There aren’t many things more irritating than picking up your phone, only to hear a robotic voice or a sales pitch you didn’t ask for. (Or, even worse, the calls where you just hear silence on the other end.) Spam calls can disrupt your day, invade your privacy, and leave you feeling extremely frustrated.
Whether it’s a debt collector, a telemarketer, or a scammer claiming they need a $500 Visa gift card or else the IRS will come and arrest you at your home, the constant ringing (and texting) can feel like an invasion of your personal space.
The good news is you don’t have to put up with it. By taking a few proactive steps and knowing your rights, you can significantly reduce – or even eliminate – spam calls.
1. Know Why You’re Getting Spam Calls
Spam calls come from many sources. Telemarketers, scammers, and companies using automated dialing systems (ATDS) often target phone numbers en masse. Sometimes, your number ends up on these lists through online sign-ups, data breaches, or public records.
As TCPA lawyer Jibrael S. Hindi explains, “Like many people, you might receive calls or text messages several times a day or week by the same entity, whether a debt collection agency or another company, regardless of whether you pick up the phone or not. It is highly likely that the call or text message was made using an auto dialing system (ATDS). This type of call or text is illegal under the TCPA if you have not permitted the entity to contact you.”
Understanding this can help you take targeted steps to stop the calls. If you’re not familiar with the rules or laws, make sure you consult with an attorney to get advice that’s specific to your situation.
2. Register Your Number
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Adding your number to this list tells legitimate telemarketers to leave you alone.
To register, visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It may take up to 31 days for the registry to take full effect, but once it does, you should notice a significant decrease in telemarketing calls.
Keep in mind, though, that this won’t stop spam calls from scammers or companies ignoring the law.
3. Use Call-Blocking Apps and Features
Most smartphones come equipped with call-blocking features that allow you to silence or block unknown numbers. Additionally, there are apps specifically designed to filter spam calls, like:
- Hiya
- Truecaller
- RoboKiller
- Nomorobo
These apps identify and block spam calls before they reach you. Many of them maintain up-to-date databases of known spam numbers, making them highly effective.
4. Don’t Engage With Spam Callers
If you do accidentally answer a spam call, resist the urge to engage. Don’t press any numbers or say “yes,” as this can sometimes be used to verify your number for future calls. Simply hang up.
Answering or interacting with spam callers signals that your number is active, which could lead to even more calls.
5. Report Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls helps enforcement agencies track and shut down offenders. You can report unwanted calls to:
- The FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
When reporting calls, be sure to include the number that called you, the time of the call, and any details about the message or caller.
6. Know Your Rights Under the TCPA
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that protects you from unwanted calls and texts. Companies are prohibited from using autodialing systems (ATDS) or prerecorded messages to contact you without your prior consent.
If you’re receiving illegal spam calls or texts, you may be able to take legal action. The TCPA allows consumers to sue for damages, with potential compensation of $500 to $1,500 per violation.
7. Opt Out of Robocalls
Some companies include an opt-out option in their automated calls, allowing you to remove yourself from their call list. If you trust the source of the call, you can follow the instructions to opt out.
Be cautious, though. Scammers sometimes use fake opt-out options to confirm your number is active. If you’re unsure, it’s better to avoid interacting and report the call instead.
8. Be Stingy With your Number
Prevention is key to reducing spam calls. Be selective about where you share your phone number. Avoid posting it on social media, and think twice before providing it to online forms, especially if the website seems questionable.
If you’re required to enter a phone number, you might think about using a free virtual phone number or secondary line for nonessential communications.
Adding it All Up
You shouldn’t have to resort to changing your phone number to put an end to spam calls. With the correct approach and understanding of your rights, you can reclaim your privacy and stop worrying about unwanted phone calls. Good luck!
