How to Stop Spam Calls
How to Stop Spam Calls: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023
In today's digital world, spam calls have become a major nuisance. These unwanted calls can be disruptive and intrusive, and they can even be dangerous if they are from scammers trying to steal your personal information or money.
According to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans received over 58 billion spam calls in 2021. That's an average of over 150 spam calls per person!
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to stop spam calls from reaching you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore all of the most effective methods for blocking spam calls, including:
Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry
Using call-blocking apps
Screening unknown calls
Enabling caller ID and spam filters
Being careful with your personal information
Keeping your software up to date
Being careful about what apps you download
Reporting spam calls
We'll also discuss some of the latest trends in spam calling and provide tips on how to protect yourself from new scams.
Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a government-run program that allows you to opt-out of telemarketing calls. By registering your phone number with this service, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you.
To register, visit the National Do Not Call Registry website or call 1-888-382-1222. You can register your landline and/or mobile phone numbers.
It's important to note that the National Do Not Call Registry does not block all spam calls. It only applies to telemarketers. Scammers and robocallers often ignore the National Do Not Call Registry.
Using call-blocking apps
Call-blocking apps are another great way to stop spam calls. These apps use a variety of methods, including reverse phone number lookup, blacklisting, and caller ID, to identify and block calls from known spammers and scammers.
Some popular call-blocking apps include:
Most call-blocking apps offer a free trial period, so you can try them out before you commit to a subscription.
Screening unknown calls
If you don't recognize the number calling you, don't answer it. If it's an important call, the caller will leave a voicemail or call back. Answering unknown calls can confirm that your phone number is active, which can lead to an increase in spam calls.
If you're not sure whether or not to answer a call, you can use a reverse phone number lookup service to see if the number has been reported as spam.
Enabling caller ID and spam filters
Most smartphones have built-in caller ID and spam filters that can help you identify and block spam calls. These features can be enabled in your phone's settings, and they will automatically flag suspicious calls or send them to voicemail.
To enable caller ID and spam filters on your iPhone:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Phone.
Tap Call Blocking & Identification.
Toggle on the switches for Show Caller ID and Block Hidden Numbers.
To enable caller ID and spam filters on your Android phone:
Open the Settings app.
Tap System.
Tap Spam & call screen.
Toggle on the switches for See caller ID & spam info and Filter spam calls.
Being careful with your personal information
Scammers often use social engineering tactics to trick people into revealing their personal information. To avoid falling for these scams, be cautious with the information you share online or over the phone.
Don't give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card number, or date of birth, to unknown callers. Be suspicious of any requests for payment or sensitive information.
Keeping your software up to date
Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your phone from spam calls and other threats. Be sure to install software updates as soon as they are available.
To check for software updates on your iPhone:
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap Software Update.
To check for software updates on your Android phone:
Open the Settings app.
Tap System.
Tap System update.
Tap Check for updates.
Being careful about what apps you download
In today's digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, providing a plethora of applications to enhance our daily experiences. However, with this vast array of apps comes the responsibility of being vigilant in our choices. It's crucial to exercise caution when downloading apps, as some may harbor hidden risks that could jeopardize our privacy, security, or even financial well-being.
Before downloading an app, it's essential to conduct thorough research. Read user reviews, check the app's developer information, and scrutinize the app's permissions carefully. If an app requests access to sensitive data that seems unrelated to its function, it's a red flag. Additionally, stick to downloading apps from official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store, as these platforms implement stricter security measures.
Remember, just because an app is free doesn't mean it's harmless. Malicious apps often masquerade as freebies to lure unsuspecting users. Be wary of apps that promise unrealistic benefits or require excessive permissions. If you're unsure about an app's legitimacy, it's always better to err on the side of caution and avoid downloading it altogether.
By adopting these precautionary measures, we can safeguard our devices and personal information while enjoying the vast array of apps that technology has to offer. Remember, a little vigilance can go a long way in protecting your digital safety.
Reporting Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls is an important step in helping to stop unwanted and often illegal calls. By reporting these calls, you can help to identify and track down the scammers who are making them. There are a number of ways to report spam calls, including:
Reporting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is the government agency responsible for protecting consumers from scams and fraud. You can report spam calls to the FTC online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
Reporting to your phone carrier: Many phone carriers have their own spam call reporting systems. You can usually find information about how to report spam calls to your carrier on their website or by calling customer service.
Reporting to a third-party spam call reporting service: There are a number of third-party companies that collect and analyze data on spam calls. You can report spam calls to these companies online or through their mobile apps.
Reporting to a robocall blocking app: There are a number of robocall blocking apps available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps can help to identify and block spam calls before they reach your phone.
When reporting a spam call, it is helpful to have as much information as possible about the call, including:
The phone number of the caller
The date and time of the call
A brief description of the call
Any other relevant information, such as the name of the caller or the company they claimed to be from
By reporting spam calls, you can help to protect yourself and others from scams and fraud.
In conclusion, spam calls can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can greatly reduce the number of spam calls you receive. Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry, using call-blocking apps, not answering unknown numbers, enabling caller ID and spam filters, and being cautious with your personal information are all effective ways to stop spam calls.
National Do Not Call Register is at https://www.donotcall.gov/
