The phone rings, and as soon as you say hello, the person on the other end starts babbling about saving money on car insurance.
don’t say anything! They may be recording your voice and they will use it to impersonate you. avoid saying the word if you say it.
I hear this question a lot on national radio. If you’re too shy to come on my show, put your notes on my site. I read every single one.
When it comes to telemarketing and scam calls, the best thing to do is not answer the phone.
But it’s not always easy to tell if a call is legitimate — especially if your phone doesn’t display a scam or spam warning.
You want to stop these calls before they happen. That’s it.
5 Secrets Only Cybersecurity Experts and Hackers Know
Block calls from smartphones
Your phone has built-in security tools to protect you from scammers, and you should know about one of the most basic: blocking.
If you get a call from a number that you know is associated with a scammer or telemarketer, block it. You can do this as many times as you want.
block incoming calls from iPhone
- Open mobile application then click information button next to the number you want to block. The info button is a lowercase (i) inside a circle.
- scroll down and tap block this caller.
Caller ID on iPhone (Cyberguy.com)
block incoming calls from android phone
- open your mobile application.
- tap more > call records.
- Tap Incoming calls from numbers you want to block.
- tap Block/Report Spam.
What about the unknown? You may prefer to block them entirely, but be careful.
Silencing an unknown caller may silence your call think Receive important calls from doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. from numbers not in your contacts. But generally, if the call is important, they leave a voicemail.
mute unknown numbers on iphone
- go set up > Telephone > Mute unknown calls.
- Open Mute unknown calls.
Mute unknown numbers from Android
- click phone icon and select three point menu.
- go set up > block number.
- Open Block incoming calls from unidentified callers.
carrier tool
Seniors are easy targets for scams (CyberGuy.com)
Your wireless carrier can also help you avoid spam. Some have advanced caller ID that lets you know when you’re getting a possible spam text. Some carrier-provided apps have more powerful tools for blocking unwanted calls and texts.
This includes T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor, and Verizon Call Filter. Check your service provider’s website or call them to learn more about their services.
While unexpected calls from outside the U.S. are a big red flag to watch out for, scammers can trick you into thinking they’re calling locally. Tap or click here for tips on spotting this trick and a list of area codes to avoid.
third-party usage
Nomorobo is a third-party app that provides real-time protection from robocalls, telemarketers, spam and phone scammers calling your iOS or Android phone. It lets the phone ring once, then tries to identify the caller. If the number is found in the app’s automated callers list, it will be automatically blocked.
You can try it for free for 14 days, then you’ll pay $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year.This application is suitable for iOS and android.
do not call the registry
It probably won’t block everything, but it’s worth adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry (if you never have one). There is no fee to add your number to the list, and the purpose is to stop selling calls, although we all know scammers don’t care about rules or laws.
go donotcall.gov Add your phone number. You can add multiple numbers to the list, so do your older family members a favor and add them.
maintain your technical knowledge
An incoming call pops up on the smartphone. (iStock)
CHATGPT can pass 90% of the bar exam
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