Fight Back Against Spam: How to Outsmart Annoying Calls and Texts

Fight Back Against Spam: How to Outsmart Annoying Calls and Texts

Spam calls and texts are more than just an inconvenience—they waste time, cause frustration, and sometimes expose you to scams. But you don’t have to feel powerless. By using smart strategies and tools, you can significantly cut down on the number of interruptions. Here’s how to fight back effectively.

The Power of a Single “Hello”

One effective trick to filter out spam calls is deceptively simple: when answering a call from an unknown number, say “hello” just once. If there’s no immediate reply, hang up.

This works because telemarketers and robocallers often use predictive dialers, which call multiple numbers at once and connect the first response to a live agent. If there’s a pause or delay after your “hello,” that’s usually the system processing your response. Hanging up during this pause saves you from dealing with a sales pitch or scam and helps avoid confirming your number as “active,” which can lead to more spam calls.

In years of using this strategy, I’ve rarely hung up on a legitimate call. If the number calls back immediately, I let it go to voicemail. This approach is simple, fast, and effective.

Leverage 7726 (SPAM) to Report Spam Texts

Few people realize that spam texts can be reported directly to your carrier through a free service at 7726 (SPAM). Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile support this feature.

To use it, simply forward the spam message to 7726. Your carrier will reply, asking for the sender’s phone number. Once you provide it, they use the information to investigate and block spammers at the network level. While this doesn’t immediately stop messages from that number, it contributes to broader efforts to shut down spam sources.

Learn more about 7726 from Verizon and AT&T.

Use Spam-Blocking Apps Wisely

For frequent spam calls and texts, consider using spam-blocking apps. These tools analyze spam patterns and help block unwanted numbers. Here are three popular options:

  • Hiya (Learn more)
    • Cost: Free with premium features at $3.99/month
    • Privacy: Uses anonymized call and text data to improve spam detection
    • Features: Reverse number lookup and personalized call blocking
  • RoboKiller (Learn more)
    • Cost: Free trial, then $4.99/month
    • Privacy: Collects call metadata but doesn’t require access to your contact list
    • Features: Spam interception and “answer bots” to waste telemarketers’ time
  • Nomorobo (Learn more)
    • Cost: Free for landlines, $1.99/month for mobile
    • Privacy: Collects call data for spam detection without selling your data
    • Features: Simple call blocking with minimal privacy concerns

Before committing, review their privacy policies to understand how your data is used.

Built-In Phone and Carrier Features

Modern phones and carriers offer free tools to combat spam:

  • iPhones: Enable “Silence Unknown Callers” (Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers) to send calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
  • Android Phones: Use Google’s Call Screen to screen calls in real-time.
  • Carrier Tools:

These tools are easy to set up and highly effective at reducing interruptions.

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Register with the Do Not Call Registry

The Do Not Call Registry won’t stop all spam, but it does reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers. Register your number or verify its status at donotcall.gov. While non-profits, political calls, and scams aren’t covered, registering ensures legal telemarketers must respect your preferences.

Don’t Say “Yes”

One critical rule for answering calls from unknown numbers is to avoid saying “yes” or any other form of affirmation. Scammers can record this response and use it as fraudulent consent for unauthorized charges or agreements.

For example, a scammer might splice a recording of you saying “yes” into a fabricated conversation to claim you approved a service or agreed to a purchase. This tactic is often referred to as the “Can You Hear Me?” scam, where the caller tricks you into saying “yes” by asking a question like “Can you hear me?”

To protect yourself:

  • Stick to neutral responses like “hello” or “Who’s calling?”
  • Avoid confirming personal information or responding to unfamiliar prompts.
  • If something feels suspicious, hang up immediately.

By staying vigilant and refusing to engage, you make it harder for scammers to exploit you.

Report Spam to Authorities

If spam persists, file complaints with regulatory agencies.

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Submit complaints at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report unwanted robocalls and texts at FCC Complaints.

These reports help authorities build cases against repeat offenders.

Reclaim Your Phone

While no single tool or trick will eliminate spam entirely, combining methods like the “one hello” tactic, 7726 reporting, spam-blocking apps, and carrier tools can significantly reduce unwanted calls and texts. With persistence and a little know-how, you can outsmart spammers and enjoy a more peaceful phone experience.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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