Everyone wants to spend time with friends and family during the holiday season. Unfortunately, millions of scammers also want to take advantage of your desire for peace.
They'll call you at all hours of the day or night—whether during dinner or while you're getting ready to go out. These scammers will try every trick to get you on the phone to sell you something or convince you that your loved ones need emergency assistance.
Here are some tips to stop spam calls, particularly at Christmas when there is so much holiday-related marketing.
1. Use a Call Blocker to Stop Spam Calls
A call blocker is a device that allows you to block incoming calls from specific numbers. You can use these to prevent unwanted calls and robocalls, but they're also helpful if you want to stop only certain people or businesses from calling.
Many different call blockers are available today, so choosing the best option for your needs can take time and effort. Here are some things to consider:
- Whether or not the device works with multiple numbers at once. Some devices allow this sort of thing; others don't. So make sure that whatever brand/model you choose does!
- How easy is it for users who need to be tech-savvy? Can they use them without having any trouble at all?
One of the best call-blocking devices is the CPR V100K Call Blocker. It has been preloaded with 100,000 known scam/nuisance numbers reported to the FCC. Once the call blocker is connected, this can significantly reduce robocalls, scam calls, political, election, and general nuisance calls.
The red "Block Now" button is on the unit's top. At the push of a button, the unwanted caller's number is stored in the unit's memory, the call will hang up, and it will block the number permanently. This feature allows you to block up to 10,000 unwanted calls.
THE CPR V100K Call Blocker is designed with a minimal footprint to fit perfectly next to your cordless phone at home or in the office. The prominent red block button is easy to see and press. And they are built to stay stable and durable, even when pushed hard.
2. Sign Up with the Do Not Call Registry
If you want to avoid unwanted calls and texts, the Do Not Call registry is a great way to do it. The program is free and covers both residential phones and cell phones. You can sign up at donotcall.gov. If you prefer to do so by phone or online, call 888-382-1222 anytime from 7 AM until 11 PM ET daily for assistance if necessary (including Christmas Eve).
The service lets consumers register their numbers with the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call Registry by providing their information. They'll also be selecting whether they want SMS text messages sent from telemarketers instead of calls (or vice versa).
3. Stop Spam Calls With Your Carrier
You can also block spam calls with your carrier. Some carriers offer free call blocking, but that doesn't mean it's automatic. You have to contact them and ask them for it.
Other carriers charge a fee for this service. You'll need to look up their prices online or in the phone book before signing up for any plan that includes filtering out spam calls.
Some carriers allow you to set up specific numbers or area codes as "blacklists" so they don't appear on caller ID screens. This feature is handy when traveling abroad since most international roaming charges apply only when using cellular service overseas—and sometimes even then.
4. File a Complaint With the Federal Trade Commission
If you want to stop telemarketing calls, filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the first step. The FTC can help you remove your phone number from telemarketing lists, investigate and prosecute companies that violate the Do Not Call Registry, and provide information about filing complaints if you believe someone has broken these rules. You also have options for contacting them online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
5. Hang Up Immediately
If a robocaller has you on the line, hang up right away. Pause before responding to any prompts the recording may offer. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely it is that this will result in more calls or messages in the future.
Don't give out personal information, such as your name or address, over the phone to a caller who says they're calling from "your bank" or "your insurance company." Don't call back the number that called you—even if they ask you to do so. These numbers are often spoofed. They could lead to more spam calls and viruses invading your computer or mobile device.
Conclusion
There is no easy way to stop spam calls this Christmas, but you can make it more difficult for robocallers to reach you. Using the tips above, you may be able to prevent many of those annoying calls from reaching your phone in the first place.
A call blocker device is strongly recommended to block spam calls. Our call blockers are meant to keep you and your family safe from unwanted phone calls and give you peace of mind at home. Browse our products or get in touch with us to help you.