Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls? Guide on How to Stop Them
Spam calls are rising fast, and we’re already getting 11% more of them compared to 2024. About 1,800 robocalls are made per second, and there’s a good chance you’ll eventually be at the end of one.
Still, you probably can’t help but wonder: Why am I getting so many spam calls all of a sudden? This article should offer you some answers.
Why Do I Keep Getting Spam Calls?
You may get spam calls for various reasons. You may not have given them your number directly, but they might have gotten it through these ways:
Your Number Was Sold or Leaked
When your brain hits you with the question “Why am I getting so many spam calls in one day?” there’s a good chance your number was leaked. Some companies sell customer data to third parties for various reasons. This includes revenue streams, ad targeting, partnerships, and more. It’s controversial, but it has happened frequently lately.
“The various data companies are trying to acclimate people to invasions of privacy. It started with the zip code, and now it’s moved on to phone numbers. I’m willing to bet that retailers’ market research is showing a willingness of customers to share the telephone number, and that’s why it’s happening,” says Chris Hoofnagle from San Francisco’s Electronic Privacy Information Center.
Leaks from a data breach could also lead to your phone number getting into the wrong hands. This is why you need to practice care, especially now that phishing has increased by 49%. If you’re wondering, “Why are spam calls increasing?” that’s why; hackers are getting more daring.
| Remember! A seemingly trustworthy website could also sell your data if the terms and conditions allow it. Users have to specifically opt out of it to prevent that. |
You’re On an Autodial List
Spammers don’t always call you themselves. They put you on an autodial list, which is a database that they use to automatically call people. More often than not, they use bots to call these numbers in rapid succession.
Many of these autodial calls are completely randomized, to the point where even the number is random. These bots generate it automatically and rely on common area code patterns. Sometimes, they get a number that doesn’t exist. Other times, they get an answer, which brings us to the following reason.
You Answered a Spam Call Before
Once you answer a spam call, you’re telling the spammer that your number is active. A Robocaller will always prioritize someone who responded once, which acts as your answer to “why do spam numbers keep calling me.”
| Note: Even pressing 1 to “opt out” can result in more phone calls. It doesn’t even have to be from the same number, because now they know you’re there. |
You Added Your Phone Number to Your Social Media
So, you never gave your phone number to any companies, and you doubt there was a link. If you’re asking yourself, “Why do I get so many spam calls?” think about what you’re using on platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn to log in. Is it your phone number, and if so, did you set it to private?
If your number is public on social media, you’re not just at the mercy of harassers. Scammers can call you, too, to trick you into giving them your money. Check your privacy settings and see if you accidentally left the number public. If it’s not necessary, consider removing it altogether.
| Important! Adding your phone number or keeping information public doesn’t just affect you. It creates a trace that can lead spam callers straight to your friend’s doorstep. |
“It is important to understand that not only was the information about the individual stolen, but other data, such as Facebook friend lists and additional data that could even put others at risk,” says security awareness advocate Erich Kron.
Your Number Appears on People Search Sites
Depending on where you are, your phone number may appear on sites such as Whitepages or Spokeo. There’s nothing you can do about it at first, because more often than not, they list your name, address, and phone number without your consent.
Your number will remain exposed until you manually opt out of it. Some websites allow you to do this by getting in touch with their customer support.
You Downloaded a Shady App
If you are wondering, “Why am I getting so many spam calls all of a sudden?” think about any recent activities. Did you, by chance, install a shady app? Did you get it from Google Play or Apple Store, or did you just download the APK from the website?
A lot of free apps collect user data, such as phone numbers and even your contacts. It can be anything from a flashlight app to a photo editor app or a gambling app.
| Safety Tip! Never download apps from sources you do not trust. Even if you trust the source, read the app permissions first. |
How Do I Stop Getting So Many Spam Calls?
The average person gets about 8 spam calls per week, and at some point, it gets annoying. Fortunately, there are several ways for you to stop this sudden influx of spam calls, among which are the following:
Check Unknown Numbers Before Answer
Spam callers increase their frequency once you answer, so check the number carefully. Tools such as Searqle can help you do this because they gather all the info that’s available on a phone number and create a report. Therefore, whether it’s a telemarketer or a potentially dangerous number, you’ll know before answering.
Tools such as this prevent you from accidentally missing a call from someone important. Many people, millennials in particular, won’t take an unknown phone call, half because they fear scammers. The program tells you it’s a real person that you want to talk to.
Use Robocall Blocking Tools from Your Phone Carrier
Most carriers offer spam call protection features that you can activate. This includes (but is not limited) to the following:
- Verizon: Call Filter
- AT&T: Call Protect
- T-Mobile: Scan Shield
These tools let you find out who the owner of a phone number is if they’re calling you to the point of harassment. You can also opt for blocking them if you don’t want them to get in touch with you again.
Turn On Built-In Spam Protection
Smartphones and iPhones have spam protection filters built into their systems. Once you enable them, they’ll block any unknown or private number trying to get in touch with you. This is how you get to them:
- Android: Go to the “Settings” folder on your “Phone” section and select “Caller ID & Spam.”
- iPhone: Go to “Settings,” select “Phone,” and enable “Silence unknown callers.”
| Remember! These tools are useful for blocking unknown calls from spammers, but they can’t differentiate legitimate calls from spam. You could end up accidentally blocking a person you want to get in touch with. |
Register With the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service that the FTC uses to reduce telemarketing calls. It won’t help you against scammers, but if you’re wondering how to stop spam calls from marketing companies, this is it.
Registering is simple. All you have to do is go to donotcall.gov and put your number there. It may take a couple of weeks for the setting to kick in, but once it does, you should have some peace of mind.
Conclusion
Spam calls are annoying, and we will probably never truly get rid of them. However, you can reduce their frequency. By combining privacy settings with reverse lookup tools, you may finally get a break from unknown phone calls.
