How to Reduce the Risk of Charity Spam Calls

Receiving unsolicited charity solicitation calls can be both intrusive and frustrating. While some of these calls are from legitimate organizations, others may be from less reputable sources. Implementing the following strategies can help reduce the frequency of these calls and safeguard your personal information.

What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. By registering your phone number, you can reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. However, it's important to note that this registry does not block calls from charities, political organizations, debt collectors, or surveys. (consumer.ftc.gov)

How Can I Block Unwanted Charity Calls?

While the National Do Not Call Registry doesn't stop charity calls, you can take additional steps to block or reduce these solicitations:

Use Call-Blocking Apps: Applications like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller maintain databases of known robocall numbers and can help identify and block unwanted calls. (kiplinger.com)
Enable Built-In Phone Features: Many smartphones offer features to block unknown or spam calls. For instance, iPhones have a "Silence Unknown Callers" option, and Android devices may have built-in spam protection. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Contact Charities Directly: If you receive a solicitation call from a charity, ask to be placed on their internal do-not-call list. Legitimate organizations are required to honor such requests. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Are There Any Services That Can Help Block Charity Calls?

Yes, several services can assist in blocking unwanted charity calls:

Carrier Services: Major U.S. carriers offer call-blocking services. For example, AT&T provides ActiveArmor, Verizon offers Call Filter, and T-Mobile has Scam Shield. These services can help identify and block spam calls. (whocalledus.net)
Third-Party Apps: Apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller can identify and block unwanted calls, including those from charities. These apps maintain databases of known robocall numbers and can help reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. (kiplinger.com)

How Can I Report Unwanted Charity Calls?

If you continue to receive unwanted charity calls after taking the above steps, you can report them to the FTC:

File a Complaint: Visit the FTC's website to file a complaint about unwanted calls. (usa.gov)
Provide Details: When reporting, include information such as the date and time of the call, the caller's phone number, and the name of the charity, if available.

What Are Some Additional Tips to Reduce Charity Spam Calls?

Limit Sharing Your Phone Number: Be cautious about where you share your phone number. The more places your number is listed, the higher the chance it will be added to solicitation lists.
Use a Secondary Number: Consider using a secondary phone number for online sign-ups or when donating to charities. This can help keep your primary number private.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: If you receive a call from a charity you don't recognize, it's okay to hang up and research the organization before deciding to donate.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted charity solicitation calls you receive and protect your personal information.