Have you ever felt the frustration of your phone ringing incessantly, only to find out it’s yet another spam call? We’ve all been there. Dealing with spam calls and robocalls has become a nuisance for many. But we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you stop spam calls and robocalls.
Understanding the Epidemic of Spam Calls
Your smartphone is ringing again. An unknown caller! Who could it be? A long-lost friend perhaps? Your kid making an emergency call on a payphone? The pope? Sadly, you already know the answer—and it’s maddening.
Telemarketing calls, robocalls, and spam calls are more pervasive than ever, with 50 billion robocalls placed in the United States in 2021. And getting constant unwanted calls isn’t just annoying—many of these spam calls are potentially dangerous, as an estimated 19.7 billion USD was lost to phone scams in 2020.
Taking Action Against Spam Calls: 7 Effective Strategies
1. Check if Your Carrier Offers a Call Filter
Your phone service provider may have products available to filter out unwanted calls. In the U.S., carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer call filtering services, some of which may require a fee.
2. Utilize Call-Blocking Apps
Call-blocking apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and YouMail can efficiently curtail spam calls. These apps offer various features tailored to your needs, such as blocking telemarketers and preventing robocalls.
3. Explore Built-in Features of Your Phone
Both Apple and Android phones offer built-in features to block calls from unknown numbers. By enabling these settings, you can silence unknown callers and block individual numbers that keep spamming you.
4. Add Your Number to the National Do Not Call Registry
In the U.S., adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry is a free and easy way to filter out telemarketers. While this method may not filter out all spam calls, it can significantly reduce their frequency.
5. Never Confirm Your Humanity to Robocalls
Scammers use robocalls to confirm that the person on the other end is a human they can continue to target. Avoid responding to calls with personal information, as this may lead to more spam calls.
6. Be Cautious About Sharing Your Number
Be mindful of where you share your phone number online to prevent it from falling into the hands of spammers. Consider using alternative options like Google Voice or temporary number apps to protect your privacy.
7. Report Spam Calls to Relevant Authorities
In the U.S., you can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, check if your local law enforcement agencies have hotlines or websites for reporting scam or spam calls.
What Are Spam Calls and Where Do They Come From?
Spam calls are unsolicited calls aimed at making a sale or stealing information. They can come in various forms, including telemarketing calls, legal and illegal robocalls, and scam calls. Understanding the different types of spam calls can help you better identify and avoid them.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls on My Cell Phone?
The proliferation of spam calls is driven by the profitability for spammers and the lack of repercussions they face. Despite efforts to combat spam calls, their prevalence continues to rise due to loopholes in existing legislation and the ease of concealing identities over phone calls.
FAQs
Q: Can I completely eliminate spam calls?
A: While it’s challenging to completely eradicate spam calls, implementing proactive measures like call filtering apps and adding your number to the Do Not Call Registry can significantly reduce their frequency.
Q: Are there any legal repercussions for spam callers?
A: Spam callers often operate within legal grey areas, making it difficult to hold them accountable. However, reporting spam calls to relevant authorities can help in combating fraudulent activities.
Q: How can ForestVPN help stop against spam calls?
A: ForestVPN offers robust encryption and secure browsing features, safeguarding your online activities and personal information from potential threats, including spam calls.
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