As our parents age, one of the most important things we can do is ensure their safety and well-being. With the rise of scam calls and robocalls, seniors are becoming prime targets for phone-based fraud. These calls not only waste time but can also cause significant financial and emotional distress.
One of the most effective ways to protect your parents from these threats is by setting up call blockers. In this blog, we will explore the importance of call blockers, how they work, and guide you on setting one up to keep your parents safe.
The Growing Threat of Scam Calls
In today’s digital age, phone scams have reached new heights, with criminals constantly finding new ways to manipulate people over the phone. The rise of robocalls, phishing attempts, and fraudulent telemarketing scams has made it increasingly difficult to trust calls from unknown numbers.
According to a 2024 study conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly half of all phone calls made in the U.S. are robocalls, with many targeting older adults. This alarming trend highlights the need for increased vigilance when it comes to safeguarding our elderly loved ones. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, including posing as government officials, banks, or even family members in distress, to coerce victims into giving up sensitive information or money.
What Are Call Blockers?
Call blockers are devices or software solutions that prevent unwanted or fraudulent calls from reaching a person’s phone. They work by screening incoming calls and blocking calls from numbers that are known to be associated with scams, robocalls, or telemarketers. Call blockers can be a lifesaver for seniors, offering peace of mind and reducing the likelihood of falling victim to scams.
Call Blocker Devices
These are physical gadgets that connect to a home phone line. They typically feature pre-loaded databases of known scam numbers and allow users to block or screen calls. Some models have additional features like whitelisting trusted numbers and enabling custom call-blocking preferences.
Mobile Call Blocking Apps
Apps such as Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller for smartphones aim to detect and prevent spam and robocalls. These apps rely on crowd-sourced data and real-time reports to filter out unwanted calls. They also offer features such as automatic blocking and manual call screening.
Carrier Call Blocking Services
Most major mobile carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer built-in call-blocking services. These services block potential spam calls by filtering out known scam numbers using the carrier’s database. Some carriers even offer enhanced features like fraud detection and real-time alerts.
Smartphone Built-in Features
Modern smartphones come with built-in call-blocking features. For example, Apple’s Silence Unknown Callers and Android’s Call Screening let you block calls from unknown or private numbers automatically. These options can help prevent unsolicited calls without requiring additional apps.
Robocall Blocking Systems for Landlines
Devices like the CPR Call Blocker or Sentry Call Blocker are designed specifically for landline phones. These systems feature large databases of known robocall and scam phone numbers. They can automatically block incoming robocalls or allow users to manually block specific numbers. They also include features like call whitelisting for trusted contacts.
Why You Should Set Up Call Blockers for Your Parents
As our parents age, their vulnerability to phone scams increases, making it crucial to take steps to protect them. Setting up a call blocker is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted and potentially harmful calls from reaching their phones. You can assist your parents in avoiding fraud and ensuring their safety by blocking robocalls, telemarketing, and scam attempts.
Prevents Scams and Fraud
The primary benefit of a call blocker is its ability to prevent scam calls from reaching your parents. Devices and apps often maintain up-to-date lists of known scam phone numbers, and they automatically block calls from these sources. By using a call blocker, you significantly reduce the risk of your parents falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Many older adults feel anxiety or confusion when they receive constant robocalls or unsolicited calls from unknown numbers. The constant ringing of the phone can become overwhelming. Emotional distress can arise from the fear of scammers. By using a call blocker, you can help alleviate this stress and allow your parents to enjoy their phone calls without fear of unwanted interruptions.
Protects Their Personal Information
Scammers often attempt to extract personal information from their victims, including credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and banking details. A call blocker shields your parents from these types of calls, preventing the theft of their sensitive data.
Allows For Better Control Over Their Communication
Setting up a call blocker allows your parents to regain control over their phone and communications. Many call blockers allow users to maintain a list of trusted contacts while automatically blocking potential threats. This level of control is especially valuable for seniors who might not be familiar with the latest technology but still want to stay connected with family and friends.
Enhances Overall Safety and Security
In addition to blocking fraudulent calls, call blockers can contribute to your parents' overall safety by helping them avoid interactions with malicious individuals. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics or even pose as emergency responders or medical professionals to create a sense of urgency. With a call blocker in place, your parents can filter out these deceptive calls, reducing their exposure to potential threats and improving their overall security.
How to Set Up Call Blockers
Setting up a call blocker for your parents is a simple yet effective way to protect them from unwanted and potentially harmful calls. Whether you choose a device for their landline or an app for their smartphone, the setup process is straightforward. In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure your parents’ phones are secure and free from scam calls.
Choose the Right Call Blocker
The first step in setting up a call blocker is selecting the right device or app for your parents’ needs. If they use a landline, a physical call blocker device is a wonderful option. Devices like the CPR Call Blocker offer a straightforward setup process and are compatible with most landline phones.
Install the Call Blocker
Once you’ve selected the appropriate call blocker, the next step is installation. For physical devices, this typically involves connecting the device between the phone and the wall socket. Many call blockers come with a quick-start guide that makes the process simple.
Set Up the Blocklist
After installation, the call blocker will need to be programmed to block unwanted calls. This step may involve adding numbers to a blocklist manually or syncing the device or app with an updated list of known scam numbers.
Monitor and Update the Settings
After setting up the call blocker, it's crucial to regularly check its performance and adjust the settings as necessary. Scam callers are constantly changing their tactics, so it’s important to keep the device or app up to date. Most devices and apps automatically update their blocklists, but it’s still a beneficial idea to check the settings from time to time.
Customize Whitelist and Block Specific Numbers
In addition to blocking known scam numbers, it’s important to personalize the call blocker by adding trusted contacts to a whitelist. This ensures that important calls from family, friends, or essential services are not mistakenly blocked. Many call blockers allow you to manually add specific numbers to this list, giving your parents the assurance that they won't miss any important calls while simultaneously preventing scam calls.
Conclusion
Setting up a call blocker for your parents is a simple yet powerful way to protect them from the growing threat of phone-based scams. Whether you choose a physical call blocker device or a smartphone app, the important thing is that you take action to ensure their safety. By blocking fraudulent calls, reducing anxiety, and giving them more control over their communications, you can help your parents stay safe and enjoy peace of mind in today’s digital world.
Consider investing in a device like the CPR Call Blocker, which provides both effective protection and ease of use. With the right tools in place, you can help safeguard your parents against the ever-present danger of phone scams, giving them the freedom to enjoy their golden years without fear of being targeted.
The CPR Call Blocker Solution
One of the most effective tools available for preventing scam calls is the CPR Call Blocker. Designed to protect both households and businesses, this innovative device can block thousands of scam numbers with the push of a button.
Unlike many other call-blocking solutions, CPR Call Blocker allows users to manually block unwanted numbers, giving them full control over their phone lines. Additionally, it preprograms thousands of known scam numbers, guaranteeing users' protection from the start.
CPR Call Blocker offers a sense of peace of mind to households, especially those with elderly individuals who are often targeted by phone scams. Businesses benefit from reduced disruptions and improved productivity as fewer scam calls reach their phone lines.
Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you.