La Crosse area residents schooled on how not to fall victim to phone scams

Sick of the annoying robo calls and scams you seemingly get all the time? There’s a simple answer, according to the FCC.

Representatives of the FCC stopped in La Crescent on Wednesday, where Alma Hughes offered this advice.

“If you don’t recognize the number that pops up, just don’t answer it,” Hughes said. “I know that’s hard for seniors. Or if you have to answer and you don’t recognize the voice, hang up. If it’s that important they’ll leave a message.”

Hughes explained different kinds of scams to the audience, including one where someone calls you saying that your computer is acting up and asks to remotely access your device.

If you are concerned it might be a scam, or you have been victimized, you’re advised not to keep those concerns to yourself.

“If you become suspicious, call your local police department,” Hughes said. “They know all about the scams, they know what’s going on, and they can assure you it’s not real.”

Hughes joined other members of the FCC touring the area, which also included stops in La Crosse and Tomah.