How to Avoid Spam Calls in the US
Spam calls have become a widespread nuisance in the United States, with millions of Americans receiving robocalls, telemarketing scams, and fraudulent schemes every year. Fortunately, there are effective steps you can take to reduce the number of spam calls you receive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to avoiding spam calls in the US.
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- How It Works:
- Register your phone number at www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
- Telemarketers are legally required to avoid calling numbers on this list.
- Limitations:
- This only applies to legitimate telemarketers. Scammers and robocallers often ignore the registry.
- Effectiveness: Reduces calls from legitimate businesses, but not from illegal spam callers.
2. Use Call-Blocking Apps and Tools
There are apps and built-in phone features specifically designed to block spam calls.
Carrier Services
Major phone carriers offer tools to help block unwanted calls:
- AT&T: Call Protect (Free and premium options).
- Verizon: Call Filter (Free and premium options).
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield (Includes free spam blocking).
Third-Party Apps
Popular third-party apps can also help:
- RoboKiller: Identifies and blocks robocalls, with options to play prerecorded messages to spammers.
- Hiya: Detects spam calls and flags them as potential fraud.
- Truecaller: Displays caller ID information and blocks spam numbers.
Pro Tip: Many of these apps let you customize filters to automatically block calls from specific types of numbers, like «No Caller ID» or international numbers.
3. Enable Call Blocking on Your Smartphone
iPhone
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
- This feature automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them to voicemail.
Android
- Open the Phone app, go to Settings > Call Blocking or Spam Protection.
- Depending on your phone model, you may find options to block spam calls automatically or blacklist specific numbers.
Note: While silencing unknown callers can be helpful, it may cause you to miss legitimate calls from unknown numbers (e.g., job interviews or deliveries).
4. Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers
One of the simplest ways to reduce spam calls is to avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- Why It Helps: Scammers often use auto-dialing software to detect active numbers. If you answer, your number may be flagged as active and targeted for more calls.
- What to Do Instead: Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will usually leave a message.
5. Avoid Interacting with Robocalls
If you accidentally answer a spam call, avoid engaging with the caller or automated prompts.
- What Not to Do:
- Don’t press any buttons (e.g., «Press 1 to unsubscribe»).
- Don’t respond verbally, even to say «Stop calling.»
- Why It Matters: Interacting with the call can confirm to spammers that your number is active.
6. Beware of Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make it look like the call is coming from a local number or even a trusted organization.
- How to Spot Spoofing:
- Calls from numbers that are very similar to yours (e.g., same area code and first few digits).
- Unexpected calls claiming to be from government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration.
- What to Do: Hang up and independently verify the caller’s identity by contacting the organization directly.
7. Report Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls helps regulators take action against scammers and illegal robocalls.
- Where to Report:
- FTC: Report unwanted calls at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- FCC: File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission at www.fcc.gov/complaints.
- Your Carrier: Many carriers have tools or apps to report spam calls directly.
Pro Tip: Some call-blocking apps also allow you to report spam numbers, helping to improve their databases.
8. Don’t Share Your Phone Number Freely
Limit how often you give out your phone number to reduce the chances of it being sold or shared.
- Tips to Protect Your Number:
- Use a secondary number (e.g., Google Voice) for online forms or registrations.
- Be cautious when sharing your number on social media or public websites.
- Opt out of data-sharing agreements when signing up for services.
9. Check Your Privacy Settings
Many websites and apps share or sell user data, including phone numbers.
- What to Do:
- Adjust privacy settings on apps and social media to limit data sharing.
- Unsubscribe from marketing lists and promotional messages.
- Example: Add your phone number to the DMAchoice mail and phone opt-out list (dmachoice.org).
10. Stay Informed About Scams
Educate yourself about common phone scams to avoid falling victim.
- Examples of Scams:
- «You’ve won a prize» calls asking for personal information.
- Fake IRS or Social Security calls demanding immediate payment.
- Tech support scams claiming your computer has a virus.
- What to Do: Never share sensitive information (e.g., Social Security number, credit card details) over the phone unless you initiated the call.
11. Use Technology to Your Advantage
If spam calls persist, consider upgrading to a phone service or device with advanced spam-blocking features.
- Examples:
- Some phones, like Google Pixel, have built-in spam filtering that automatically blocks suspected robocalls.
- VOIP services like Nomorobo block robocalls for landlines and mobile phones.
Final Thoughts
Spam calls are an unfortunate reality in today’s digital world, but with the right tools and strategies, you can significantly reduce their impact. By registering for the Do Not Call Registry, using call-blocking apps, and being cautious with your phone number, you can regain control over your phone and minimize interruptions.
For more tips on improving your photography and editing skills, check out helpful guides to take your selfies to the next level.
Добавить комментарий