Robocalls & Texts Driving You Mad? Stopping Them Is Easier Than You Think
(NRPI.org) – Business marketers often use automated robocalls and texts as an affordable way to reach their consumers. While there was some legitimacy to robocalls and texts initially, today, many unwanted robocalls and texts turn into scams for unsuspecting individuals. Luckily, you can use several consumer tips to slow or stop the stream of robocalls and texts. Read on to learn more.
Americans’ Concerns About the Increasing Number of Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
The increasing number of unwanted robocalls and texts, including illegal and imitated robocalls, is a common concern among many American consumers. Even though the Federal Communications Commission set out to resolve the issues, Americans still have concerns about the robocalls and texts they receive.
The main problem is that most automated calls and texts are scams. According to CNBC, scammers are finding more ways to generate money from consumers, and robocalls are one of the ways scammers use to make money. Surprisingly, using robocalls and texts as an attack is effective because 3% to 5% of people respond to automated messages and sometimes send thousands of dollars to scammers.
Robocallers are now masquerading as healthcare providers or any other service providers and collecting valuable personal information from return callers. That has also led to increased identity theft scams, a huge concern among Americans. Truecaller statistics indicate that Americans lost about $29.8 billion in the first half of 2021 to scam calls.
Tips You Can Use To Slow or Stop the Stream of Robocalls
Scammers are using both robocalls and texts to attack customers. In fact, several robocalls and text schemes are pretty lucrative. The Federal Communications Commission has implemented several tips to help you safeguard yourself.
Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you happen to answer a call from a number that you don’t recognize, hang up immediately. If the caller has an important message for you, they’ll most likely leave you a message.
Be aware of your caller ID showing that the number is “local.” Sometimes you might not tell right away if a call is spoofed, so it’s important to know that when a number shows “local” on caller ID, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a local caller.
Don’t click unknown links or attachments. Clicking on an attachment or a link in a spam message can trigger malware, and your data will be stolen to facilitate the stream of robocalls.
Don’t provide personal information. Whether it’s an unrecognized call or you’re just suspicious, never give out your data such as your account number, passwords, Social Security Number, mother’s maiden name, or any other identifying information.
If you receive inquiries from a person claiming to represent a company or a government agency, hang up and verify the request’s authenticity. You can always verify if the person represents the company by going to the company or government agency’s official website or calling the number on your phone book or account statement. In most cases, a legitimate source will send a written notice to your mail before a phone call, particularly if they are requesting payment.
Set a password for your voicemail account. Some voice mail services are often preset to enable access if you call using your phone number. If you don’t create a password, a hacker can easily spoof the home phone number to access your voicemail.
Request your phone company for any call blocking tools they have. If your phone company doesn’t offer call-blocking tools, you can download an app to your phone device to help you block unwanted calls.
Let the robocall blocking technology know the spam numbers. If you have a robocall blocking technology on your device, let the company know which numbers produce unwanted calls so they can block the spam numbers for others.
Unwanted robocalls and texts are not only a nuisance; many robocalls and texts are fraudsters stealing money and time from unsuspecting individuals. Implementing the above tips will help you safeguard against robocalls and texts that could lead to scams.
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