What kind of calls are you getting?
Robocallers: Automated, pre recorded phone messages
Telemarketers/Spammers: Unwanted callers that may be calling indiscriminately to a large number of recipients; sometimes includes callers to whom you’ve given consent to contact you, usually trying to sell you something.
Spam/Fraud callers: Someone who is pretending to be someone they’re not with malicious intent (usually trying to steal your information or money).
Why are you being targeted?
Your phone number has been shared/compromised
Did you recently sign up to something on a website with your phone number? This might be the reason for an increase in spam. Unfortunately, some websites pass on this information and target you with spam.
For more information on how your number might have been compromised: https://www.lifesgenie.com/post/why-do-i-keep-getting-spam-calls
Now for the important part: how to actually stop these annoying calls
If you’re tired of hearing your phone ringing just to see it’s an unknown and suspicious number calling, you’re not alone. Here are some options you have to reclaim your phone from these annoying or possibly dangerous calls.
OPTION 1: MANUALLY BLOCK INDIVIDUAL NUMBERS ONE BY ONE
You can always manually block any unknown or suspicious phone numbers that call you. This works to block the number from ever calling you again, but unfortunately this option takes the most time and effort on your part and has to be continued constantly which could be an ongoing problem. In addition, scammers often call you again from a different phone number once you've blocked one of their numbers.
Here’s how to do it:
For iPhone users - go to the “phone” app, then navigate to “recents”, click on the blue “i” icon next to the phone number you wish to block which will allow you to see more information, and finally you can select “Block this Caller”
For those using Android devices - go to the “phone” app, click on “recents”, then do a long press on the phone number you wish to block and select “Block”.
Again, this is the most time consuming process, but it’s definitely a better option than doing nothing at all.
OPTION 2: HAVE YOUR CARRIER TRY TO PROTECT YOU
Most of the major US mobile providers offer some kind of service to block spam and protect you from these kinds of calls as part of your wireless network plan or as a paid value added service. They use network technology to help identify when a call might be legitimate or if the call is suspicious. Unfortunately, many calls are still passed through to you as “spam likely”, which doesn’t indicate if they’re actually good or bad, leaving you with the dilemma.
Here is what the 3 major US Telecom Providers offer:
AT&T Call Protect and Call Protect Plus
For free for all postpaid customers or for $3.99 / month you can have access to the Plus version.
T-Mobile Scam Block and Scam Shield
For free for all postpaid customers or for $4 / month you can have access to Scam Shield Premium.
Verizon Wireless Call Filter
Available free for all postpaid customers
OPTION 3: PROTECT YOURSELF WITH GENIE
How Genie works:
Genie is your artificial intelligence assistant who evaluates all incoming calls, politely talks to them, and lets you know exactly who's calling and why. Genie gives you the power to reclaim your phone by filtering out all scammers and harassing telemarketers.
Incoming calls from known contacts?
Genie doesn’t intervene, letting them straight through to you.
Incoming calls from known scammers or telemarketers?
Genie blocks them automatically, so you don't get bothered.
Incoming calls from others? (e.g. your local delivery person, charity, or doctor)
Genie screens them, notifies you who’s calling and why, and allows you to decide who gets through.
Try our Genie for yourself:
If you're interested in becoming a Genie Early Access user, click here to apply.
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