Spam calls make us all crazy. Here are four ways to stop robocalls and other unsolicited calls.
Image: fizkes, Getty Images / iStockphoto
Spam calls have permeated our daily lives. Despite the increased public awareness and the technical measures that organizations have implemented to thwart these unsolicited phone calls, they still manage to get through in large numbers. But what can we do?
The following tips should help you reduce your exposure to malvertisers and strengthen existing infrastructure to better combat robocalls in the future by helping to identify and expose these scam calls. Although these measures are not watertight, I hope you find them useful.
SEE: Top Android security tips (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
1. Add your telephone number to the National Do Not Call register
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the governing body in the US that oversees all forms of communication implementation and abuse. In collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the National Do Not Call Register was established as an opt-in service that allows users to add their contact numbers to the list, so that advertisers, robocalls and spam calls are not legally bothered by them. The service works for fixed and mobile numbers.
On the FCC site you can also report unwanted sales calls, file a complaint against offenders and read tips about stopping unwanted robocalls and preventing phone fraud.
2. Check the security features of your mobile network provider for robocalls
Mobile service providers manage the networks that we communicate with. With the growing number of activations and devices being introduced every year, it is in everyone’s interest that these networks work as efficiently as possible. But if network resources are used for unsolicited purposes, it has consequences for everyone, including the providers. The big four – AT & T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon – offer users options in their accounts to block or limit voice calls.
Depending on your service plan, one or more options may be available to you, ranging from the basic identification of suspected spam calls to the granular blocking of identified calls – and perhaps even free registration with third-party services that only work to identify, monitor and block robocalls . Consult your provider’s support pages for more information about free or paid services.
SEE: It is time to put an end to robocalls forever. Start now (CNET)
3. Change the limitations and settings of your mobile operating system
If the above services are enabled, if you still receive unwanted calls, you may be able to look at your mobile OS settings for additional controls to ease the attack. Settings can vary from one operating system to another, but features such as enabling caller ID, enabling spam filters or automatically disabling or blocking unknown numbers can help turn the tide against ongoing call campaigns.
4. Use apps that block robocalls
It is a great option for smartphone users to use apps that are designed to process and block robocalls. Some of the more popular and highly appreciated apps for iOS and Android are Nomorobo, Hiya, RoboKiller and YouMail. Also contact your mobile provider to see if these apps offer to filter unwanted calls.
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