How to Stop Spam Calls From Blowing Up Your Phone
The relentless ring of the phone, the insistent buzz in your pocket – for many, unwanted robocalls and spam texts have become an irritating part of our daily lives. These annoying messages not only disrupt our lives but can also pose a security risk.
If you're tired of getting these phone calls on a daily basis, there are steps you can take to silence those unwanted messages.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
First, let's identify the culprits.
Robocalls are automated phone calls pre-recorded with a message, often promoting a product, service, or worse, a scam.
These calls can be illegal if they use deceptive tactics or violate the Do Not Call Registry.
Spam texts are unsolicited messages promoting products, services, or scams. They can also contain malicious links or attempt to steal personal information through phishing tactics.
There are a few different reasons why we receive unwanted robocalls and spam texts.
Random Dialing: Scammers use automated systems that dial random phone numbers in the hopes of reaching someone who might fall for their schemes.
Data Breaches: Personal information leaks from data breaches can expose your phone number to scammers who then target you.
Shady Sign-Ups: Be wary of providing your phone number to unknown websites or businesses. These might sell your contact information to third parties who then use it for spam purposes.
The Toll They Take
Unwanted robocalls and spam texts are more than just a nuisance. They can negatively affect you in more ways than one.
The constant barrage of unwanted calls can disrupt your day and waste your time if you decide to answer. Many people choose not to answer their phones if they don't know the number, but others such as business owners or just anyone waiting for a call might not have a choice but to answer.
Scammers also often use robocalls and spam texts to trick people into giving out personal information or sending money. Unfortunately, many scammers will target the older populations since they can be more suspectible to falling for them.
These messages can come in the form of pretending to be the IRS, credit card company, your bank, etc. They can sound so legitamite that people get tricked into giving out their bank account information or credit card number.
In other cases, they may even try to trick you into giving out your social security number. Spam texts can contain links that attempt to steal personal information or leave a virus on your device.
The relentlessness of these messages can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression in some.
While some people have the luxury of being able to use do not disturb throughout the day, others might need to be ready to take a phone call - whether that be a parent, manager, etc.
If the constant messages coming in throughout the day aren't enough to make you anxious, having to stay alert and wary of every message can be even worse. Having to worry about getting your money or identity stoloen can take a toll on your mental health.
How to Stop Spam Calls
While robocalls and spam texts can be a persistent problem, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact:
Register Your Number on the Do Not Call Registry: The National Do Not Call Registry is a government-run program that prohibits telemarketers from contacting registered phone numbers. Register your phone number online at https://www.donotcall.gov/ or by calling 1-888-382-1222. While not foolproof, it can significantly reduce unwanted telemarketing calls.
Don't Engage with Spam Texts: Never respond to spam texts, even if it's just to tell them to stop. Responding confirms that your number is active and can lead to an increase in spam messages.
Report Spam Texts: Most mobile carriers allow you to report spam texts by forwarding the message to a specific number. Check with your carrier for specific instructions.
Use Call Blocking Apps: Several apps can identify and block spam calls before they even reach your phone. These apps often use call databases or allow you to create your own blocklist. Some of the best call blocking apps to consider are: Nomorobo, Robokiller, Robo Shield, and Truecaller.
Be Wary of Unsolicited Links: Never click on links contained in spam texts. These links can be malicious and lead to phishing websites or download malware onto your device.
For anyone wanting to add an extra layer of protection, here are some more strategies:
Use a Spam Filtering Text Service: These services can identify and block spam texts before they reach your phone. These services often come with a monthly subscription fee.
Use a Virtual Phone Number: Some services offer virtual phone numbers that you can use for online registrations or unfamiliar businesses. This helps shield your primary phone number from spam.
Update Social Media Privacy Settings: Scammers can sometimes harvest phone numbers from social media profiles. Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your contact information.
Stop Spam Calls Today
As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by spammers. While these strategies can help reduce unwanted robocalls and spam texts, it's important to stay aware.
Be cautious with your personal information online, keep your software updated with the latest security patches, and report any suspicious activity to your mobile carrier or the FCC.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can ensure peace of mind and a more secure digital life.