Everything You Need to Know About Spam Calls

Spam calls are becoming more irritating day-by-day for businesses as well as for people like you and me.

If you’re wondering “why is my number coming up as spam” or simply asking “what is a spam call,” this comprehensive guide will help you understand, identify, and prevent these unwanted communications.

So, let’s start with the basics.

What is a ‘Spam call’?

A spam call is an unsolicited phone call that often aim to scam, mislead, collect personal information or sell products to unsuspecting individuals. 

These calls are generally automated to reach a large number of people quickly and efficiently.

Source

These calls have become so widespread that in 2023, Americans received an average of 3.7 spam calls per day, according to a report by TrueCaller. 

As technology advances, so do the tactics of spammers, making it crucial to stay informed and protected.

There are 6 types of spam calls currently found

Spam calls come in various forms, each with its own characteristics and potential risks:

#1. Telemarketing calls

While some telemarketing calls are legitimate, many fall into the spam category due to their unsolicited nature and aggressive sales tactics.

#2. Robocalls

These are automated calls that use pre-recorded messages. They’re often used for both legitimate purposes (like appointment reminders) and spam (such as fake warranty offers).

#3. Phishing calls

These calls attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

# 4. Scam calls

These calls aim to defraud you, often by impersonating government agencies, banks, or other trusted entities.

#5. Political calls

During election seasons, political spam calls can increase dramatically, often using automated systems to reach voters.

#6. Charity scams

These calls pretend to be from charitable organizations, especially after natural disasters or during holiday seasons.

Impact of spam calls on business and individuals

Spam calls can have significant negative impacts on individuals and businesses, like – 

• Time waste: Constantly answering or screening spam calls can be a major time sink.
• Privacy concerns: Some spam calls are designed to collect personal information, potentially leading to identity theft.
• Financial loss: Scam calls can result in direct financial losses if individuals fall for fraudulent schemes.
• Emotional stress: The constant interruption and potential threats can cause anxiety and stress.
• Missed important calls: People may start ignoring unknown numbers, potentially missing important legitimate calls.
• Increased phone bills: Some spam calls may lead to unexpected charges, especially if they’re international or premium-rate numbers.

Americans lost approximately $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022 alone, highlighting the severe financial impact of this issue.

2 important sources of spam flagging & call blocking

Most of the calls are either flagged by consumers deliberately or by the carriers they use.

➡️ Spam call fagging by ‘Consumers’

Consumers play a significant role in identifying and flagging spam calls. They can:

• Report suspicious numbers: Consumers can complain to their carrier about any number they find suspicious, spammy, or spoofing their number.

• Use blocking apps: There are various apps available, such as Nomorobo and Robokiller, that help block or display spam callers.

• Block unknown numbers: Consumers can choose to block calls from numbers not in their contact list or other ‘allow lists’.

➡️ Spam call flagging by ‘Carriers’

Carriers also have mechanisms to identify and block spam calls. They can:

• Analyze call patterns: Carriers use call analytics to detect and flag numbers that exhibit spam-like behavior.

• Block specific numbers: Based on their analysis, carriers can block or flag specific numbers as spam. This can sometimes include numbers from their own network, though this is rare.

By understanding these sources, you can take steps to ensure your number is not mistakenly flagged as spam.

Why do cold calls get flagged as “SPAM”?

You may have encountered this that everytime you dial someone your caller ID shows up as ‘spam’. 

Now, if you’re asking, “Why is my number coming up as spam?” there could be several reasons, such as – 

• High call volume: Making a large number of calls in a short period can trigger spam flags.
• Short call duration: If many of your calls are very brief, it might indicate unwanted calls.
• Negative feedback: If recipients report your number as spam, it can get flagged.
• Use of auto-dialers: Automated calling systems are often associated with spam.
• Inconsistent caller ID information: Frequently changing your caller ID can be seen as suspicious.
• Number recycling: If your number was previously used for spam, it might still be flagged.
• Algorithmic detection: Phone carriers use complex algorithms to detect patterns associated with spam calls.

How to identify spam calls as a consumer?

In the fight against spam calls, as a consumer you have access to various tools and methods to identify and block spam:

#1 Built-in phone filters

Modern smartphones often come with native spam detection features:

• iOS offers “Silence Unknown Callers“
• Android’s Phone app includes call screening capabilities.

#2 Third-party apps

You can use specialized apps for enhanced protection, such as –

• Truecaller: Uses a community-driven database of spam numbers
• Nomorobo: Employs a twin ringing system to intercept robocalls
• Hiya, RoboKiller, YouMail, and CallApp: Offer features like real-time number lookups and audio fingerprinting

These apps typically use a combination of machine learning, user reports, and extensive databases to identify potential spam calls.

#3 Community-driven identification

Many detection systems rely on user-reported data:

• Users can flag numbers as spam, contributing to shared databases
• Some apps integrate public complaint data from sources like the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry

#4 Carrier-level protection

Major phone carriers now offer spam protection services:

• T-Mobile’s Scam Shield
• AT&T Call Protect
• Verizon Call Filter

These services often provide caller ID, scam blocking, and spam warnings.

