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spam calls
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Block Unwanted Calls, Texts, and Email

By Tracey Dowdy

Recently, I’ve been getting non-stop text messages addressed to someone named Alyssa, who is on her “last chance” to renew her warranty. They are as annoying as they are relentless. I’ve blocked the number and deleted the text without opening it dozens of times. 

I’m not alone. According to YouMail, there were over 58 billion robocalls in 2019. The scams are almost as plentiful as the calls themselves – you’ve won a Caribbean vacation, your PC has a virus, your identity has been stolen, you’ve been selected for a unique opportunity, or won the lottery. You may even get messages purporting to be from a government agency like the IRS. However, the IRS will not call, email, or text you – they communicate almost exclusively through snail mail. 

Wireless carriers are using SHAKEN/STIR technology to identify and block spam calls, on both their respective networks and between phone providers. 

Software giants like Apple have added features that prevent unknown callers from ringing you. Google has made its Call Screen feature more robust by routing suspicious calls to Google Assistant before your phone even rings. When Android 11 is released, it will Include even more robocall identification and prevention features beyond the default Android Phone app. 

If you’re receiving a lot of spam text messages, not just calls, you can forward the message to the number 7726 (spells SPAM). Though it doesn’t immediately prevent the number from texting you, it will allow your carrier to investigate and possibly intervene.

There’s no way to block every spam or robocall, but the FCC suggests taking the following measures to limit the number of calls you receive. 

  • Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize – let them go to voicemail.
  • Don’t answer calls from blocked or unknown numbers – this tells scammers your number is real, and they can then sell your number to another company, or begin targeting your number more often. 
  • Don’t assume an incoming call is from a local number just because it looks like it is. “Spoofing” technology allows scammers to trick your caller ID into displaying false information like a local area code.
  • Don’t respond to any questions that can be answered with a “Yes.”
  • If someone calls you and claims to be with ABC company, hang up immediately. Use the company’s website to find an official number and call them to verify.
  • If you answer a call and hear a recording such as, “Hello, can you hear me?” hang up.
  • If you’re asked to press a number before being connected to a representative, hang up.

All the major carriers offer some form of call-blocking technology, some free, some fee-based.

AT&T’s Call Protect app is available for iOS and Android. 

Verizon’s Call Filter app is automatically enabled for Android users on a postpaid plan. It’s built into most Android devices out of the box and is available in the App Store for iOS users.

T-Mobile’s Scam ID is free to all customers and includes Scam Block. To enable it, dial #662# from your phone.  

Sprint’s Call Screener Basic was recently launched with a free option for its customers. 

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

spam calls
Tech Trends/Lifestyle, How To, home

Reduce the Number of Robocalls You Receive 

34 Comments

Because you recently stayed at a Marriott hotel…Your vehicle warranty is about to expire…this is your last chance to claim your free cruise… how many of these calls do you get a day? If the number is higher than zero, you’re likely as frustrated as the rest of America. 

Some of these calls come up as “Scam Likely,” many come up as local numbers, making it more likely you’ll answer your phone. Because the number of robocalls is at an all-time high, both the government and technology companies have started paying attention. Bi-partisan legislation passed by the House – the aptly named “Stopping Bad Robocalls Act” -​ requires calls to be verified and allows the FCC to take action against spam callers. The FCC has passed a proposal giving carriers permission to act more aggressively when blocking spam calls. AT&T and T-Mobile have joined forces to create SHAKEN/STIR, a two-pronged protocol that AT&T and T-Mobile will use to verify that the incoming caller is legitimate, and Apple added a feature in their iOS13 update that allows you to block all unknown callers. 

Unfortunately, while there’s no way to completely avoid robocalls, these steps can limit the number you receive. The FCC recommends these tips to stop unwanted robocalls and avoid phone scams.

  • Don’t answer calls from blocked or unknown numbers. If you do, hang up immediately.
  • Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
  • Remember an incoming call appearing to be from a local number may still be spam
  • Don’t respond to any questions that can be answered with a “Yes.”
  • If someone calls you and claims to be from a utility company, hotel chain, or other legitimate entity, hang up and call the company yourself. Use the company’s website to find an official number.
  • If you do answer a call and hear a recording such as, “Hello, you have been selected…” hang up immediately. 
  • Hang up immediately if you answer a call that asks you to press a number before being connected to a representative.

By answering the call, you have identified yourself as a legitimate number to the spammer. One of the ways they make money is by selling your number to other spammers. 

If instead of calls you’re receiving spam text messages, forward the message to 7726 (spells SPAM). Though it won’t block the number from texting you right away, it will allow your carrier to investigate the message sender and block it on their end. 

All four major wireless carriers offer some call blocking features to customers. Some options are free, others are fee-based. 

Finally, if your provider doesn’t offer a screening service or an app, or it’s too expensive, you can always implement a third-party app. One option is Hiya, available for iOS and Android devices, and Nomomrobo, the service used by Verizon for its Fios customers, but always available as an app. Be sure the app is compatible with your device, offers automatic call blocking and spam alerts for suspicious calls and can easily report a number if a call slips through.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.