The smartphone era has completely changed the way we communicate and maintain our connections. Unfortunately, it has also led to an increasing annoyance, called spam calls. Even though cell phone carriers try to flag potential spam calls with labels on your caller ID, they are not always successful.
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics of spammers. Our daily lives might be disrupted by these unwelcome and frequently fraudulent calls, which can also present security risks.
However, you can reduce the threat brought on by potential spam calls by being proactive and careful. Stick with us, as this post will dig deep into the potential spam calls, why they are so common, and how you can effectively stop them!
What Are “Potential Spam” Calls?
Spam calls, often called robocalls or nuisance calls, are made for various reasons, including telemarketing, fraud, and scams. These calls are not only annoying but if you fall for their tricks, it could have terrible consequences. Furthermore, if a phone company is unable to confirm the legitimacy of the caller, these numbers may be flagged.
Talking about the Americans, they are being bombarded with spam and fraudulent calls. Despite the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) giving the fight against phone crooks top priority, approximately $40 billion was lost to phone scams in 2022.
Verizon, for instance, uses machine learning to decide whether a call qualifies as “Potential Spam.” It uses behavioural analytics to learn more about calls’ specifics, such as their origin and nature, audio or text. While potential spam labels are useful, bear in mind that you must take proactive steps to prevent spam and fraud from reaching your phone.
How Other Companies Label Spam Calls
Carriers use numerous labels to put different call types into categories and identify spam calls, just like Verizon uses “Potential Spam” as an alert. We have listed here a few other typical call types and how various companies label these calls:
- T-Mobile: “Scam Likely.”
- AT&T: “Spam Risk.”
- Sprint: “Potential Fraud.”
- T-Mobile (for spoofed local numbers): “Neighbourhood Spoofing.”
- Various call types: Telemarketer, Political, Non-profit, or Survey.
- Robocall: For pre-recorded messages.
All of these labels have the same function, which is to warn you about potential spam. However, as cybercriminals keep searching for ways to get through carrier security, don’t rely only on them to protect against all frauds.
What Happens If You Answer a Spam Call
Clearly, potential spam labels are a useful tool, but they can’t stop all scammers. If you answer any spam calls, several things could happen, like:
1. Identity Theft: Individuals with malicious intent have the capability to illegally acquire your personal information, putting you at the risk of identity theft.
2. Financial Consequences: Unintentionally disclosing private financial data might lead to unlawful activities and financial losses.
3. Rising Telecommunication Costs: A few scammers use a “one-ring call” technique to accumulate significant charges on your phone bill.
4. More Spam Calls: Engaging with spam callers indicates your desire to participate, making you more vulnerable to further fraudulent calls.
5. Phone Number Hijacking: Scammers may take control of your phone number by employing strategies such as SIM card manipulation.
Please be aware that scammers always act as reputable authorities to gather your sensitive information, such as your banking details. Do not disclose any personal data to them.
How to Block Potential Spam Calls?
Since there is no universal solution, it takes a bit of effort to block potential spam calls. You can use third-party applications to filter scam numbers or directly block them. The following techniques can be used to prevent possible spammers:
1. Use AI-Powered Spam Call Blockers: You can use spam call blockers, like RoboKiller. These tools filter spam text messages, identify unknown callers, and check calls with an always-updated spam number database.
2. Block Specific Spam Numbers: If your phone doesn’t already have a spam filter, directly block and report the specific numbers.
Block Spam Numbers on Android:
- Launch the Phone app.
- Locate the spam number, then hit and hold on to it.
- To block the caller, choose Block from the options.
Block Spam Numbers on iPhone:
- Launch the Phone app and go to Recent.
- Now, search the spam number and press the right “circled i” icon.
- Scroll down, and tap on “Block this Caller.”
3. Use Your Carrier’s Spam Blocking Tools: Leading telecom providers offer both free and paid applications to block spam calls, such as Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile ScamShield, and AT&T ActiveArmor.
4. Silence Unknown Callers: Both iOS and Android smartphones let you silence calls from phone numbers that aren’t in your contact list. This stops unintentional engagement, but won’t stop scammers.
Silence Unknown Callers on Android:
- After launching the Phone app, tap on the three dots that are right next to the icon of the magnifying glass.
- Go to the Settings option from the menu that displays.
- Next, tap on Block Numbers after scrolling down.
- For this feature to be active, tap the Block Unknown Callers option.
Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone:
- Launch the Settings app, then choose Phone by sliding down.
- Choose the “Silence Unkown Callers.”
- You can turn on this feature by tapping the Silence Unknown Callers option.
5. National Do Not Call Registry: To minimize scam calls, register your phone numbers on the FTC-managed National Do Not Call Registry.
The NDNCR Sign-Up Process
- Go to www.donotcall.gov and tap register your phone number.
- If you haven’t registered previously, choose Register Here on the following screen.
- After filling out the form with your email address and phone number, click the Submit button.
6. Remove Your Number From Data Brocker List: Data brokers are a common source of phone numbers for scammers. You have two options: use a service like Acxiom, or manually request removal from these lists.
While implementing these won’t stop scammers from contacting you, it eliminates the risk of unknowingly picking up a spam call.
Conclusion
Although the fight against spam calls is ongoing, you may considerably lessen its negative effects on your life by using the appropriate tactics and resources. Try installing AI-powered call filters, blocking certain phone numbers, and learning how to boost your carrier’s capabilities to protect yourself.
If you’ve picked up a potential spam call, take suitable precautions to safeguard your information and lower your exposure to future scams.
