If the scammer appears to be calling from your own number
1) Alert your phone provider: If your number has been spoofed, you should inform your phone company as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be able to guide you on the best way to proceed.
2) Get your personal information offline: There are several ways that phone spoofers can hijack your phone number, but it’s most likely because they can easily find personal information online. There are several tools you can use to find where your personal information is lurking online and get it offline, away from scammers who want to steal your information and exploit that information, whether to commit identity theft or something else.
3) Change your number: If all else fails and your phone company is not really able to help, a good idea is to change your home phone number altogether. While you may not want to do this, it may be the only solution, especially if the scammer continues to call you on your same number and if friends and family are getting those calls as well.
MORE: HOW TO STOP PHONE NUMBER SPOOFING AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMMERS
3 reasons not to engage with scammers who call you
1) Safety: Engaging with unknown callers can potentially expose you to scams or other forms of fraud.
2) Privacy: Even if you’re giving them a hard time, they might still be gathering information about you in the meantime. And, now, with AI voice scams, these scammers can clone your voice to use for other types of scams.
3) Encouragement: Responding to these calls, even negatively, can signal to the caller that your number is active, which might lead to more calls.
MORE: END OF ANNOYING ROBOCALLS? FTC CRACKS DOWN ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES
MORE: END OF ANNOYING ROBOCALLS? FTC CRACKS DOWN ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES
Stop scam calls: 4 ways to protect yourself
Of course, nobody wants to continue to get scam calls. So, there are a few recommended steps you can take instead:
1) Let the answering machine answer or go to voicemail. This allows you to screen calls without directly engaging with potential scammers. You can avoid direct interaction with them and listen to the message at your convenience to determine if it’s legitimate.
2) Block the numbers: If you notice certain numbers repeatedly calling, you can block them. Take a look at our best landing call-blocking devices. These are especially helpful in blocking robocalls but can also help block individual scammers.
- Use Star Codes: Many landline phones allow you to block calls by using Star codes. For example, you can dial *60 to block specific numbers.
- Call-Blocking Devices: Devices can be attached to your landline to block unwanted calls. These devices can come preloaded with known spam numbers and allow you to add numbers manually.
- Service Provider Features: Contact your landline service provider to inquire about any call-blocking features they offer. Some providers have services that can help manage unwanted calls.
3) Report the callsreport unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission
4) Add yourself to the no-call list: Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry, which can help stop some of the scam and telemarketing calls you’re getting.
Remember, while these methods can significantly reduce unwanted calls, it may not be possible to block all spam calls completely. Always exercise caution and avoid sharing personal information over the phone with unknown callers.
MORE: HOW TO AVOID BEING DUPED BY ROBOCALLS NOW AND FOREVER
Kurt’s key takeaways
Getting spam calls on your landline is no fun, and even more so when those calls are coming from your own number. Remember, it’s important to protect your personal information and privacy and always to be cautious when dealing with unknown callers. Using the techniques above can help ensure you’re not only using best practices when dealing with scammers but also protecting yourself in the long run from future ones.
How do you think phone companies should address scam calls and caller ID spoofing? Let us know in the comments below.
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