Survey calls, often conducted by market research firms, can be intrusive and time-consuming. While some are legitimate, many are unsolicited and unwanted. Implementing the following strategies can significantly reduce the frequency of these calls.
What Is the National Do Not Call Registry?
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. By registering your phone number, legitimate telemarketers are legally required to refrain from contacting you. However, this registry does not block calls from political organizations, charities, or survey companies. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can I Block Unwanted Survey Calls on My Phone?
For iPhone Users:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions. To activate:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
For Android Users:
- Caller ID & Spam Protection: Many Android phones offer built-in features to identify and block spam calls. To enable:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
- Navigate to Caller ID & Spam and toggle on See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.
Are There Third-Party Apps That Can Help Block Survey Calls?
Yes, several third-party applications can assist in blocking unwanted calls:
-
Robokiller: This app uses advanced algorithms to identify and block spam calls, including surveys. It also features Answer Bots that waste scammers' time, reducing the number of unwanted calls you receive.
-
Hiya: Offers real-time spam detection and blocking, with a large database of known spam numbers.
-
Nomorobo: Blocks robocalls and telemarketers, including survey calls, by using a constantly updated list of known spam numbers.
These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. (whocalledus.net)
How Can I Report Unwanted Survey Calls?
Reporting unwanted calls helps authorities track and take action against illegal telemarketers:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint about unwanted calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
-
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report robocalls and unwanted calls at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov.
What Are Some Additional Tips to Reduce Survey Calls?
-
Don't Answer Unknown Numbers: Let unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
-
Be Cautious with Your Phone Number: Limit sharing your number online and avoid entering it into untrusted websites or forms.
-
Use a Secondary Number: Consider using a secondary number for online sign-ups to keep your primary number private.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted survey calls you receive.
Highlights:
- How to Stop Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice
