How to block those annoying automated calls

DEAR HARRY: I have been getting floods of automated calls in the past month or two. This is despite my opting out of advertising calls (donotcall.gov). Some are political, many are financial, most are retail. I just got two calls from local car dealers. Somehow, they found out that I own a 12-year-old Chevy. Most of the time, I don't even listen to these calls, but it's annoying as hell, to say the least. I understand that zillions of people get hooked on phone scams. A friend told me about a company that can install a device that protects you from all unwanted automated calls. I have no idea how it does this, but he's very happy. Have you any info on this?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: Most ofcoursely. Many devices are available at Amazon, Best Buy and other places. I have not tested any of them, so I can't give you a recommendation. However, a number of my friends do have such blockers and are generally happy with them. There is so much fraud going on around us that we all have to be suspicious of virtually all things that involve money. Never buy on the phone unless you initiated the call. Never buy from people you don't know. This is especially true when it comes to investments. If an investment sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true - every time.