In the United States, consumers are inundated with warranty spam calls, often from fraudulent sources attempting to steal personal information. To safeguard yourself, consider the following strategies:
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Enrolling your number in the National Do Not Call Registry is a free and straightforward step to reduce unsolicited calls. While it doesn't eliminate all spam calls, it significantly decreases the volume from legitimate telemarketers. You can register online at donotcall.gov. (tomsguide.com)
2. Utilize Built-in Phone Features
Modern smartphones offer features to block unknown or spam calls:
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iPhone: Activate "Silence Unknown Callers" by navigating to Settings > Phone and toggling on the feature. (cluballiance.aaa.com)
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Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings > Block Numbers, and enable "Block Unknown Callers." (cluballiance.aaa.com)
3. Leverage Carrier Services
Many U.S. carriers provide free tools to identify and block spam calls:
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T-Mobile: Offers "Scam ID" and "Scam Block," which label and block suspected scam calls. Activation is simple: dial #ONI# (#664#) and press the call button. (t-mobile.com)
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AT&T: Provides "Call Protect," which displays a "V" for verified calls and blocks potentially fraudulent ones. (consumerreports.org)
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Verizon: Features "Call Filter," which identifies and blocks spam calls. (whocalledus.net)
4. Employ Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps
Dedicated apps can enhance spam call protection:
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YouMail: Recognized for its robust spam blocking and voicemail protection features. (blog.youmail.com)
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Robokiller: Offers advanced spam call blocking with a large database of known spam numbers and customizable blocking options.
5. Be Cautious with Unknown Callers
If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message, while most spam callers won't. Avoid answering calls from numbers you don't recognize, as this can confirm to spammers that your number is active. (tomsguide.com)
6. Report Spam Calls
Reporting unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) helps authorities track and combat fraudulent activities. You can file a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov. (tomsguide.com)
7. Stay Informed About Scams
Educate yourself on common scam tactics, such as caller ID spoofing, where scammers disguise their numbers to appear local or trustworthy. Being aware of these methods can help you recognize and avoid potential scams. (consumeraffairs.com)
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of warranty spam calls you receive and protect your personal information from fraudulent schemes.
Highlights:
- Say goodbye to spam calls - NordVPN launches new spam call protection, Published on Tuesday, July 29
