post mentions "Call History".  That's another feature in Voice Tools that normally displays up to the last 120 days of your call history.  However, it's been broken for a couple of weeks and could still be a while before they fix it.  

    • ldrue1228314's avatar
      ldrue1228314
      New Contributor

      Robocalls are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. They are generated and distributed using software and hardware systems designed to efficiently place thousands (or even millions) of calls. I can give you a brief overview of how spam calls are generated and the ways it is done. 

      • CurtB's avatar
        CurtB
        Honored Contributor

        @Idrue1228314

        I know what robocalls are and I don't have any questions.  I also know about Spam Blocker.  My question to OP was to ask if he knew about it.  If you had clicked the "See this post" link, you should have seen it's to a post I previously authored about how to use Voice Tools Spam Blocker to block unwanted calls, including robocalls.

  • have you tried searching the number on the internet it id good at letting you know if it is a scam number

  • I am a Computer technician and I can answer your questions and possible solutions to these problems. but I may get in trouble with cox

    Robocalls are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. They are generated and distributed using software and hardware systems designed to place thousands (or even millions) of calls efficiently. Here’s an overview of how robocalls are sent out:

    1. Pre-recorded Message Creation

    The sender records the message they want to broadcast. This message can be promotional, informational, or even malicious (in the case of scam calls).

    2. Robocall Software

    Specialized software is used to manage and automate the dialing process. Examples of legitimate software include auto-dialers and voice broadcasting systems. These tools can:

    • Load a list of phone numbers.
    • Customize messages based on recipient data.
    • Schedule calls at specific times.

    3. Call Routing through VoIP

    Most robocalls use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to route calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP makes robocalls:

    • Cheaper to make, even for large volumes.
    • Harder to trace, as spoofed caller IDs can be used.

    4. Number Spoofing

    Robocallers often use Caller ID spoofing to disguise their real number. They may display:

    • Local numbers to increase the likelihood of recipients answering.
    • Known businesses or agencies to impersonate trusted entities.

    5. Dialing and Broadcasting

    The system automatically dials numbers from a database, connects when the call is answered, and delivers the recorded message. Some robocall systems:

    • Detect voicemail and adjust the timing of message playback.
    • Transfer calls to a live agent if the recipient engages (e.g., presses a button).

    6. Call Delivery

    Calls are sent through telecom networks to recipients. High-speed dialing allows millions of calls to be made quickly.

    7. Monitoring and Analytics

    Robocallers (legitimate or illegitimate) often track:

    • Response rates (e.g., how many people listen to or engage with the message).
    • Call completion metrics to refine their strategy.

    Why Are Robocalls So Prevalent?

    1. Low Cost: VoIP technology reduces the cost of mass calling.
    2. Ease of Use: Robocall software is widely available and easy to use.
    3. Scam Potential: Malicious robocallers use the method to target victims cheaply and effectively.

    Preventing Robocalls

    Efforts to combat robocalls include:

    • Carrier tools: Phone companies offer spam-blocking services.
    • Call-blocking apps: Tools like Nomorobo or Hiya block suspicious calls.
    • Regulatory measures: Governments enforce laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S.
    • Technology like STIR/SHAKEN: Validates caller ID to reduce spoofing.

    Let me know if you'd like more details on any part of this process!

  • Def  a scam. The phone number says cox but the voicemail I received was someone not speaking English then they start saying sit sit sit sit knock knock knock knock. I blocked it