Fraudulent calls, including robocalls and scam attempts, are a pervasive issue in the United States, disrupting daily life and posing significant risks. Implementing effective strategies can substantially reduce these unwanted interruptions.
What Are Fraudulent Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Fraudulent calls encompass unsolicited telemarketing promotions, impersonation scams, and robocalls that you didn't request. Robocalls use automated dialers and recorded messages. Some automated calls are helpful, such as school notices or appointment reminders, but many are fraudulent or nuisances. (mcafee.com)
How Can I Block Unwanted Calls on My Cell Phone?
Utilize Built-in Features:
-
iPhone: Activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature by navigating to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This will send calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (techradar.com)
-
Android: Enable spam protection by going to the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and toggle on "Filter spam calls." (malwarebytes.com)
Download Call-Blocking Apps:
Third-party applications can enhance call filtering capabilities:
-
RoboKiller: Recognized for its effectiveness in blocking robocalls and spam, RoboKiller uses advanced algorithms to identify and block unwanted calls. (kiplinger.com)
-
Hiya: Offers real-time alerts and automatic blocking of spam calls.
-
Truecaller: Provides a comprehensive database to identify and block spam calls.
Carrier Services:
Major U.S. carriers offer services to combat fraudulent calls:
-
AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which displays a “V” (for verified) on your caller ID for calls considered legitimate and blocks potentially fraudulent calls by giving a busy signal. (consumerreports.org)
-
T-Mobile: Provides Scam Shield, which identifies and tags suspicious calls. (consumerreports.org)
-
Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which detects spam and blocks high-risk calls. (consumerreports.org)
What Are the Limitations of the National Do Not Call Registry?
While the National Do Not Call Registry helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers, it does not stop illegal robocalls or spoofed scam likely numbers. (malwarebytes.com)
How Can I Report Fraudulent Calls?
Reporting fraudulent calls helps authorities track and combat scams:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report unwanted calls to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov. (usa.gov)
-
Your Phone Carrier: Many carriers have dedicated channels for reporting spam and scam calls.
Are There Additional Steps to Protect Myself from Fraudulent Calls?
Be Cautious with Personal Information:
Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone unless you're certain of the recipient's identity.
Educate Yourself on Common Scams:
Stay informed about prevalent scams to recognize and avoid them.
Regularly Review Call Logs and Voicemail:
Periodically check your call logs and voicemail for any missed calls or messages from unknown numbers.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of fraudulent calls you receive, enhancing your privacy and peace of mind.
Highlights:
- Tired of Unwanted Calls? Here's How to Help Thwart the Robocaller Invasion, Published on Friday, March 06