To truly maximize protection against a spam call, you should:

1. Keep your phone software and apps updated
2. Use a combination of built-in filters, third-party apps, and carrier services
3. Actively report spam calls
4. Stay informed about the latest spam trends
5. Remain cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers

7 Common signs of spam calls that you should not ignore

Identifying spam calls can help you avoid potential risks. Here are some common signs:

Sign #1. Unknown or unfamiliar numbers ➡️ While not all unknown numbers are spam, it’s a common characteristic.

Sign #2. Pressure to act quickly ➡️ Spam callers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking critically.

Sign #3. Requests for personal information ➡️ Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information over the phone.

Sign #4. Robotic or pre-recorded calls ➡️ Many spam calls use automated systems to reach more people.

Sign #5. Caller ID spoofing ➡️ The call may appear to come from a local number or a trusted organization.

Sign #6. Unusual call times ➡️ Spam calls often come at odd hours, especially very early in the morning or late at night.

Sign #7. Silent calls ➡️Some spam calls are silent when you answer, which could be a sign of an autodialer testing if the number is active.

8 Best Practices to avoid getting calls flagged as “Spam”

To prevent your legitimate calls from being marked as spam:

• Maintain consistent caller ID: Use a consistent phone number and caller ID for outgoing calls.

• Limit daily call volume: Avoid making a high volume of calls everyday especially from a new number.

• Respect Do Not Call lists: Always honor opt-out requests and Do Not Call registries.

• Provide value: Ensure your calls offer genuine value to the recipient.

• Use proper introduction: Always clearly identify yourself and your organization at the beginning of the call.

• Obtain consent: Get explicit permission before calling, especially for marketing purposes.

• Monitor your reputation: Regularly check if your number has been flagged and take steps to address any issues.

• Use legitimate calling practices: Avoid using auto-dialers or pre-recorded messages unless necessary and permitted.

How to protect yourself from spam calls? 

While it’s challenging to completely eliminate spam calls, you can take steps to reduce their impact:

1. Use Call blocking apps: Apps like Truecaller, RoboKiller, or Hiya can help identify and block spam calls.

2. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry: While this won’t stop all spam calls, it can reduce their frequency.

3. Don’t engage: If you suspect a call is spam, don’t interact. Hang up immediately.

4. Be cautious with personal information: Never give out sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call to a trusted number.

5. Use carrier services: Many phone carriers offer spam blocking services. Check with your provider for options.

6. Enable call filtering on your phone: Most modern smartphones have built-in options to filter potential spam calls.

7. Use a secondary phone number: For online registrations or non-essential contacts, consider using a secondary number or a virtual phone service.

Conclusion

Spam calls are a persistent problem in our digital age, but understanding what they are, how they work, and how to protect yourself can significantly reduce their impact on your life. 

By staying informed and implementing best practices, you can maintain control over your communication channels and avoid the pitfalls of unwanted calls.

Remember, if you’re concerned about why your number is coming up as spam, review your calling practices and consider implementing the strategies outlined in this article. 

With vigilance and the right tools, we can work towards a future with fewer unwanted interruptions and more meaningful connections.

Spam calls: F.A.Qs

1. Can spam callers hack my phone just by calling me?

Generally, no. Simply receiving a call doesn’t give a spammer access to your phone. However, if you follow their instructions or download something they suggest, you could be at risk.

2. Is it safe to answer spam calls?

 It’s best to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer, never give out personal information or follow instructions from the caller.

3. How can I tell if a number is really from my bank or a government agency?

Legitimate organizations usually don’t call unexpectedly asking for personal information. If in doubt, hang up and call the organization directly using a number you trust.

4. What should I do if I’ve fallen for a phone scam?

 Contact your bank immediately, report the scam to local authorities, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

5. Can spam callers leave voicemails?

 Yes, spam callers can and often do leave voicemails. Be cautious about responding to or following instructions in these messages.

6. Why is my number coming up as spam?

Your number might be flagged as spam due to:

• High call volume
• Short calls
• Inconsistent calling patterns
• Caller ID spoofing
• Reported as spam 
• VoIP issues

7. What is spam call?

A spam call is an unsolicited phone call from a telemarketer or scammer. These calls are often unwanted, annoying, and sometimes even fraudulent. They can be used to promote products or services, solicit personal information, or attempt to scam individuals.

8. What is a spam number?

A spam number is a phone number that has been identified as sending unsolicited, unwanted, or harmful calls.

9. What does spam stand for in phone calls?

Spam stands for “Solicitation and Promotion Attempt” in phone calls. It refers to unwanted, unsolicited calls, typically from telemarketers or scammers.

10. What is suspected spam?

Suspected spam refers to phone calls that are likely to be unwanted or unsolicited. This can include calls from unknown numbers, robocalls, or calls with suspicious content. While not all suspected spam calls are malicious, it’s generally best to be cautious and avoid engaging with them.