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How to Stop Spam Calls: Effective Strategies to Protect Your Privacy

Spam phone calls are a major nuisance, and they represent the number one complaint received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These calls can come from real people or from recorded or autogenerated voice messages known as robocalls. While some calls are legitimate, many are spam calls that try to trick you into giving up money or personal information. According to the FCC, U.S. consumers receive about 4 billion robocalls each month, many of which are spam calls.

So, how do you stop these annoying spam calls? Here are several effective strategies you can use to protect your privacy and reduce the number of spam calls you receive.

1. Register With the National Do Not Call Registry

One way to curb unwanted calls is to add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry. You can join the registry online or by calling 888-382-1222. At no cost, you can put your home number or cellphone number on the registry. If your number appears on this list, registered telemarketers are not supposed to contact you via live calls or robocalls. However, being on the registry doesn’t block all calls, as scammers can still make illegal calls to you.

2. Block Spam Numbers on Your Phone

Before resorting to blocking numbers on your phone, make it a practice to not answer calls from numbers that you don’t recognize. If you do answer a call from an unknown number and it turns out to be a spam call, end the call right away. You can block spam numbers through various methods:

• Phone settings: Most phone manufacturers allow you to adjust settings to block certain numbers.
• Cell carrier: Many phone service providers offer call-blocking apps. Some phone companies also proactively block calls from suspicious numbers.
• Third-party apps: Several third-party services can block unwanted calls.

3. Silence Unknown/Junk Callers

If you have an Apple iPhone, Samsung Android, or Google Pixel, you can take advantage of free call-blocking features that can be accessed through your device’s “Settings” function:

• iPhones: Offer a “Silence Unknown Callers” feature.
• Androids: Provide a call-blocking feature called Smart Call.
• Pixel phones: Offer a “Call Screen” feature.

Providers of landline service such as AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum, and Verizon supply similar call-blocking functions.

4. Screen Spam Calls With Carrier Tools

Providers of wireless service let customers screen calls with various tools that include basic free versions and advanced paid versions. These include:

• AT&T’s ActiveArmor: The free version blocks suspected spam calls or sends them to voicemail and adds individual unwanted callers to your block list.
• T-Mobile’s Scam Shield: Features call blocking, caller ID, and an extra phone number when you don’t want to provide your private phone number.
• Verizon’s Call Filter: The free version detects and blocks suspected spam calls.

5. Get a Call-Blocking App

Several businesses other than phone manufacturers and service providers offer call-blocking apps. Among them are:

• Call Control: The app’s CommunityIQ feature blocks thousands of spam and unwanted calls and texts. The basic version is free, while the premium version costs $29.99 per year.
• Robokiller: This app claims to have blocked 600 million spam calls. It also weeds out spam texts, analyzes voicemails, and screens calls. The app offers a seven-day free trial, after which you pay $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
• Truecaller: Automatically blocks spam calls and text messages, identifies callers, and records phone calls. The basic version is free, with premium versions ranging from $9.99 a month to $249 a year.
• YouMail: Stops spam calls and voicemails. Depending on the features you choose, the monthly cost ranges from $5.99 to $34.99.

6. Report Phone Numbers from Scammers

You can report any phone numbers from scammers to the FCC to help stop scammers from contacting other people and committing fraud. On the phone form under “Phone Issues,” select “unwanted calls/texts” and then “all other unwanted calls/texts.”

7. Take Control of Your Personal Information

Experian’s personal privacy scan can show whether your phone number is publicly available on people search sites. This service also checks if other information is exposed, like your age, home address, and email address. If the scan shows that your information is found online, Experian will let you know the next steps you should take to secure your data. You can upgrade to activate recurring scans and get help with removing your data from these sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do if You Answer a Spam Call

If you answer a spam call, hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal information or engage with the caller.

Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?

Spam calls are often generated by automated systems that dial random or sequential phone numbers. Your number may also be on a list that has been sold to scammers.

What to Do if You Answered “Yes” to a Phone Scammer

If you accidentally provided personal information to a phone scammer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report potential fraud. You may also want to monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity.

The Bottom Line

Scam calls and other unwanted calls can be a big pain. But you can ease or even prevent the pain by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and embracing technology that’s designed to block or limit nuisance calls.

At O1ne Mortgage, we understand the importance of protecting your privacy. If you have any mortgage service needs, don’t hesitate to call us at 213-732-3074. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way.

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