Introduction
Spam calls can be a major disruption to your daily life, interrupting important work calls or even waking you up in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, these unwanted and often deceptive calls are becoming more and more common. In this article, we will explore several solutions to stop getting spam calls and regain control of your phone line.
Install a Spam Call Blocker App on Your Phone
A spam call blocker app is a software program that scans incoming calls and determines whether they are spam or not based on a database of known spam callers and patterns. If a call is identified as spam, the app will either block the call or send it directly to voicemail without ringing your phone. These apps can be highly effective in filtering out a large percentage of spam calls.
There are many spam call blocker apps available, some of which are free and others that range in price from a few dollars to a monthly subscription fee. Some popular options include Truecaller, Nomorobo, and RoboKiller. When choosing a spam call blocker app, look for features such as the ability to block calls from specific numbers or area codes, the ability to report and block new spam calls as they come in, and the ability to customize the app’s settings to suit your needs.
It’s important to note that no spam call blocker app is foolproof, and some spam calls may still slip through. To maximize the effectiveness of the app, make sure to keep it updated with the latest software patches and database updates. Additionally, consider using the app in conjunction with other solutions, such as registering for the Do Not Call registry or screening calls with voicemail.
Register Your Phone Number on the National “Do Not Call” Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission that allows consumers to opt out of telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses. Once you’ve registered your phone number on the registry, telemarketers are required by law to stop calling you within 31 days. However, this registry only applies to telemarketing calls from legitimate companies and will not stop all types of spam calls. Scammers and illegal robocalls can still reach you even if you are on the registry.
To register your phone number, visit the National Do Not Call Registry website and follow the step-by-step instructions. You will need to provide your phone number, email address, and mailing address. It may take up to 31 days for your number to be removed from telemarketing lists, so be patient and continue using other solutions in the meantime.
It’s also important to note that there may be some limitations and exceptions to the registry’s rules and regulations. For example, charities, political campaigns, and survey takers are exempt from the Do Not Call list and may still call you even if you are on the registry.
Be Cautious About Sharing Your Phone Number on Public Platforms
Spam callers often obtain phone numbers by scraping public records, purchasing data sets, or guessing numbers based on common patterns. To minimize the chance of your phone number falling into the wrong hands, be cautious about sharing it on public platforms such as social media, online directories, or public forums.
If you do need to share your phone number in these contexts, use privacy settings to limit who can see your profile or contact information. Additionally, avoid giving out your phone number unnecessarily, such as when filling out online forms or entering contests. Scammers may use this information to target you with spam calls or phishing attempts.
Of course, there are some situations where sharing your phone number may be necessary or helpful, such as when applying for a job or communicating with a new business contact. In these cases, use your judgment and evaluate the risks carefully before giving out your number.
Use Voicemail to Screen Unknown Callers
One simple but effective solution to spam calls is to let unknown callers go to voicemail. Most spam callers will not leave a message, and legitimate callers will typically leave a detailed message with their name and reason for calling. By screening calls with voicemail, you can avoid unnecessary interruptions and protect yourself from scammers.
To make the most of this strategy, consider setting up a custom voicemail greeting that clearly states your name and the purpose of your phone line. For example, you might say, “Hi, you’ve reached Jane Smith. I’m not available to take your call right now, but please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you are a solicitor or spam caller, please remove my number from your list and do not call me again.”
Additionally, set aside specific times each day to review your missed calls and voicemail messages. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any important messages or calls.
Avoid Pressing Any Buttons or Numbers During a Spam Call
Spam callers often use tactics such as caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear more legitimate or to trick you into revealing personal information. If you receive a spam call, do not press any buttons or numbers on your phone, even if the caller instructs you to do so.
Instead, stay calm and focused and try to gather as much information as possible about the caller’s identity and intentions. Take note of the caller’s phone number and any details they provide about their organization or reason for calling. Once the call has ended, you can report the caller to the FTC or your spam call blocker app’s reporting feature.
Consider Changing Your Phone Number If You Continue to Receive a High Amount of Spam Calls
If you have tried all of the above solutions and are still receiving a high volume of spam calls, you may want to consider changing your phone number. This can be a drastic measure, but it may be necessary in extreme cases where your phone line is being inundated with unwanted calls.
Before changing your number, consider the potential downsides and complications. You will need to update your phone number with all of your contacts, including your employer, friends, and family members. Additionally, changing your phone number may not solve the problem if spammers are able to guess or obtain your new number.
If you do decide to change your number, follow these steps:
- Contact your phone carrier or service provider and request a new phone number.
- Update your phone number with all of your contacts.
- Update your phone number on any online accounts or services you use, such as your email or social media accounts.
- Monitor your new phone number carefully to ensure that you are not receiving unwanted calls.
Conclusion
Getting spam calls can be a frustrating and disruptive experience, but there are a variety of solutions available to help you regain control of your phone line. By installing a spam call blocker app, registering for the Do Not Call registry, being cautious about sharing your phone number on public platforms, using voicemail to screen calls, avoiding pressing buttons during spam calls, and considering changing your phone number as a last resort, you can greatly reduce your risk of receiving unwanted or even fraudulent calls. Remember, taking action is key to stopping spam calls, so don’t wait any longer to protect yourself and your privacy.
