Spam has existed for as long as communication has. Now in the digital era, it has invaded our emails, texts and phone calls – essentially evolving into spam calls. But what exactly is spam, and why is it such a headache?

Back in the day, spam was the equivalent of someone trying to sell you something you didn't want – think of it as the 1800s version of junk mail. As technology advanced, so did the ways people could bother us. 

With emails, spammers could reach thousands with just a click. And with smartphones, they could now annoy us on the go with calls and texts. Today, spamming is not merely a tactic; it's a thriving industry, and to a spammer, you’re just a call away.

A spam call is an unsolicited and often unwanted phone call that is typically made for commercial or fraudulent purposes. These calls can originate from automated systems (known as robocalls) or individuals (such as telemarketers or scammers) with the intention of deceiving, defrauding, or promoting products/services.

TruCaller published a report on spam calls in 2024, collecting data from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024. Here are some key highlights: 

While a majority of spam calls made to Americans are originated from within the country, here's the breakdown of spam calls outside the US by country in terms of percentage:

These are automated calls that deliver pre-recorded messages, often used for telemarketing or spreading scams. They can flood phone lines with mass messages, making them a common annoyance for many individuals. They come in the form of calls and even text messages.

An estimated 31 billion robocalls were received by Americans in the first half of 2023, amounting to an estimated $33 billion in losses.

According to RoboKiller, these were the top robocall categories in 2023: 

Designed to deceive individuals into providing personal information, money, or access to their devices. Examples include IRS scams, where callers pose as IRS agents to demand immediate payment, tech support scams claiming your computer has a virus, or lottery scams promising large winnings in exchange for fees.

Calls that disguise their originating phone number to appear as a familiar or trusted entity, such as a local number or a legitimate business, increasing the likelihood of the call being answered.

These calls disguise their originating phone number to appear as a familiar or trusted entity, such as a local number or a legitimate business. This tactic increases the likelihood of the call being answered but may lead to potential scams or fraudulent activities.

Calls that serve no legitimate purpose and are merely intended to annoy or harass the recipient. These can include silent calls, where no one speaks when the call is answered, or repeated hang-up calls.

Phishing calls are calls that attempt to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, under the guise of a legitimate organization or authority.

Calls from debt collectors attempting to collect payment on overdue debts. While some of these calls may be legitimate, others may be attempts to scam or intimidate individuals.

These are related to political campaigns or surveys and may not necessarily be spam. However, they can still be unwanted if the recipient has not opted in to receive them, especially if they are frequent or intrusive.

Earlier this year, a news report emerged regarding a robocall that faked the voice of US President Joe Biden calling on Democrats not to vote in the primary elections. “Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again,” the voice mimicking Biden says. “Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”

Everyone at some point has received a spam call or text. And while it’s tempting to answer such calls and engage with the callers, it could lead to severe consequences. The best thing to do is block spam calls. If you answer a spam call, you could:

• Fall Victim to Scams: Be deceived into providing personal information or sending money under false pretenses, leading to financial loss or identity theft.

• Receive More Spam Calls: Confirm to spammers that your number is active, resulting in an increase in spam calls.

• Verify Your Number: Spammers may use your answered call to verify that your number is valid and then target you more.

• Risk Malware or Phishing: Be exposed to malware or phishing attempts if you follow instructions given during the call, such as visiting a website or downloading a file.

Identifying spam calls can help you avoid potential scams and protect your personal information. Here are some tips on how to identify spam calls:

Spam calls have become an inevitable part of modern communication, posing significant risks to individuals' privacy, security, and time. The statistics paint a stark picture of the sheer volume of spam calls received and the global impact of this digital nuisance. 

By identifying the types of spam calls and recognizing red flags such as unknown numbers, caller ID spoofing, and suspicious requests for personal information, individuals can make informed decisions when answering calls and avoid falling victim to the tactics employed by spam callers.