DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Dec. 10 Sun Spots, I still send Christmas cards! I actually send cards for many different things. I know how I feel when I receive a card so I like to make others feel good as well. I don’t send out as many as usual either, but I believe I’ve sent close to 70 cards out this year. Thanks for your column. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Good for you! I love that you do that. Sending cards and writing letters is becoming a lost art. 

Now here’s a question for you: Did any of my readers ever have a pen pal?

When I was in fifth grade, I participated in a school project where we were all assigned pen pals so we could practice our cursive writing and learn the genteel skill of corresponding. Imagine!

My pen pal, Linda, lived on a farm in Iowa and was involved in 4-H. We wrote to one another regularly and exchanged school photos until we graduated from high school. We went on to get married, raise families and have grandchildren. We no longer write letters but we message each other from time to time to check in. Although we have never met in person, she has been a wonderful friend! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Some days I have more than 10 Robo telephone calls between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. It has gotten to the point that I no longer answer my landline. There used to be a phone number to register “Do Not Call.” Is it still available? If so, do you have it tucked away? — No name, Auburn

ANSWER: You can register your phone number at DoNotCall.gov or you can call  1-888-382-1222. It’s very good that you’re not answering the phone because the minute you pick up, the call gets registered as a live telephone number and your number will keep getting called. Unless you’re positive you know the caller, let it go to voice mail. If it’s something important, a message will be left for you and you can call them back at your convenience.

Contact your phone provider (the customer service number is on your bill or on their website) and they will help with solutions protecting you from unwanted and illegal calls. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, through the FTC website or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.             

Another thing that can happen is that you may be vulnerable to becoming a target for “phone spoofing.” In this case, scammers use voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology to manipulate your caller ID into displaying a name or number you may trust. They even use names and numbers you recognize or are similar. If you do mistakenly answer one of these calls, don’t say, “Yes” to anything they ask.

I know from personal experience that this constant harassment can be very frustrating and stressful. I hope this helps.               

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].