Has anyone ever followed through in trying to get rid of scammers? Since I like high end cars, I had someone approach me with a car that they thought that I would be interested in. A 1970 GT500, completely done, but they needed the money for medical reasons, and offered to sell it for $15,000. Obvious scam. So what law enforcement agency would handle this since I am in one state, and they are in another? FBI, my state's attorney general, or does anyone in law enforcement even care? I would really like to get these individuals off the streets and protect others from getting ripped off.

Good luck with that !!

I think the general consensus of the cops is: A) no crime has occurred till you've p[aid the money B) You were dumb enough to fall for the scam - it serves you right.

And that is why they continue, mainly the second part. Additionally many that get scammed are too embarrassed to report it

The eye popping $ scams are where overseas scammers have repeatedly stolen vast unemployment funds from many (not all) USA state governments.

Is it possible to stop scam telephone callers?
Yes
Has it been done over the last 30 years?
Sadly, No.

Imagine telling a ship pirate 400 years ago how much easier it will be in year 2022

Really !! How ??

don't answer the phone ?
it's to the point now, my wife and i don't answer any number we don't recognize, and lately, the caller id has started putting "spam" up on a bunch of numbers.

Spam callers are easy to I.D. these days ... they all originate with U.S. numbers . I'm not saying this to be an ass, I'm dead serious. Two weeks ago there was an incoming call from Alabama so I didn't bother to answer it. They left a voicemail and it was Stephens calling about an order I placed. Otherwise I just ignore all U.S. calls.

Many of them "Ghost" numbers, so the number that shows up on your called ID is actually a reputable number, but if you call it back....The person who answers has no idea what you are talking about because they didn't actually make the call! The one that really pisses me off is the texts I get (many about weight loss, which I don't need) that I cannot block the number...what is up with that?????

Agreed, Wonder what that do not call registry is costing us

Thing is, if a legitimate company calls you and you tell them you're on the registry, they apologize and hang up and usually don't call again. The scammers just laugh at you.

86,852 new federal auditor jobs being currently filled with a budget increase of $ 45,000,000,000,
which works out to an eye popping
(45,000,000,000/86852) = $ 518,122
per new “desk job”

Number of new “Do Not Call” criminal investigators....zero

Number of new Air Force/Navy/Army equipment mechanics....zero

but what right does a “strong back and a weak mind” hillbilly coal miner have to question experts

I think of the old west wanted posters:

Wanted,
Dead or Alive:
Telephone Scam Callers
$518,122
Each

i've often "called myself", and have been tempted to answer just to give 'em he!!, but then i come to my senses and just let it ring.

The FBI isn't concerned about real criminal activity, they are too busy chasing grandmas for fighting for their grandchildren to be concerned with real criminals.

Then here in IL, they won't even arrest people if they are filmed stealing stuff off racks in stores if the total theft in under $900. Why would they want to put forth the effort to catch scammers?

So what do you think the chances of catching a scammer are ? I mean, you have no description of the person, the call isn't being traced, the number has been spoofed AND those being scammed are stupid enough to think paying income taxes with prepaid Apple gift cards is legitimate. Seriously, how can you feel sorry for those idiots.

Everything is so damn easy - until you're the one that has to do it !!

Keep a whistle by the phone. A good loud whistle.

My brother chuckles that he got a cell call a few years ago with his own cell number “spoofed”.
He answered the call and they tried to convince him to buy an expensive product.
What product?
A burglar alarm system for his home to protect him from “dishonest” people.
At least they did “benefit” him with laughter.

i used to get the guy talking then hop out to the garage, hold the phone next to an empty oxygen cylinder, then beat the cylinder with a wooden mallet.
had one guy call back and give me he!! because he said he couldn't hear for a few minutes afterward.

I wonder if an App could be coded
that would send the highest dBA noise spike possible
over the cell phone network?

I have posted before about trying the official
NIOSH dBA noise app for Apple iOS phone/iPad

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html

and trying to home test accuracy cheaply.
I ended up finding that you needed to use the microphone in the original Apple corded earbuds,
and tape the year 1994 “Storm Whistle” I already had in my White Water emergency kit

https://www.stormwhistles.com/frequently-asked-questions#q4

to a blower nozzle as the noise generator which did measure 118 to 120 dBA.