If your phone rings multiple times a day with calls from “Scam Likely” or random numbers, you’re not alone. Spam calls are ubiquitous these days. Whether it’s robocalls, telemarketers, or international scammers, these unwanted calls/texts are a waste of time.
Thankfully, with the right strategies, you can block, filter, and minimize spam calls and texts to reclaim your phone line.
Let’s take a look at a few of the best methods.
1. Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call List
The first step in reducing spam calls is to add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is designed to stop legitimate telemarketers from calling you. While it won’t stop scammers or illegal robocalls, it will at least cut down on sales calls from real businesses that follow the law.
You can register your phone number at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. Once your number is on the list, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you within 31 days.
2. Block Spam Numbers and Use Call Filtering Features
Most modern smartphones offer built-in tools to help you block specific numbers and filter out spam calls before they reach you. If you frequently receive spam from the same number, block it immediately to prevent further calls.
Many carriers also offer call filtering services that help detect and block spam calls before they even reach your phone. Major providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have spam protection features built into their networks. Some of these services are free, while others offer enhanced protection for a small fee.
For additional security, consider using a third-party spam-blocking app such as Nomorobo or RoboKiller. These apps use massive databases of known spam numbers to identify and block robocalls before they even ring your phone.
3. Never Answer Calls From Unknown Numbers
One of the easiest ways to reduce spam calls is to simply ignore calls from numbers you don’t recognize. Many robocallers and scammers use autodialing technology, meaning if you pick up and engage – even for a second – you signal to them that your number is active. This often leads to even more spam calls in the future.
If a call is legitimate, the person will leave a voicemail or send a text. Otherwise, it’s likely just another scammer trying to waste your time.
4. Stop Spam Texts Along With Spam Calls
Spam texts are just as annoying as spam calls (and sometimes even more dangerous). Scammers often send fake text messages pretending to be your bank, a delivery service, or a government agency, hoping you’ll click on a malicious link.
To reduce spam texts, never reply to messages from unknown numbers – even if they claim to offer an “opt-out” option. Many scammers use this trick to confirm your number is active. Instead, report the message as spam and delete it.
Most smartphones allow you to block and report spam texts directly from your messaging app. If you receive multiple spam texts, you can also forward them to 7726 (SPAM), which reports the sender to your mobile carrier for investigation.
5. Know Your TCPA Rights
Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), telemarketers must obtain your consent before calling or texting you with marketing offers. This means that if you receive spam calls or texts from a company you never gave permission to contact you, they may be violating federal law.
The TCPA also gives you the right to:
- Request that telemarketers stop calling you immediately – legitimate companies must comply.
- Sue companies that violate the law, with potential damages ranging from $500 to $1,500 per illegal call or text.
- File complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if you believe your rights have been violated.
If you’re receiving repeated unwanted calls from a company, you may want to consult a TCPA attorney to explore your legal options.
6. Be Cautious With Your Phone Number Online
One of the reasons scammers and telemarketers get your number is because it’s shared or sold by websites you’ve interacted with. Whenever you enter your phone number online – whether it’s for a contest, a shopping site, or a survey – you risk having it added to a telemarketing list.
To reduce your exposure consider using a secondary number when you sign up for things online. And always check privacy settings on social media to make sure your phone number isn’t publicly visible anywhere.
7. Report Spam Calls and Help Stop Scammers
If you’re getting bombarded with spam calls, report them to the authorities. The more complaints they receive, the more action they can take against scam operations.
You can report spam calls to:
- The FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- The FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
- Your mobile carrier, which may have its own reporting tools.
Do You Have a Plan?
Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas on what you can do to cut down on unsolicited texts and spam phone calls. No system is 100% foolproof, but with these steps, you can drastically reduce the volume of calls and texts you receive, allowing you to focus on the calls that actually matter.
