In the past, Caller ID was straightforward – if someone called, their number displayed, unless they intentionally blocked it. However, with the rise of scammers and robocalls, people became wary of unknown calls. Recent advancements in phone technology have made Caller ID more complex, with messages like “spam likely” or “potential spam” becoming common. Ever wondered how your phone carrier detects spam calls and what to do about them? Let’s delve into the details.
The Evolution of Telephone Spam
In the early days, calls were manually connected by operators, but as technology advanced, automated switching systems allowed for mass calling. This led to the proliferation of robocalls, with billions of such calls reported monthly in the US. The TRACED Act aimed to combat this issue by introducing protocols like STIR and SHAKEN for call validation, resulting in the emergence of new Caller ID messages.
Understanding “Spam Risk” and “Potential Spam”
When your phone shows messages like “Spam risk” or “Potential spam,” it indicates that your carrier has identified the incoming call as potentially spammy or scammy based on calling patterns and known scam signals. While these systems are not foolproof, they provide a good indication of potential threats.
Handling Spam Risk Calls
Although the system is not flawless, it’s advisable to ignore calls flagged as spam risk to avoid potential scams. Answering such calls, especially if you’re not expecting them, can lead to undesirable consequences. It’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid engaging with suspicious calls.
In conclusion, the complexities of modern Caller ID systems aim to protect consumers from unwanted calls. By understanding how these systems work and being cautious with unknown callers, you can better safeguard yourself from potential scams and spam.
Mom, by listening to a robocall, you may have inadvertently indicated to the scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more unwanted calls. It’s advisable to ignore such calls and later review your phone logs on your carrier’s website to identify the caller’s number. Engaging with scam callers can make you a target for fraud or phishing schemes, where they often seek personal information or money. Be cautious of requests for sensitive information like your date of birth, Social Security number, or banking details, as legitimate entities would not ask for these over the phone. Scammers may pose as reputable organizations but demand unusual payment methods or sensitive data.
To block potential spam calls, consider adjusting your phone settings to screen out unwanted calls automatically. Android phones can utilize the “Phone by Google” app to filter spam calls by enabling the Spam and Call Screen feature. On iPhones, you can silence unknown callers in the Phone settings to avoid receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers. Additionally, Android users can benefit from Verified Calls, an enhanced Caller ID feature that provides information about validated businesses calling you.
Ultimately, taking proactive steps to block spam calls can help reduce the risks associated with fraudulent calls and protect your personal information.
To filter out spam calls, you can utilize the Filter Spam Calls feature on your device. Another option is to consider using a third-party call-blocking app from either the Play Store or App Store. There are numerous apps available with various features, so it may be necessary to explore and test multiple options before finding one that suits your preferences. The positive aspect is that many of these apps are free or offer a free trial, enabling you to sample different choices without incurring any costs. Further details on these apps can be found here.
While it may not be immediately associated with spam-blocking, the National Do Not Call Registry serves as a helpful tool in managing unwanted calls. It typically takes around a month for your registration to become effective, and certain categories of callers like charities, debt collectors, political groups, and survey companies may still be permitted to reach out to you. Additionally, there may be instances where unscrupulous individuals or companies disregard the regulations, posing a challenge despite the registry’s assistance. Thus, while beneficial, the registry may not eliminate all unwanted calls entirely.
Despite the prevalence of scam and spam calls affecting many individuals, it is possible to exercise some level of control over the situation. Evading all spam calls entirely, short of avoiding phone calls altogether, may not be feasible. However, by following the steps outlined here, you can effectively screen out a majority of these unwanted calls. It may require some trial and error over a few weeks to determine which screening level offers optimal protection with minimal inconvenience. The advantage lies in the fact that, unlike many other issues, you retain the authority to set boundaries and determine your tolerance level. This sense of control can be empowering and reassuring amidst the challenges posed by nuisance calls.
This content is a publication by Spokeo, vetted by Stacker for accuracy and shared for informational purposes.
