Did you know that in 2023, US consumers got an average of eight spam calls a week? This shows how big a problem robocalls are, making up about 50% of all mobile calls in the US. These calls are not just annoying; they’re also a big risk to our phone security.
People who fell for scams linked to these calls lost an average of $2,257. Scammers use tricks like caller ID spoofing to hide who they are. They try to get people to give out personal info. But, I’ve found ways to block these calls and feel safer again. In this article, I’ll share easy steps and resources to keep your phone safe and cut down on these annoying calls.
Key Takeaways
- Robocalls and spam calls make up nearly 50% of all calls received by consumers.
- Reporting spam calls can help reduce their volume by approximately 10%.
- Third-party call-blocking apps can decrease unwanted calls by up to 90%.
- Scammers have taken over the phone lines, leading to average losses of $2,257 per victim.
- Using carrier tools and features like the National Do Not Call Registry can help manage your calls.
Understanding Spam Calls and Their Impact
Spam calls, including telemarketing and scams, worry many people. They are unwanted and can be very intrusive. These calls disrupt our daily lives and can be risky.
They often come from telemarketers or scammers. It’s frustrating to figure out how they got our numbers.
What are Spam Calls?
Spam calls are unsolicited calls, often from automated systems called robocalls. These robocalls play pre-recorded messages, trying to sell products or scam people. Scammers use technology to reach many people easily.
It’s important to know about these calls to fight them.
Why am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
I get many spam calls for several reasons. Sharing my number online, like in contests, is one. Talking to spam callers can make them call me more.
Groups like the FCC are working on this problem. The FTC’s Do Not Call Registry helps, but it’s not a complete solution. Understanding spam calls helps me protect my number.
How to Block Spam Calls and Reduce Their Frequency
Blocking spam calls needs a solid plan. Using different methods can really cut down on unwanted calls. I started by signing up for the national Do Not Call Registry. This service limits calls from telemarketers and sales pitches. It has over 240 million active registrations.
Register for the National Do Not Call Registry
Joining the national Do Not Call Registry was a big step for me. It helps protect consumers by cutting down on telemarketing calls. Even though it won’t stop all calls, studies show it can reduce legitimate calls by about 31%.
Silence or Block Unknown Callers on Your Phone
Then, I set my phone to silence or block unknown callers. This stops me from answering calls from numbers I don’t know. It greatly cuts down on spam call annoyances. Most phones have features to handle unwanted calls well.
Use Carrier Spam-Blocking Tools
Many mobile carriers offer strong spam-blocking tools. For example, AT&T and Verizon use AI to check calls and warn me about spam. These tools can block up to 80% of unwanted calls, making it easier to manage calls.
Consider Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
I also looked into third-party call-blocking apps like Hiya and Truecaller. These apps use big databases to spot and block spam numbers. They can block up to 95% of spam calls, giving me more control over my phone.
Conclusion
My quest to block spam calls has shown how vital phone security is. Over 50% of smartphone users face spam calls every day. But, by using the National Do Not Call Registry and phone features, I’ve cut down these calls a lot.
Every method helps, making a strong defense against spam calls. Tools like AT&T Call Protect work well, blocking up to 75% of calls. Apps like RoboKiller can block up to 95%. These tools make my phone safer and my day more peaceful.
Stopping spam calls needs constant effort and smart actions. Even though scammers keep finding ways, being ready and using the right tools helps a lot. By mixing different strategies, I’m sure I can keep my phone free from unwanted calls. This way, my communication stays clear and uninterrupted.
