Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?

Life is simple. Especially with all the modern technological innovations we have at our disposal. But whats up with these spam calls? Why am I getting so many spam calls?

They are a nuisance. They are bothersome. Most of all… they are unwelcome.

So why do people or entities you have no inkling of have started calling you?

Today we’ll answer why you have been getting spam calls, and what can be done to do away with the specter of spam calls.

Why am I suddenly getting so many spam calls?

Getting a sudden increase in spam calls can be frustrating and concerning. Telephony software maker Truecaller estimates that over 2 billion spam calls are made in the USA every month.

That’s quite a lot. And it has happened to almost everyone you know.

If you found yourself asking why am I getting so many spa calls this week or monthly, there are several potential reasons for that:

1. Data Breaches: Your phone number might have been exposed in a data breach. When companies experience data breaches, hackers and spammers can access and use personal information, including phone numbers.

2. Robocall Technology: Spammers use automated systems to dial multiple numbers quickly and efficiently. If your number was randomly generated or selected, it might be targeted more frequently.

3. Phone Number Leaks: If you recently shared your phone number online or with a service that doesn't have strict privacy policies, it could have been sold or shared with third parties.

4. Increased Activity: If you've been more active online, signing up for new services, or filling out forms that require a phone number, your information might have been collected and distributed to marketers and spammers.

5. Carrier Issues: Sometimes, your phone carrier might not be effectively blocking spam calls. Some carriers offer spam-blocking services, but their effectiveness can vary.

It doesn’t matter if you are using a feature phone or an always online smartphone. Scammers are increasingly relying on sophisticated techniques to reach you.

At best, they are just wasting your time. These can be the pre-recorded robocalls where you have a soulless, robotic voice narrating you about their not-so-awesome list of products and services that are…sic… designed to make life easier for you. Don’t be fooled if these robotic calls call you by your name during the call. Remember, If they have your number, chances are they also have your name.

At worst, they are out to steal a crucial piece of information that can be used to defraud you, your loved ones or your workplace. They may need your OTP code, social security number, even something as inconsequential as your pet’s name (newsflash: no personally identifiable information is inconsequential!).

As you may have surmised, they do not deserve an ounce of your time and/or attention.

So if you are still thinking - why am I getting spam calls? It’s time to change the paradigm. It is time to bring the hammer down on spam calls in general.

In the US, the FTC has clear rules for which type of robocalls are legitimate and do not require anyone’s permission.

Here are some examples of what types of robocalls are allowed:

• Informational messages: These are robocalls that tell you if you have an upcoming medical appointment or a flight update. Pretty handy to know if your flight has been canceled right?

• Debt collection robocalls: If you have some loans to pay to a legit business, they are allowed to reach you with recorded calls. However, these do not include services that convince you to reduce your debt (those are most likely to be scams).

• Charity robocalls: If you are a member or donor to a charity, they are allowed to send you robocalls.

Some of these calls feel pretty harmless. However, you can stop them with an automated option.

Thankfully, your mobile device and carrier have built-in features to help you minimize the number of spam calls you receive. Stopping spam calls on Android, iPhones and your regular phone is easy.

We’ll level with you here. Fighting against spammers is a continuous effort. Phone makers, lawmakers, and citizens have collaborated with each other to reduce if not outright eliminate spam calls in your life. The National Do Not Call Registry is one of the meaningful measures that involves a collective effort on part of every stakeholder to defeat spam calls.

Just remember – if you get a spam call, don’t ignore it. Report it with a single click. Modern technology can be wonderful when it also makes it easy to report spam calls. Don’t forget to do your bit to make phone calls less of a nuisance for everybody.