The Call Is Coming From Inside the House: How to Stop Scam and Spam Calls
Meta Description: Are scam calls haunting you? Discover effective ways to block spam and scam calls and keep your phone safe from unwanted intrusions this Halloween season.
Introduction
Imagine you’re home alone, and your phone rings. You answer, only to hear silence or a suspicious robotic voice on the other end—it’s another spam call. Just as unwanted as any ghostly intruder, scam and spam calls have become a modern-day nuisance, disturbing us at any hour and leaving us wondering how to escape their reach. Fortunately, you can stop these creepy callers from haunting your phone and reclaim your peace.
In this article, we’ll explore how scam and spam calls are able to slip through, why they’re on the rise, and the best ways to block them for good.
Understanding the “Haunted” Call Problem
Spam calls, especially those with scam intentions, aren’t just random nuisances. They’re carefully crafted operations that use tactics like spoofing, where callers mask their real phone numbers to make it look like the call is coming from a local area. This trick makes you more likely to pick up, only to find yourself on the receiving end of a scam attempt or unwanted sales pitch.
Scammers often employ “robocalls,” which use automated systems to call hundreds or thousands of numbers at once. These robocalls play pre-recorded messages to lure people into providing personal information or making payments. With advanced tools and widespread data leaks, spammers can easily reach anyone, making it essential to adopt strong call-blocking strategies.
Why Do Scam Calls Keep Getting Through?
One reason spam and scam calls are so persistent is the lack of restrictions on caller ID spoofing and the ease with which scammers can obtain phone numbers. They also adapt to blocking technology and use new numbers each time, allowing them to bypass many basic phone filters.
Additionally, some legitimate companies may still reach out through robocalls, creating a loophole that scam callers exploit. This creates a challenge for telecom companies and the government to completely stop these calls, though ongoing efforts are being made to curb them.
How to Block the Ghostly Calls for Good
To stop scam and spam calls from haunting you, you need to build a strong defense. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Enable Built-In Call Blocking Features: Most smartphones come with built-in call blocking features that allow you to screen calls and silence unknown numbers. iPhones, for instance, have a “Silence Unknown Callers” feature that sends calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail. Android phones offer similar options, letting you silence or block calls from numbers not in your contacts.
2. Use a Third-Party Call-Blocking App: Many third-party apps are specifically designed to block spam calls. Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller use databases of known spam numbers to filter out unwanted calls before they reach your phone. These apps often provide additional features, such as reporting numbers and customized blocking settings, that keep your phone even safer.
3. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry: In the U.S., you can add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop all spam calls, it does reduce the number of telemarketing calls from legitimate companies. Unfortunately, scammers often ignore this registry, but it can help cut down on legal robocalls.
4. Avoid Engaging with Unknown Callers: If you do accidentally answer a spam call, it’s best to avoid engaging. Don’t press any buttons or speak to the caller, as scammers may record your voice or note that your number is active. Simply hang up, or, if you’re suspicious of a number, let it go to voicemail to see if they leave a legitimate message.
5. Block Specific Numbers Manually: If you keep receiving calls from a particular number, you can manually block it on your phone. Both iPhone and Android devices have options to block numbers from your call history. Although this won’t stop all spam, it’s a good way to eliminate repeat offenders.
6. Report Suspicious Numbers: Reporting scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your country’s regulatory body can help prevent future spam. Many call-blocking apps also have reporting features that let you report suspicious numbers, contributing to a global effort to reduce scam calls.
7. Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode for Extra Protection: If you need complete peace, enable Do Not Disturb mode and customize it to allow calls only from contacts. This can be useful during working hours, late at night, or when you’re busy. Just remember to adjust it as needed, so you don’t miss any important calls.
Beware of New “Vishing” Scams
Recently, scammers have begun using “vishing” (voice phishing) tactics, where they call pretending to be from a reputable organization, like a bank or a tech company. They often warn of “suspicious activity” on your account to trick you into sharing sensitive information. This scam relies on creating urgency, so always be cautious about calls that ask for personal information. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified number.
Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Creepy Callers
Spam and scam calls don’t have to haunt your phone. With the right settings, apps, and cautious habits, you can enjoy a spam-free experience and stop the scammers in their tracks. Remember to enable call-blocking features, use third-party apps for extra protection, and avoid engaging with suspicious callers.
This Halloween, let’s leave the scares to ghost stories and horror movies—not scam callers. Take these steps to block the unwanted calls and enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted phone experience.
