How Do I Get Rid of Scam Callers?

April 9, 2024

 

Scam callers, those pesky digital pests, can disrupt your day with incessant rings, bombard you with fraudulent offers, and threaten your peace of mind. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Americans receive about 4 billion robocalls each month._[1] And, a significant portion of these are scams. 

But fear not! With the right knowledge and tools, you can reclaim control of your phone line and thwart these scammers' efforts.

What is a Scam Call? 

A scam call is an unsolicited phone call that aims to deceive or defraud the recipient.

Scammers use tactics to trick individuals into providing: 

• Personal information
• Money
• Access to their devices

  These calls may impersonate legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or tech support companies. They typically employ persuasive or coercive techniques to manipulate the recipient.

Are All Robocalls Scams?

Sometimes, people refer to robocalls as scams. A robocall is a type of automated phone call that delivers a pre-recorded message to the recipient. While not all robocalls are scams, they are often associated with unwanted telemarketing calls or political campaigns. Robocalls can be legitimate, such as appointment reminders or notifications from schools or businesses, but they can also be used for fraudulent purposes by scammers.

The main difference between a scam call and a robocall lies in their intent and execution. A scam call is specifically designed to deceive or defraud the recipient, while a robocall may or may not have malicious intentions. Also, scam calls can be made by a real person. 

You might also like: How Do Romance Scams Work? | How to Spot Dating Scams

Common Types of Scam Calls

If you can think of a life event, there’s probably a scam that goes along with it. 

Unfortunately, scam calls come in all shapes and sizes and can take the form of:

• Phishing scams
• Tech support and utility scams
• IRS charity, and government grant scams
• Romance, grandparent, and celebrity scams
• Lottery or sweepstakes scams
• Bank account or financing scams
• Investment or crypto scams
• Healthcare scams
• Employment scams
• Online purchase scams

  Fraudsters can create scams out of nearly anything. So, it’s important to be wary, especially when something seems too good to be true.

Recommended: How to Stay Safe from Purchase Scams on the Internet

Don’t Forget Scam Texts

Scam texts are another tactic used by fraudsters. These messages often contain malicious links or prompts to call a fake customer service number. The aim is usually to steal personal information or install malware on your device.

To avoid falling victim to scam texts: 

• Be cautious of unsolicited texts, especially from unknown numbers or unfamiliar senders.
• Refrain from clicking on links in suspicious texts. 
• Confirm the identity senders before you respond to any requests.

You can keep yourself safe if you stay alert.

You might also like: What Types of Internet Frauds are Most Common Online? 

How to Get Off the Phone with Scam Callers

If you do encounter a scam call, you aren’t doomed. You can protect yourself by getting off the phone and preventing the caller from reaching out again. 

When faced with a suspicious call, you can take the following steps to gracefully bow out:

1. Politely but firmly inform the caller that you are not interested in their offer or service. Request to be removed from their call list to prevent further contact. Stay assertive but respectful in your communication.
2. If the caller persists or becomes aggressive, prioritize your safety and well-being. Don't engage in conversation or entertain their requests. Simply end the call promptly without providing any additional information or acknowledgment.
3. After ending the call, take advantage of your smartphone's blocking feature. This can usually be done directly from your call log or settings menu. By blocking the number, you create a barrier against repeated attempts to contact you from the same number.

With these steps, you can handle scam callers and protect yourself from falling victim to deceptive schemes. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety when dealing with suspicious phone calls.

Tips to Prevent Scam Calls & Texts

Let’s explore ways you can be proactive in preventing scam calls and texts. Find out how to avoid and report scam attempts. Empower yourself and safeguard your personal information and financial well-being. In time, you can avoid scam callers for good. 

1. Guard Your Personal Information

If you're unsure about the authenticity of any caller, don’t divulge personal information. If you feel a caller is suspicious or pushy, simply end the call. Remember that legitimate organizations usually don’t request sensitive information like Social Security numbers or banking details over the phone.

Be cautious about sharing contact information and financial details online. Store your sensitive paperwork in a protected place, preferably with a lock. If you guard your personal information, it’s less likely that criminals can access it. 

2. Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers

Scammers often use spoofing techniques to disguise their phone numbers, making it difficult to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent calls. A simple but effective tactic to avoid scam calls is to stop answering the phone for unrecognized numbers. 

When you ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers, you can’t accidentally share personal information. If a call is important, the caller will likely leave a voicemail or follow up with a legitimate means of contact. And, if you receive a shady or irrelevant voicemail, you can block the number. 

3. Register for the Do Not Call List

Consider registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry._[2] While doing so may not eliminate all scam calls completely, it can decrease the number of unsolicited calls you receive.

By adding your number to the registry, your phone number is removed from a number of telemarketing lists. Many scammers create their call lists from these types of lists. Thus, joining the registry can lower the number of robocalls and scammers who have your contact information.

After your number has been added to the Do Not Call Registry for 31 days, you can report all unwanted sales calls and robocalls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)._[3] This will help prevent legitimate organizations and scammers from calling you again.

4. Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter a suspicious call or text, report it to relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies. 

Organizations like the FTC_[4] and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)_[5] collect scam call data. They also investigate and take action against fraudulent activity. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) lets you complain about unwanted debt collection calls_[6]. Crimes can be reported to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. 

By reporting scams, you protect yourself and contribute to the broader effort to combat phone fraud and protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

5. Consider Call-Blocking Apps

Explore the array of call-blocking apps available. These applications employ algorithms that automatically identify and block known scam numbers, saving you the hassle of dealing with unwanted calls. 

Additionally, some apps offer features like community-based blocking. Users can report and flag suspicious numbers, enhancing the app's effectiveness over time.

6. Stay Informed

Stay informed about the latest scammer trends and tactics. Monitor updates from reputable sources like the FCC, consumer advocacy groups, and your financial institution. These organizations often provide insights and resources to help you recognize and avoid potential scam threats. 

By staying aware, you empower yourself to make smart decisions and protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Protect Your Finances with Centier

When you're proactive, you can mitigate potential harm by scam callers. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to protecting yourself from predators. If you think you’ve encountered a scam caller, hang up. 

Stay in the loop about the latest scam call and text tactics. And, take the necessary steps to protect your personal information and finances. 

For more financial security and protection resources, visit Centier Bank's Security Center.

Sources: 

[1] https://www.fcc.gov/spoofed-robocalls

[2] https://www.donotcall.gov/

[3] https://www.donotcall.gov/report.html

[4] https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ 

[5] https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

[6] https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/