Tip of the Week - January 26, 2016 - Putting a Stop to Political Calls as the 2016 Elections Draw Near

Unwanted phone calls are beyond annoying, but for senior citizens they can be terribly confusing.  This year the number of unwanted calls may increase due to the upcoming elections.   Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to stop the political calls from coming in, as political calls are excluded from the federal government's do not call rules.

"First and foremost, screen your calls," said  California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman.  "Don't answer a call from a number you do not recognize.   If you do pick up, do not hesitate to interrupt, state that you do not wish to be called again, and hang up.  Seniors are some of the most polite people in our society, it's not in their nature to be assertive in this fashion. " 

Even if you tell someone representing a political candidate, party or initiative to stop calling, they don't have to.  Remember,  if you don't want to talk politics, it is best not to answer the call at all.