What is a spam call?
Definition
A spam call is an unwanted, unsolicited phone call, usually automated or mass-dialed, that tries to sell you something or trick you into handing over money or personal details.
- Category
- Scams
- Also called
- spam calls, unwanted call, robocall
- Last updated
Most spam calls are robocalls: a recording or an automated system dials thousands of numbers and plays a message when someone picks up. Some are just aggressive sales pitches. Others are scams, such as a fake bank warning, a made-up problem with your account or a prize you never entered for.
The FTC says a robocall that tries to sell you something is illegal unless the company has your written permission to call you that way. Scammers ignore that rule, which is why being on the Do Not Call Registry stops legitimate sellers but not criminals.
A typical example: your phone rings from a number with your own area code, a recording says there's a problem with your account and tells you to press 1 to speak to someone. Pressing a number, the FTC warns, will probably just lead to more robocalls, because it tells the caller your line is live.
Spam call vs. related terms
- Spoofing is faking the number shown on your caller ID. Many spam calls use it, which is why a local-looking number proves nothing.
- Vishing is a scam call where a person or recording tries to get your passwords, card numbers or codes.
- Smishing is the same idea over text message.
Spam callers often have your name and number because both are sold or listed by data brokers. The fewer places your phone number sits, the less often it ends up on a dialing list.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Hang up and don't press anything
Don't press 1 to opt out and don't say anything. The FTC says pressing a number will probably lead to more robocalls.
- 2
Turn on call blocking and labeling
The FTC calls call blocking and call labeling your best defense. Use your phone's built-in settings or your carrier's free tools, and expect a legitimate call to get blocked now and then.
- 3
Report the call
If you didn't lose money, report it at DoNotCall.gov. If you lost money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Include the number that called, the number on your caller ID and any callback number you were given. The FTC publishes reported numbers each business day to help carriers build blocking tools.
- 4
Never act on a call you didn't start
If a caller claims to be your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the number on your card or the agency's official website.
- 5
Get your number off people-search sites
Serus finds where your phone number is listed and removes it, which cuts down the lists that spam callers buy.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Why am I getting so many spam calls?
Your number is probably on lists that get bought, sold and auto-dialed, sometimes after a breach or a form you filled out. Callers also dial numbers in bulk and spoof local numbers, so the call may not know anything about you.
Does the Do Not Call Registry stop spam calls?
It helps with legitimate sales calls but not with scammers. The FTC says being on the Registry won't stop scammers from making illegal calls.
Should I answer a call from an unknown number?
You don't have to. If it matters, the caller can leave a voicemail. If you do answer a call that sounds like a recording, hang up without pressing anything.
Is a spam call the same as a scam call?
Not always. Spam is unwanted mass calling, including aggressive sales pitches. A scam call tries to cheat you. Plenty of spam calls are scams, so treat both with the same caution.
Sources
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