Unknown calls are a nuisance for many of us as it appears at the most inappropriate time. Most of us have been interrupted during our important meetings by an unknown number calling to sell something. We have also woken up from a sound sleep just to hear a robocall trying to offer us more credit cards. Unwanted messages simply threaten to kill within 2 hours, kidnap a child, or loot a house the following day also occur frequently.
It might be a prank call from a college youngster who got bored or a genuine scam. These calls are incredibly annoying, and these messages can even raise our blood pressure sky-high. It is better to take all the necessary steps to avoid unwanted calls and messages to maintain your peace of mind and sanity.
Register with The Do Not Call List
This step is instrumental to avoid unwanted calls and messages as nearly 217 million customers trust the National Do Not Call Registry. However, specific phone calls listed below will still bother you even if you register:
- Calls from political parties and charitable organizations
- Calls to collect debts from banks or other organizations
- Survey calls and informational calls
Informational calls are tricky as they can easily turn into sales calls on the pretext of giving you data about new research or a business and luring you into buying a service. If you are getting frequent unwanted calls, register a complaint with complaints.donotcall.gov or the number 1-88 8-382-122. Alternatively, you can try the following steps to block a number:
Most Android high-end smartphones show a red header when you get calls from unwanted numbers. If you attend them and find out it is a robocall or a sales call, block the number using the settings in the Android OS.
Download an app from the Google Play Store or iOS store: Nomorobo, RoboKiller, or anything. And use them efficiently to weed out nuisance calls. If you’re frequently getting sales calls on your landline number, contact your ISP provider and ask them to block the number.
Stalking Protection
If you are being stalked by a number in your contact list, block the number or report it as spam. The ISP providers have an option to put a tag on your line and monitor if anybody is stalking you and sending threatening messages.
They will be able to proceed with the service only if you file a police complaint and request them legally to track the person threatening you and block the air calls completely. They will submit their report only to the legal attorneys and might even arrest the person threatening you.
Text Message Help
You can request the same help from your ISP to track adult messages or frequent inappropriate messages from the stalker. Simply marking the messages as spam will prevent other texts from that number from reaching you on many high-end smartphones.
But stalkers usually use an array of computer-generated numbers to call or message. Tagging your line and finding the source of such numerous messages is the best way to trace and stop the stalkers. You can register a complaint regarding the text messages in ftc.gov/complaint or through the same number (1-88 8-382-122) you reported unwanted calls. In addition to registering a complaint, you can directly visit the State Attorney Generals’ office and seek help by reporting to them in a written format.
Threatening Scam Calls
Numerous people get sudden calls stating they have received an enormous lottery or other prize money. If they attend the call and talk to the person on the other end, scammers start collecting specific details and track all the personal information about the victim using the data.
They start using the victim to pay them a certain amount of money, stating they owe them in the form of a payday loan, as an advance to receive the lottery, or using other illogical claims. They gather all the details about the victim’s family members like mother, father, and siblings and start calling them too, sabotaging the victim’s reputation.
Expert Advice
Do not pay them any money and request help from your local police station to register a complaint with the cybersecurity desk. Your complaint will be very helpful for the department to track such groups and prevent them from harassing other victims like you.
If you get any such calls regarding certain price wins or lottery wins, ask the name of the person talking to you and the company’s name. Search their phone number on Nuwber or PhoneHistory and see whether they are a real deal.
Never give any details about yourself to them if you do not find genuine information on the website. Sometimes frequent robocalls start occurring throughout the day. Experts suggest never answering or cutting them immediately if you pick up the phone to avoid getting into trouble.
Do not press a number they suggest and try to cut the call within 30 seconds of attending it to prevent the AI from tracking your location and other details.
Conclusion
Nobody is safe in this digital world where hackers find new ways to pry into our lives daily. Follow all the best practices suggested by the government and the experts to keep yourself safe. Ask for help if you become a victim of stalking or numerous unwanted messages or calls, and they will be ready to help you in times of peril.
