Don't assume an incoming call is really from a local number just because it looks like it is.Don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize.Don't answer calls from blocked or unknown numbers.How to keep annoying robocalls at a minimumĪccording to the FCC, there are some easy steps you can take to help reduce robocalls: No matter what the calls say, one thing is certain - they need to stop. More recently, these attacks have moved over to SMS, where there are phishing text messages that come from your own phone number. You're likely familiar with the good ol' 'scam likely' calls, but there are also more sophisticated attacks that involve spoofing local numbers and those of popular companies, to convince you to give up your personal information and cash. In January 2023 alone, Americans received 5.51 billion robocalls, which is nearly 20 spam calls for every single person in the US, according to Robokiller, a company that specializes in blocking spam calls and robocalls.Īnd these calls come in all shapes and sizes.

It's why I don't pick up any phone numbers I don't easily recognize, even if the call might be important, because I'm permanently scarred from the sheer amount of spam calls I get. Not from my friends or family, but from scammers and telemarketers, notifying me that I've 'won tickets to Hawaii' or pretending to be the IRS and threatening me so I'll pay up.

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