Health insurance scam calls are a persistent nuisance, often exploiting individuals during open enrollment periods. Implementing effective strategies can significantly reduce these unwanted interruptions.
What Are Health Insurance Scam Calls?
Health insurance scam calls involve fraudulent entities posing as legitimate insurers to steal personal information or money. They often target individuals during open enrollment periods, offering fake plans or urgent updates.
How Can I Block Health Insurance Scam Calls on My Smartphone?
iPhone Users:
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Silence Unknown Callers: Navigate to Settings > Phone and enable "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (cookchildrens.org)
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Block Specific Numbers: In the Phone app, tap the "i" next to the number you wish to block, then select "Block this Caller." (foxnews.com)
Android Users:
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Caller ID and Spam Protection: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and enable "See caller and spam ID" and "Filter spam calls." This helps identify and block potential spam calls. (avg.com)
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Block Specific Numbers: In the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select "Call history," tap the number to block, then choose "Block/report spam." (foxnews.com)
Are There Carrier Services to Block Scam Calls?
Yes, major carriers offer services to help block scam calls:
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T-Mobile: Offers Scam Shield, which identifies and blocks scam calls. Users can activate Scam Block by dialing #662# on their device. (t-mobile.com)
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Verizon: Provides Call Filter, which detects and blocks spam calls. Verizon also offers Call Filter Plus for more robust protection. (consumerreports.org)
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AT&T: Features Call Protect, which displays a "V" for verified calls and blocks potentially fraudulent ones. (consumerreports.org)
How Do Third-Party Apps Help in Blocking Scam Calls?
Third-party apps can enhance your phone's ability to block scam calls:
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Robokiller: An advanced app that uses artificial intelligence to identify and block scam calls, providing real-time protection.
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Truecaller: Offers a community-based spam list and can identify unknown numbers.
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Hiya: Provides caller ID and spam blocking features.
Note: While these apps can be effective, it's essential to choose one that aligns with your privacy preferences and device compatibility.
What Are the Limitations of Blocking Unknown Callers?
Blocking unknown callers can inadvertently silence important calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, such as from healthcare providers or delivery services. Regularly checking your voicemail and recent calls can help ensure you don't miss critical communications.
How Can I Report Scam Calls?
Reporting scam calls helps authorities track and combat fraudulent activities:
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Submit a complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
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State Consumer Protection Offices: Contact your state's consumer protection office to report scams.
Conclusion
Combining device settings, carrier services, and third-party apps offers a comprehensive approach to blocking health insurance scam calls. Regularly updating your contact list and staying informed about new scam tactics can further enhance your protection.
Highlights:
- What the Tech: How to stop scam calls during open enrollment, Published on Thursday, November 13
- SCAM AND OBOCALL REPOR 2023 | | | | | | | | |, Published on Wednesday, February 11
