Tips To Avoid Spam Calls From Unknown Area Codes

Have you ever received unwanted calls from numbers you have never dialed before on your phone from different area codes? Not only do these calls consume your time, but they pose a threat to your identity as well. 😞

Unknown numbers calling can be annoying and stressful when their calls do not seem to cease. Every call that someone receives may come with an offer of a scam or a marketing one, which makes it very difficult to differentiate between a real call and a fake or a scam one.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these spam calls, and here are some of the things you can try.

So, in this guide, you will discover useful strategies and applications that will help you protect your phone from certain numbers and make you feel calm again. Also, you’ll learn about how easy changes and better habits may save your phone line from being intercepted and protect your conversations.

So let's get started! 🎉

Understanding spam calls from unknown area codes

Spam calls from unknown area codes are one of the consolidated phone calls that often come from a number with unfamiliar area codes. These calls are usually initiated by scammers to trick people into answering and use international area codes with a +1 country code to make the number seem domestic (in the US).

Furthermore, scammers use some common scam tactics, such as robocalls, phishing, and telemarketing calls. Using this technique, they tend to use threatening language to pressure recipients into responding quickly. Through this, they create a sense of panic or urgency that can lead to take individuals hasty decisions.

Why do spam calls often come from unknown area codes?

Generally, scammers use unfamiliar numbers to generate a feeling of the need to respond or curiosity, forcing the receiver to pick up the call. This technique is also known as spoofing, whereby the caller masks their actual phone numbers to make it seem like they are calling from a genuine or local number.

Also, spoofing enables scammers to rely on the intelligence of the area codes, making it more likely that the call will be answered, even though the caller is an outlaw with malicious intent. This should make you realize the need to be more vigilant and aware.

What to do if you’ve already answered a spam call?

It is natural to feel a surge of adrenaline since you have been faced with spam calls and are nearly having your information exposed. So, in that situation, there are some common points you make when you have already answered a spam call.

Stay calm, and don’t provide personal information.

When you realize you’re answering a spam call, try to stay calm. Many spammers will try to pressure you to give up your sensitive information. However, it is important not to disclose the information–say it politely but firmly. Your calm nature will also assist you in ‘logging off’ from the call without revealing any information that the hacker may exploit.

Hang up immediately.

If you discover that the call is spam or a scam, try to disconnect it as soon as possible. Just by interacting with the caller, they might think of you as a target and call you again or try to get you to fall for their tricks.

In this way, hang up as soon as possible; you can avoid increasing the level of conflict or giving the caller any details he or she may want. This step is particularly critical in preventing follow-up scams and mitigating the threats that may be posed to you.

Check your accounts and credit reports.

Following that, you can take the following measures to ensure that your vital information is not exposed. Firstly, check your bank and credit card statements for any unknown charges. If you see any irregularity or something you have no idea about, then it is high time you contact your financial institutions and report the issue, as well as seek advice on what to do next.

Also, it is advisable to review the credit reports from the major credit reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, to look for any suspicious activity or any accounts that were opened on your credit. If you think that you are a victim of identity theft, you may need to put a fraud alert or a credit freeze to avoid further usage of your identity.

Top tips to avoid spam calls from unknown area codes

To effectively reduce the number of spam calls you receive from unknown area codes, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Recognize and ignore suspicious calls

Firstly, try not to answer the unknown number you receive with unknown codes on your phone. However, in case you have already answered the call and discover it is a spam call, hang up immediately.

Moreover, do not try to talk to the caller because this may encourage more calls to pass through. A legitimate caller can leave a message when you are unable to attend a call, which can help you avoid answering all the different strange number calls.

2. Use call-blocking apps and features

Most modern smartphones have a built-in call-blocking option, and many applications in the app stores will allow you to filter out unwanted calls. Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller are among the apps that can alert you to known spam numbers before reaching you. They usually enable you to block your unwanted numbers of choice and are very effective in lessening the number of calls you receive.

3. Register on the national do not call registry

Another way to reduce telemarketing calls is to have your phone number listed in the National Do Not Call Registry. Although some people may not follow this list, those who are genuine in telemarketing must obey it.

To be added to the Do Not Call Registry, call 1-888-382-1222 or else you can also register your number online at donotcall.gov; it usually takes about 31 days for your number to be registered.

4. Identify and learn about suspicious area codes

Many con artists make a point of using local phone numbers so that victims answer the calls. However, if you get a call from an unknown area code, it is better to avoid picking up the call.

Additionally, know the area codes that are most likely to be used to make spam calls. Some international area codes, such as 268, 284, 473, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849, and 876, are associated with spam calls. Some U.S. area codes, like 347 area code, 469, 216, 646, 332, and 657, are also associated with spam calls.

5. Report spam calls

To tackle the problem, you can report spam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or complain to the FCC. Thus, sharing information about the call helps address global initiatives targeted at combating spam calls. It can also assist others in refraining from falling for similar scams again.

6. Enable the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature

Almost all smartphones today come with a feature that allows the user to block all anonymous callers. This means that calls from unknown people will be automatically directed to voice mail, enabling you to block the calls without any form of intermission. For instance, on iPhones, you can activate this feature under settings, “Phone.”

7. Regularly update your phone’s software

Ensuring the Android phone software is updated can help it perform better. This includes spam call blocking, which is a security feature. Such updates sometimes contain enhancements to the call-blocking feature and other features that are targeted at improving the privacy and security of the users.

How to Handle Persistent Spam Calls

Dealing with random spam calls can be very frustrating, but you can absolutely regain control and reduce the frequency by following some procedures. Some of them are:

1. Contact your service provider

Most providers have integrated spam detection services, which may help block all spammers' numbers. So, call your service provider for information on what spam-blocking options are offered or whether there is an application for them. Some carriers also offer services that enable the user to report a number as spam, which can assist carriers in improving their filtering services.

2. Consider using a secondary number

Employing a secondary number is a good way to deal with spam calls. You can get numbers for such usage from VoIP service providers, which allows users to acquire multiple numbers. You can use this number for anything that requires you to fill in a number, such as registration or subscribing to a service. In this way, the primary number remains concealed, and if the second number is flooded with spam, then it can be stopped without damaging the main line.

3. Change Your Phone Number as a Last Resort

If the spam calls escalate and other options do not help, the only solution may be to change your phone number. Choose a new number that gives an almost instant reprieve from spam calls and lets you reset the situation. This can be particularly useful if a number has gotten out into the public domain or has been compromised in some way.

Conclusion

Spoofing to unknown area codes is not only an inconvenience but also poses a threat to your identity and well-being. With the help of these useful recommendations, you will be able to regain control over your phone and minimize the number of invasive calls. As you can see, a little caution will go a long way.

Moreover, use call-blocking apps, familiarize yourself with most occurring spam techniques, and do not rush to pick up calls from unknown numbers. Protect your time and personal life now and receive a more calm and secure phone experience. So, stay proactive, and stay protected!

FAQs

What happens if I answer a spam call?

If you answer the spam call there might be several potential consequences such as identify theft risk, expensive phone bills, and financial losses.

Can spam calls from unknown area codes be dangerous?

Yes, spam calls from unknown area codes can be dangerous. Scammers often use these calls to trick people into giving them their sensitive information.

How can I identify a spam call before answering?

You can identify a spam call before answering by looking at caller ID, listening for red flags, also being cautious of requests for personal info and unfamiliar area codes.

Is there any way to completely stop spam calls?

Yes, there are many possible ways to stop spam calls completely by using call blocking features, registering on the national do not call registry, reporting spam calls, enabling the silence of unknown callers, and being cautious with your numbers.