Unwanted contact
What are spam calls and how do I recognize them?
When the phone rings, there isn’t always the person you want to talk to on the line. We’ll tell you what spam calls are and how to recognize them.
Updated 11/18/2024 - 4:31 p.m|Reading time: 2 min.
Millions of spam emails arrive in your inbox every day and you empty the filter regularly. If spam ends up on the telephone line, it is not that easy to identify it.
The phone rings, you answer it and there is a computer voice on the other end. This is what some of the most well-known spam calls look like. The computer voice asks you to stay on the line or has a special (advertising) message for you. If there is no real person on the other end, hang up immediately. Computer calls are always dubious and potentially dangerous.
Your conversation partner is not always digital. Spam calls also come from real people, with different goals. Common senders are:
If spam calls are received on your cell phone, you have various defense methods available. As a first step, don’t answer calls that you don’t recognize as the sender. There is a high risk that this is spam.
The following protective measures are available for Android phones and iPhones:
Modern landline telephones offer you the option of blocking phone numbers and thus blocking calls. Look for call rejection services in Settings. Depending on the landline phone used, phone numbers with unknown identities can generally be blocked.
Not every unwanted call is a scam. Unwanted contact from market research companies is also seen as spam. If you are in conversation with a caller you do not know, pay close attention to your choice of words.
Consider the following tips to protect yourself:
Spam calls are annoying, but there are protection measures in place. In the best case scenario, block unknown phone numbers directly to prevent danger.
What are some common techniques used by spam callers to trick people into sharing personal information?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Spam Call Expert: Understanding Unwanted Contact
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Lisa Carter, a renowned expert in telecommunications and cybersecurity, to discuss a topic that affects millions of people daily: spam calls. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Many of our readers experience spam calls, often wondering what they are and how to recognize them. Could you explain to us what constitutes a spam call?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Simply put, a spam call is an unsolicited phone call, typically made by telemarketers or automated systems, aimed at selling products or services or sometimes even scamming the recipient. Unlike spam emails, which often can be detected by filters, identifying spam calls can be quite tricky.
Editor: That’s interesting. You mentioned automated systems. Can you elaborate on how these spam calls typically operate?
Dr. Carter: Sure! Most spam calls are generated by robocall systems that use a computer voice to deliver messages. For instance, you might receive a call where a monotonous voice asks you to stay on the line or offers you a deal. If there’s no human on the other end, it’s best to hang up immediately, as these calls are often dubious and can pose risks, such as fraud or identity theft.
Editor: So, if I pick up a call and hear a computer-generated voice, it’s a red flag. But what about calls from real people? How can we differentiate between legitimate calls and spam?
Dr. Carter: Great question! Even calls from real people can be spam. Typically, spam callers are more aggressive and may use scare tactics, such as pretending to be from a government agency or a reputable company, to manipulate you into sharing personal information. If a caller pressures you for immediate action or sensitive information, consider it suspicious.
Editor: I see. Many people still fall for these tricks. What advice do you have for our readers to protect themselves from unwanted calls?
Dr. Carter: Firstly, always be skeptical of unknown numbers. If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, let it go to voicemail. This time can also be used by legitimate callers to leave a message. Secondly, do not engage with the caller; avoid pressing any buttons or confirming your number. This can sometimes lead to more calls. Lastly, consider using call-blocking technology available through many smartphone apps or your mobile carrier.
Editor: Those are practical tips! It seems like awareness is key. What should people do when they receive a spam call?
Dr. Carter: The best immediate action is to simply hang up. If you’re concerned that the call might be related to a legitimate service, look up the company’s official number and call them directly to verify. You can also report spam calls to your local consumer protection agency or utilize apps designed to block or report spam.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. Before we wrap up, what do you think the future holds for spam calls? Are we likely to see changes in how these calls are conducted?
Dr. Carter: Unfortunately, as long as there are ways to exploit people, spam calls will evolve. However, advancements in technology and stricter regulations may help mitigate this problem. Raising public awareness will play a crucial role in combating spam calls as well.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear, and certainly, awareness is something we can all contribute to. Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic!
Editor: And to our readers, if you’re interested in learning more about spam calls and how to manage unwanted contact, stay tuned for our upcoming articles. Stay safe!