A few weeks ago I was having dinner at my bestie’s house and we decided to play Apples to Apples. One of the cards given to her youngest daughter said “SPAM“. When asked if she knew was SPAM was, she replied, “YES! They call my mom every day!”
In recent years, our phones have become a constant battleground against spam calls. It seems like no matter how vigilant we are, our phones always buzz with unwanted calls from mysterious numbers. But what drives this increase, and how can we effectively combat it?
What’s Behind the Surge?
The rise in spam calls stems from a few key factors:
- Advances in Technology: The accessibility of technology has made it easier for spammers to automate calls. Robocalling software enables them to reach millions of people in minutes.
- Spoofing Techniques: Spammers use techniques like spoofing to disguise their caller ID, making it appear as if the call comes from a local number or a trusted source. This tactic increases the likelihood that recipients will answer.
- Data Breaches: Personal data from breaches and leaks often ends up in the hands of scammers. They use this information to target individuals with more convincing and tailored spam calls.
- Regulatory Challenges: While laws and regulations aim to reduce spam calls, enforcing these laws remains challenging. Spammers often operate from outside the jurisdictions where these regulations apply.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Here are some practical steps you can take to minimize the impact of spam calls:
- Register Your Number: Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Although this won’t eliminate all spam calls, it can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive.
- Use Call Blocking Apps: Several apps can help identify and block spam calls. These apps use databases of known spam numbers and algorithms to screen incoming calls.
- Enable Your Phone’s Built-In Features: Many smartphones have built-in features to block or filter spam calls. Check your phone’s settings to enable these features.
- Be Cautious with Your Number: Be mindful of where you share your phone number. Avoid posting it publicly on social media or websites where spammers might harvest it.
- Don’t Engage: If you answer a spam call, avoid engaging with the caller. Hanging up immediately often prevents further calls.
- Report Spam Calls: Report spam calls to your carrier and the relevant authorities. This helps improve spam prevention measures and track down offenders.
- Consider a Call Screening Service: Some phone services offer call screening features that let you see who is calling before you answer. This feature helps you avoid spam calls more effectively.
What’s Next?
As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by spammers. Staying informed about the latest threats and using available tools and strategies can protect you. By taking proactive measures, you can reduce the number of spam calls you receive and regain control over your phone.
Remember, while spam calls annoy us, being aware and prepared makes a significant difference. Stay vigilant and keep your phone experience as spam-free as possible!
Are you as annoyed as I am? Sometimes I can’t even get any work done!
xoxo
-S
Diet Coke and Hair-Spray 