Unexpected calls, suspicious audio messages, touts with vague titles… For many French people, abusive phone searches are a real plague. In mid-November, after the Senate, the National Assembly adopted a proposed European resolution requiring canvassers to only contact citizens who have given their consent to be contacted.
Before the concrete application of this text, consumers can also protect themselves individually. The government particularly recommends the Bloctel system, launched in 2016, which allows you to oppose telephone campaigns for free. But this system remains imperfect: it does not prevent, for example, promoting energy restructuring or even the CPF.And this “did not allow us to stop the phenomenon of massive unwanted calls”, he recalls UFC what to choose. However,there are other solutions to avoid abusive calls and pushy sellers. Here they are.
Orange phone
Free, open to everyone on Android and iOS, the Orange Telephone application allows you to identify spam calls or abusive searches. concretely,this indicates a small warning message when you receive a call that could come from a street vendor or a potential scammer. To identify these unwanted numbers, the tool uses a regularly updated list of user reports. To work properly, the application must constantly run in the background of your phone and must be updated frequently.
orange phone
Available and accessible even without queuing at home 😉
I have put it on my phones from different operators including Orange and I frequently enough see the interceptions but it never bothers me 😎 pic.twitter.com/i5oc2in7rt
— ▶ WILL’ 🔲🟥 #JeSoutiensC8 (@WillyTweete) December 10, 2024
Orange&Moi or MySosh antispam
Still in the same group, subscribers to the Sosh or Orange packages can use the “Anti-spam calls” option via the “MySosh” or “Orange&Moi” application. These allow, like Orange Telephone, to identify and block unwanted calls. Note: These applications must be opened regularly for their data to be updated. You can perform these updates every 7 or 15 days.
Started
For Apple phone owners, there’s also the Begone app, which “makes blocking individual numbers or ranges of numbers quick and easy.” If you want to block an entire family of numbers, simply enter the first matching digits, followed by ### (example: + 33 1 23 45 ####).“This way you can promptly block tens of thousands of numbers with a simple entry,” explains Begone.This tool “can also act as a private directory for people or companies that you do not want to add to your contacts, but that you want to identify when they call you,” its creators specify on the dedicated page.
Protect your data
If touts are able to contact you directly by telephone it is certainly because they have access to your data. To limit its circulation,the consumer rights group UFC Que Choisir created a platform,“ respectmesdatas.fr », which helps consumers who want to ask their operator to “stop transferring their data to the public directory and its partners, in accordance with the GDPR”.
Monitor caller numbers
Since 2023,strict rules have been in force regulating commercial sales by telephone. As remembered UFC Que Choisirthe Electronic Communications Authority (Arcep) only authorizes the use of certain combinations of numbers by these commercial entities, namely numbers starting with 09 48 and 09 49, 01 62 and 01 63, 02 70 and 02 71, 03 77 and 03 78, 04 24 and 04 25, 05 68 and 05 69. Numbers that you can then indicate in a dedicated tool if you want to carry out a preventive block… Or that the bravest ones can have fun remembering and identifying on their own.
Report abusive calls
In addition to preventative applications, you can also report unwanted SMS and calls to the 33700 platform (via SMS or on its dedicated website), which fights against these abusive communications. In particular, phone calls or telephone spam are reported which “generally encourage people to call a premium rate number or a foreign number” – to be distinguished from simple untimely commercial prospecting. These reports are then sent and processed daily by telephone operators.
What are the most effective ways to block unwanted phone calls in France?
Interview: Tackling the Plague of Abusive Phone Searches in France
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re addressing a pressing issue that many French citizens face: the relentless barrage of unwanted phone calls. Joining us is Dr. Sophie leroux, a consumer rights expert and advocate against phone harassment. Dr. Leroux, thank you for being here.
Dr. Leroux: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be able to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recent legislative moves by the French National Assembly aim to regulate unsolicited calls by requiring canvassers to obtain consent before reaching out. Do you think this will substantially alleviate the problem?
dr. Leroux: Yes, I believe it’s a step in the right direction. This resolution empowers consumers by putting control back in their hands. If individuals have to opt in for calls, it will certainly reduce the volume of unsolicited contact. However, it’s important that enforcement measures are implemented effectively to ensure compliance among businesses.
Editor: That’s a valid point. Before this legislation is enacted, what can individuals do to protect themselves from these harassing calls?
Dr. Leroux: One of the primary methods is to register with the Bloctel system, which allows consumers to opt-out of many telemarketing calls. though, it’s not foolproof. for instance, it doesn’t block calls regarding energy restructuring or certain public services, which are often used as loopholes by marketers.
Editor: So, in addition to bloctel, what other resources can consumers utilize?
dr. Leroux: There are a few great tools available. As an example, the Orange Telephone application is a popular option that helps users identify potential spam calls by utilizing a community-based reporting system. This app alerts you when a call might be a sales pitch or scam,provided it’s constantly updated and running in the background.
Editor: That does sound helpful! Are there any other digital tools that work similarly?
Dr.Leroux: Absolutely! There are other applications like Orange&Moi and MySosh AntiSpam that enhance the spam filtering process. They not only help in identifying unwanted calls but also allow users to report spam numbers, contributing to a community effort to combat this issue.
Editor: With these tools at consumers’ disposal, do we see a larger trend of awareness regarding unwanted phone calls and consumer rights?
Dr.Leroux: definitely.The more people learn about these tools and legal rights, the more empowered they feel to take action.Awareness campaigns are crucial, and it’s inspiring to see organizations promoting consumer education about phone harassment.
Editor: As we wrap up, what final thoughts do you have for our readers who might be frustrated with unwanted calls?
Dr.Leroux: It’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and proactive. Utilize the tools available, stay informed about your rights, and don’t hesitate to report abusive practices. Collective action can lead to ample change, and together, we can create a more respectful communication environment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Leroux, for your insights and practical advice. It’s been an enlightening discussion, and I’m sure our readers will appreciate your tips on navigating this modern nuisance.
Dr. Leroux: Thank you! It was my pleasure to share these insights with your audience.Let’s keep pushing for change.