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You know not to click emails that somehow slip through your spam filter. You even know not to click links from friends on social media. But when you get a call from an “unknown” number, how should you react? It could be a scammer, but what if it’s not? It could be a delivery, it could be a long-lost friend, or it could be someone calling about a classified ad you posted!
The reality is that unless it’s a verified contact, you can’t actually know who is on the other line. And unfortunately, scammers have gotten so skilled that they can even mask the number they are calling from to match legitimate phone numbers of banks or credit and government agencies.
Just because you can’t be sure who is calling doesn’t mean that you are doomed to fall prey to scammers. Learn how to stop telephone scams with these five fool-proof tips.
1. Call Blocking Apps
Many apps are available to slow down the rate of spam calls you receive. These apps offer additional services beyond simply blocking calls, such as filtering spam texts or supplying an automated answering machine that is purpose-built to frustrate scammers. The most popular call-blocking apps include
As all of these apps have different features, prospective users should investigate each offering to decide which is best suited to their needs. Some require a low-cost monthly subscription, and others are free.
2. Use Your Carriers Call Filter
Major phone carriers offer extended protections against scam callers, though some charge extra for the services. Check with your provider to see what additional screening they offer, and check out the major carriers below.
AT&T provides all users Call Protect, a free service that blocks robo, scam, and spam calls. It also notifies users when they receive a call from a suspected nuisance number.
Call Filter is free for Verizon customers and provides incoming call screening and notifications about suspected spam, robo, or scam calls.
This service, called Scam Shield, offers call blocking and caller ID, plus adds the attractive offer of allowing customers to change their phone number for free once annually.
3. Add Your Number to the Do Not Call Registry
Phone users with American numbers in the United States can add themselves to the national Do Not Call registry via www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Joining this list is a free and easy way to filter out telemarketers. While this method does not filter out scammers, it significantly reduces spam and robocalls.
4. Don’t Share Your Number Unnecessarily
Every time you share your phone number, you increase the risk that scammers might misuse it. Not oversharing your number is one of the most effective ways to stop telephone scams.
Even the most innocuous sharing can result in the abuse of your private number. Think twice before sharing
Consider signing up for a Google Voice phone number to use when fill out forms online. In the event of a data breach, having a Google Voice number released rather than your personal contact will cause significantly less damage and prevent scams.
5. Contact the Federal Trade Commission When You Receive A Scam Call
Telephone scams should always be reported to the FTC for investigation. Even if you have already signed up for the Do Not Call registry, notify the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov every time you receive a suspicious or nuisance call.
Knowing how to stop telephone scams is only half the battle. Ensure that your carrier is up to date on the FCC’s TRACE Act, which requires major providers to use call authentication tokens for all calls placed on their networks. For more information on the TRACE Act and STIR-SHAKEN call authentication tokens, visit Prescott-Martini.
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