Spam calls can be incredibly annoying, interrupting our day with constant telemarketing or scammers trying to dupe us into giving away our money or personal information. Fortunately, there are a few steps that can be taken to help stop scammers and telemarketers in their tracks.
The first and most important step is to not pick up when the scammer or telemarketer calls. Not speaking up could be the difference between avoiding serious damage to your personal information or having it enter the wrong hands. Alternatively, if it is not possible to resist the temptation to inquire who is on the other end, avoid saying any words they could potentially record and use to impersonate you.
One powerful tool that can help stifle scam calls is the “Block” function built into most phones. If you do get a call from a number you know is connected to a scammer or telemarketer, simply block it. This can be done repeatedly to make sure you won’t get calls from the same number again.
There may be some unwanted calls that you don’t know the origins of that could be silenced as well. However, it could filter out legitimate calls from people or establishments you would like to hear from, such as from a doctor’s office or hospital. If the call was truly important enough, the caller will usually leave a voicemail.
You can also check with your service provider for extra security measures. Carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer both caller ID and apps like Scam Shield and Call Filter that can provide protection from scammers, telemarketers and spam texts.
Lastly, signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry could prevent sales calls from squeaking through. Companies are legally bound to follow this and scammers are – as usual – unbothered by such rules.
Kim Komando is an important individual discussed in the article. She is a digital advocate and national radio host who provides tips on how to avoid scams and provides tech-related news, advice and listener questions on her show. She also recently launched her own podcast, Kim Komando Today, which is available on a range of podcast players. In it, she delivers thirty minutes of important technology news and tips related to smartphones, online privacy and data hacks.
Nomorobo is a third-party app mentioned in the article that provides protection from scam and spam calls. The app offers a 14-day trial period, after which users can pay for a monthly or annual subscription. It can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
No matter the technology or app, it is important to remain vigilant for potential scams and telemarketers, even with advanced security tools like the ones mentioned in this article. By following the tips in this article and utilizing the resources discussed, you will be well-equipped to swat away scammers and telemarketers with ease.
