Have you ever wondered why you get so many robocalls? The short answer is because they work! Robocalls are an inexpensive way of telemarketing or scamming. Since humans are no longer required to dial phones, marketers and scammers can reach millions of phones much more cheaply and efficiently. They can separate the diligent consumers from the less diligent ones. Robocalls are also the fastest way to get information and sometimes disinformation out to many people quickly.

However, it would be wrong to ignore how annoying robocalls are. If you are tired of receiving calls that you are not interested in or are afraid scammers can harm your finances, this blog is for you! Here we will teach you how to stop unwanted robocalls and protect your data.

What Are Robocalls?

A robocall refers to a phone call that uses an electronic operator or auto-dialer to convey a computerized, pre-recorded message to an individual. It is known as a robocall because it seems like it is coming from a robot. There is no interaction between two people. Political phone campaigners and telemarketers often use robocalls to deliver their messages to people, but government authorities can also use them for emergency announcements or public service messages.

Types of Robocalls

1. Neighbor spoofing calls: This is one of the most common types of robocalls. Such a call imitates a local telephone number, making it look like a local person is calling you. However, in reality, this call is from someone out of town on an individual using a toll-free number.

2. Health insurance calls: These robocalls deliver marketing messages and ensure that they will help you find the right health insurance for you. They usually begin by telling you that they can offer you more than your current health insurance and then go on to offer you discounts on health insurance packages.

3. SEO/Google calls: These calls are made to small businesses to make them aware that their listing on Google is about to disappear. They basically threaten businesses to mark their companies as closed unless they pay for some unnecessary SEO services. Usually, these types of calls compel businesses to take immediate action.

4. IRS scam calls: IRS scam calls are very common. Scammers and criminals pretending to be the IRS call you and ask you to pay a fake tax bill. To legitimize the call and make it more believable, the scammers use artificial tools, such as badge numbers and counterfeit IRS titles and badge numbers, so you believe them. To know if IRS is actually calling you, study the guidelines presented by IRS on their website.

Why Am I Getting Robocalls?

Before you ask yourself, “Is there any way to stop robocalls?” take a minute and understand why you are on the receiving end of these calls.

Most people receive robocalls when their data gets stolen. Some apps and websites require you to add your phone number for account creation. Many of us just agree to the terms and conditions without going through them and understanding what we are signing up for. Some of these services collect and sell your data to robocalls. This practice is not illegal, but it can put your sensitive information in the wrong hands.

It is also very likely that robocalls are being made from a call sheet sourced from an easily available database. Many robocalls are made at random. Some are even made to check for active phone numbers.

People-search sites also have a significant part to play in all modern scams of 2021. The easiest and the quickest way for scammers to get a hold of your personal information is to use people-search sites. Your data can easily be collected from public records and can sometimes even include very sensitive details about you, such as your Social Security Number.

How to Stop Unwanted Robocalls

Here are 5 things you can do to stop robocalls:

1. Report Robocalls and Spam Texts

File a complaint online with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Alternatively, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC or the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP for assistance. You can also forward SPAM text messages to 7726 (or SPAM). This is a free text exchange with your service provider that will allow you to report the SPAM number.

2. Add Your Number to the “Do Not Call” Registry

To protect yourself from unwanted robocalls, you can add your landline as well as wireless device numbers to the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry. This will prohibit telemarketers from calling your registered numbers. Technically speaking, putting your name on the list makes it illegal for telemarketers to contact you. You can also call 1-888-382-1222 from any phone you want to put on the list. That’s all it takes; your number stays on the list until you ask for it to be removed or you give up the number.

3. Don’t Engage with Robocallers

It would be best if you took extra protection when dealing with robocalls. Do not give out personally identifiable information or send money to a third party without verifying the call’s authenticity. You can double-check the robocall’s authenticity by looking up their phone number on their website or in a phone book or calling them directly. Please do not speak out any sensitive information during the call. If you think the call is legitimate, you can return it later after conducting your research about its authenticity.

4. Use Built-In Phone Features to Block

If you have a smartphone, you can use its built-in features your phone to block unwanted calls. To learn how to block a number on an Apple iOS device, click here. To learn how to block numbers on an Android device, click here.

5. Download Robocall Blocking Applications

You can also stop unwanted incoming robocalls with the help of call-blocking apps. These apps can recognize the person calling you and automatically block the numbers that show up on crowd-sourced robocall and spam lists. Here are the top 3 blocking apps we have tried and recommend you to try as well:

1. Truecaller: The Truecaller app for iOS and Android lets you find out who’s behind an unknown number. You can enter the number into the search bar on the app. Truecaller will find out who the unknown number belongs to. Truecaller has a spam list containing details of over 250 million users. It’s a great resource if you wish to avoid answering an unwanted robocall.
2. Hiya: The Hiya – Caller ID & Block app is perfect for identifying calls that you want to accept and blocking calls and texts you want to avoid. It allows you to block robocalls and unwanted phone numbers, blacklist text messages, receive spam alerts and reverse phone search incoming call information.
3. Robo Revenge: This is a fairly new app for blocking robocalls and features an option to get back at robocallers for wasting your time. This app will automatically register your phone number on the Do Not Call registry and give scammers a fake credit card number, so they leave you alone. It will also send a dispute letter to robocallers on your behalf demanding compensation.

Final Words

The best advice we can give you when it comes to robocalls is to trust your instinct. If you receive a call from an unknown number or a number that doesn’t show up on caller ID, do not answer. If it’s an important call, the person will leave a message, and you can get back to them. If you cannot ignore the large volume of robocalls you receive each day, follow one of our ways on how to stop unwanted robocalls or get in touch with OneRep today.