How to block spam calls? A practical guide

Spam calls, or unwanted calls from spammers, telemarketers, and bots, have become a nightmare for smartphone owners. Answering unknown numbers often comes with risks such as phishing attempts, data theft, or the promotion of unnecessary products and services. In the digital age, protecting your privacy and effectively blocking such calls is essential to avoid fraud and ensure security.

What is a spam call?

Unsolicited spam calls or scams are incoming calls where the caller typically tries to mislead you. These calls can take various forms, including telemarketing, automated calls (robocalls), or scams related to finance or insurance. In many cases, service providers identify such suspicious numbers, displaying alerts like “Suspected Spam” or “Suspected Fraud.”

What are the types of unwanted calls?

The first step in protecting yourself from unwanted calls is understanding their most common types. Let’s explore the three main categories: robocalls, spam calls, and phone scams.

Robocalls

A robocall is a type of call generated by automated computer systems. These calls typically deliver pre-recorded messages to a large audience simultaneously. They are used for various purposes, including telemarketing, political campaigns, or fraudulent activities, which can have serious consequences.

Spam calls or SMS

Spam calls are similar to email spam and can also occur in the form of SMS messages. These are usually unsolicited calls and messages initiated by various organisations, such as retailers or charities, attempting to sell a product or prompt specific actions.

Often, such calls and messages target a wide audience who may have unknowingly consented to contact. Unfortunately, not all of them are from legitimate entities—some are scams aiming to steal money or personal information.

Phone scams

Fraudulent calls, also known as scams, involve someone impersonating a bank representative, educational institution, or company employee to deceive the recipient.

Scammers regularly try to obtain sensitive information such as bank details, account passwords, or other confidential data for criminal purposes using a method called vishing. These numbers can be difficult to detect, as the callers typically come across as professional, making it easier to gain trust.

Another tactic is spoofing, where scammers impersonate legitimate phone numbers, significantly increasing the likelihood of the recipient answering and providing sensitive information.

How do spammers get my phone number?

Spammers and cybercriminals use various methods to access your contact information, some of which are more concerning than you might expect.

Purchasing numbers on the dark web

Your phone number may be available for purchase on the dark web. Cybercriminals and spammers regularly buy contact data, including phone numbers, in bulk. This allows them to target thousands of individuals simultaneously at a relatively low cost.

Publicly available information online

Even a simple internet or social media search can help scammers find your phone number. If your number is visible on social media profiles, phone directories, or websites, hackers can easily locate it.

Phone number generators

Scammers also use number generators, which automatically create sequential or random phone numbers. These tools are used for mass phishing campaigns, contacting large numbers of people to steal personal data or funds.

Social engineering and manipulation

Fraudsters often use manipulation techniques to obtain contact details. They might create fake charities, organise phony contests, or offer prizes to persuade people to share their phone numbers.

Be vigilant

If you receive a message or call asking for confidential data, especially from someone claiming to be a superior or representative of an organization, be sure of its authenticity. Remember that reputable companies and institutions do not ask for such information through text messages or phone calls. Checking the credibility of the request can protect you from potential danger.

What happens if you answer a spam call?

The sound of your phone ringing isn’t a threat on its own. The risks arise when you answer suspicious calls. Here are some common dangers of answering spam calls:

• Call Costs. Some operators may charge additional fees for calls to premium-rate numbers, leading to higher phone bills.
• Increased Attacks. Answering a spam call signals to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more spam calls.
• Voice Recording Misuse. Scammers may record your conversation to extract data or commit fraud, such as voice simulation for authorisation systems.
• Identity Theft. Fraudsters may impersonate representatives of trusted organisations to obtain sensitive personal data, enabling identity theft.
• Hacking Attempts. Scammers may trick you into sharing passwords or other login credentials, posing as customer service or IT staff, potentially leading to account breaches.

How to block spam calls on iPhone?

Blocking automated calls effectively on iOS requires a comprehensive approach combining built-in security features and specialised apps.

• Block Specific Numbers. In the Phone app, go to Recent Calls. Click the information (i) icon next to a suspicious number, scroll down, and select “Block this Caller,” then confirm the action.
• Silence Unknown Callers. In Settings > Phone, activate the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. Calls from anonymous numbers will be automatically directed to voicemail, reducing spam.
• Use Blocking Apps. Consider installing dedicated plugins from the App Store for iOS, which offer advanced protection mechanisms. These tools utilise caller ID features and user-generated spam lists to effectively block suspicious calls.

How to block spam calls on Android smartphones?

Android smartphones offer effective methods to protect against spam calls.

• Manually Block Numbers. In the Phone app, go to Recent Calls. Press and hold a suspicious number, then select “Add to Block List” from the menu.
• Use Built-in Anti-Spam Features. Check your device’s settings for features like “Spam Protection” or “Caller ID & Spam.”
• Install Specialised Apps. The Google Play Store offers numerous spam-blocking tools that can identify and eliminate spam attempts.

How to block spam calls on landlines?

Preventing unwanted calls on landlines often involves pre-emptive measures. In the US, you can protect yourself by registering your landline number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This can be done by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY) from the number you want to secure, or by registering it online at donotcall.gov.

Report robocalls

Reporting robocalls to government agencies contributes to the fight against telemarketing fraud.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) collects and analyses information about robocalls, identifying illegal callers’ patterns. This data is used to:

• Develop effective call-blocking strategies.
• Create regulations to combat nuisance calls.
• Support experts in fighting telemarketing abuses.

Stay alert

Effective protection against unwanted calls requires a comprehensive approach. Use blocking and reporting methods while being cautious about sharing your phone number. Avoid publishing it on public platforms and refrain from providing it online unless absolutely necessary. These simple yet effective strategies will significantly reduce the risk of receiving nuisance calls.

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