In today's digital age, protecting your phone number from unwanted calls and potential scams is more crucial than ever. With the rise of robocalls and phishing attempts, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce these intrusions.
Why Are Unwanted Calls So Prevalent?
Unwanted calls, including robocalls and scams, have surged due to advancements in technology that make it easier and cheaper for scammers to reach large numbers of people. In 2024, Americans received over 50 billion robocalls, highlighting the scale of the issue. (whocalledus.net)
How Can I Block Unwanted Calls on My Smartphone?
For iPhone Users:
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Silence Unknown Callers: Navigate to Settings > Phone and toggle on "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (us.norton.com)
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Call Blocking and Identification: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. Here, you can enable apps that help identify and block spam calls. (macobserver.com)
For Android Users:
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Built-in Spam Protection: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings > Caller ID & spam. Enable "See caller and spam ID" and "Filter spam calls." (androidauthority.com)
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Carrier Services: Many carriers offer additional spam protection. For instance, T-Mobile users can dial #662# to activate Scam Block. (robokiller.com)
Are There Third-Party Apps That Can Help?
Yes, several apps specialize in blocking spam calls:
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RoboKiller: This app uses advanced algorithms to identify and block spam calls, providing real-time alerts and detailed reports.
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Hiya: Offers caller ID and spam protection, blocking known spam numbers and providing real-time alerts.
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Truecaller: Identifies unknown calls and blocks spam, with a large community-driven database.
These apps can be downloaded from your device's app store.
What About Landline Phones?
For landline users, services like Nomorobo can block robocalls and telemarketers. Additionally, some VoIP providers offer built-in spam blocking features. (kiplinger.com)
How Can I Report Unwanted Calls?
Reporting unwanted calls helps authorities track and combat scammers:
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint at DoNotCall.gov.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report unwanted calls at FCC Consumer Complaint Center.
Are There Any Legal Measures to Reduce Unwanted Calls?
Yes, recent legislation aims to reduce robocalls:
- Washington State Law: A new law in Washington state holds scammers and phone service providers accountable for illegal robocalls, aiming to reduce their prevalence. (axios.com)
How Can I Protect My Phone Number from Being Exposed?
To keep your number private:
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Limit Sharing: Only share your number with trusted individuals and organizations.
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Use Temporary Numbers: For online sign-ups or services, consider using temporary or disposable numbers.
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Caller ID Blocking: When making calls, you can block your number from appearing on the recipient's caller ID by dialing *67 before the number. (slashgear.com)
What Are the Risks of Not Protecting My Phone Number?
Failing to protect your number can lead to:
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Increased Spam Calls: More unsolicited calls can disrupt your daily life.
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Potential Scams: Exposure increases the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
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Privacy Concerns: Your personal information may be misused or sold.
How Effective Are the National Do Not Call Registry and Other Measures?
While the National Do Not Call Registry helps reduce unsolicited sales calls, it doesn't block all unwanted calls, such as those from political organizations or charities. Combining the registry with other measures, like call-blocking apps and carrier services, enhances protection. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Conclusion
Protecting your phone number requires a combination of proactive steps, including utilizing built-in features, third-party apps, and legal resources. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and safeguard your personal information.
Highlights:
- Android now warns before you open banking apps during risky calls, Published on Wednesday, December 03
- Say goodbye to spam calls - NordVPN launches new spam call protection, Published on Tuesday, July 29
- The Government Finally Did Something About Robocalls, Published on Friday, December 15
