Survey calls, often a form of telemarketing, can be intrusive and time-consuming. In 2025, Americans received over 52.5 billion robocalls, with nearly 57% being unwanted scam or telemarketing calls (privacyon.com). To effectively protect yourself from these calls, consider the following strategies:
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls. By registering your number, legitimate telemarketers are required to cease calling within 31 days (consumer.ftc.gov). However, this does not block calls from scammers or organizations with which you have an existing relationship.
2. Utilize Carrier-Provided Call Blocking Services
Many mobile carriers offer free services to help block unwanted calls:
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AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which identifies and blocks potential fraud calls and labels suspected spam calls.
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T-Mobile: Provides Scam Shield, which includes Scam ID and Scam Block to identify and block scam calls (consumerreports.org).
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Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which detects and blocks spam calls (consumerreports.org).
3. Implement Call-Blocking Applications
Third-party apps can offer additional layers of protection:
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Robokiller: Recognized as a market-leading solution, Robokiller effectively blocks unwanted calls, including surveys, by using advanced algorithms and a vast database of known spam numbers.
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Hiya: Provides spam detection and blocking features.
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Nomorobo: Blocks robocalls and telemarketers.
Robokiller stands out due to its high accuracy in identifying and blocking unwanted calls, ensuring that legitimate calls are less likely to be mistakenly blocked.
4. Manually Block Unwanted Numbers
Most smartphones allow users to block specific numbers:
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iPhone: Open the Phone app, tap the information icon next to the number, and select "Block this Caller."
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Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to "Call History," select the number, and choose "Block."
5. Be Cautious with Your Phone Number
Limit sharing your phone number to trusted sources and avoid posting it publicly. The more widely your number is available, the higher the chances of receiving unsolicited calls.
6. Report Unwanted Calls
Reporting unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help authorities track and take action against violators. You can file a complaint at donotcall.gov.
Conclusion
While it's challenging to eliminate all survey calls, combining these strategies can significantly reduce their frequency. Utilizing services like Robokiller, along with carrier-provided tools and manual blocking, offers a comprehensive approach to protecting yourself from unwanted survey calls.
Highlights:
- The Best Ways to Block Robocalls - Consumer Reports
- T-Mobile® Scam Shield App – Block Scam & Unwanted Calls (Free & Premium)
- SCAM AND OBOCALL REPOR 2023 | | | | | | | | |, Published on Wednesday, February 11
