Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls & Texts? 6 Ways to Make Them Stop

No doubt about it—spam calls and texts are annoying. But if you’re not paying attention, they can also be dangerous.

According to the National Consumer Law Center, Americans receive more than 33 million spam calls every day. These can range from benign telemarketing calls to malicious attempts by hackers to swipe your personal and banking information.

In this article, we'll explain why this problem is so common and provide strategies for how to stop spam calls and texts in their tracks. 

What Are Spam Calls and Texts?

Spam calls and texts are unsolicited communications from companies, individuals, or scammers that aim to get you to reply to the caller or click a link in a text message.

Here are just a few ways that spammers try to bait people into responding or providing money and personal information:

• Promising a special deal or limited-time offer
• Offering a free product or gift
• Confirming personal and banking information
• Claiming a loved one needs their help 
  

Here’s a list of types of spam calls and texts to look out for ranked from annoying to downright dangerous: 

• Robocalls: These are automated phone calls that play a recorded message when you answer. Some robocalls are legal, such as those from your healthcare provider or an airline reminding you of a flight. However, many are illegal, particularly those trying to sell you something.
• Telemarketing Calls: These are sales calls from companies trying to sell you a product or service. While these can be annoying, they are usually legal if the company follows the rules.
• Spoofed Calls: In these calls, scammers use spoofing to manipulate the caller ID information that appears on your phone. This can make it look like the call is coming from a local number or even a legitimate business, making you more likely to answer.
• Charity Scams: Have you been asked to donate to an unfamiliar charity out of the blue? Charity scammers can sound convincing but typically can't provide details about how your donation will be used. They often insist on cash-only donations or pressure you to donate immediately. 
• Phishing Texts: Also known as "smishing," these texts try to trick you into clicking a link or providing personal information by pretending to be from a trusted source. For example, you may receive a text with a link out of the blue reminding you to reset your Apple password. Don't click it. 
• Virtual Kidnapping: Virtual kidnapping scams use technology to trick you into believing a loved one is in danger. Scammers might use AI to mimic their voice, making it sound like they’re pleading for help. If you get one of these calls, don’t stay on the line too long, and never share personal details. 

Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?

There are several reasons you might be getting inundated with spam calls and texts:

• Your Number is Publicly Available: If you've shared your phone number online—on social media, message boards, personal websites, or through online forms—there's a good chance that spammers have found it. 
• Random Number Generation: Some scammers use technology to generate random phone numbers to call to see if someone picks up. Your number might be the next one in line.
• Data Breaches: If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, spammers might have received your phone number from the leak.
• Your Number Has Been Sold to Scammers: If you're suddenly swamped with spam calls, your number has likely been sold to scammer networks. Once your number is out there, it's passed around and sold to other scammers.
• You Picked Up a Spam Call: Did you recently answer a call from an unknown number? If so, you might have unknowingly flagged yourself as a target. Scammers see a picked-up call as an invitation and will keep trying to reach you, often from different numbers. They will only stop once they're convinced you're not worth the effort.
  

How to Stop Getting Spam Calls and Texts

Now that you know some of the reasons you may be getting targeted, let's explore how to stop receiving spam calls and texts. Depending on your phone type and service provider, you can use several strategies. 

1. How to Block Spam Calls and Texts: The Block Method

First, we'll start by blocking numbers on iPhones and Android devices. Here's how:

How to Block a Number on iPhone

• Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
• Find the number you want to block, then tap the "i" icon.
• Scroll down and tap "Block Caller."
  

How to Block a Number on Android

• Open the Phone app.
• Tap More (three dots) and go to Call History.
• Find the call from the number you want to block and tap on it.
• Select Block / Report Spam.
  

While blocking numbers can be effective, it can also be tedious, especially if the spammers keep changing their numbers. Fortunately, there are other methods if this one doesn’t solve the problem.

2. How to Filter Spam Calls and Texts: The Filtering Method

If you're getting a lot of spam from unknown numbers, you can often filter these calls so they go straight to voicemail in your phone settings. Some phones, like the Google Pixel, have a specific Call Screening feature built in, as noted below. 

Here’s how to stop spam calls and texts with filters: 

How to Filter Spam Calls on iPhone (iOS)

• Go to Settings, then Phone.
• Scroll down and toggle on "Silence Unknown Callers."
• Note that this does not stop unknowing numbers from sending texts. ‍

‍How to Filter Spam Calls on Android

• Open your Phone app.
• Tap More (the three-dot menu).
• Go to Settings, then Blocked numbers.
• Turn on the “Unknown” option.
  

How to Filter Spam Calls on Google Pixel

• The Call Screen feature lets you know who's calling and why before you even pick up. 
• Make sure you're running the latest version of the Phone app. If there's an update available, tap "Update."
• Open the Phone app.
• Tap the three dots (More), then go to Settings.
• Tap Spam and Call Screen or just Call Screen.
• Under Call Screen, choose your protection level.
  

The above methods ensure you won't be interrupted by calls from people who aren't in your contacts, but it also means you might miss important calls from unknown numbers.

Some of these features may work better with newer smartphones with the latest software updates, so if you need an upgrade, Navi can help. Our free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can help you find the best phone deals on the latest iPhone or Android device of your choosing.

3. How to Stop Getting Spam Calls and Texts: The Apps Method

Call filtering apps can provide a more thorough solution to stopping spam than blocking individual numbers one by one.

Carrier-Specific Blocker Apps

Many carriers offer spam-blocking apps, which can be effective at filtering unwanted calls and texts. Below are a few examples:

• AT&T: The ActiveArmor app has a free version that blocks spam calls, texts, and data breach alerts. The paid option adds a VPN, ID monitoring, a “Threat Activity” dashboard, and additional content controls. 
• Verizon: The Call Filter app also has a basic and paid version. The basic version offers spam detection and number blocking. A paid subscription offers additional blocking features and a spam risk meter. To learn more, check out Navi's Verizon Call Filter overview.
• T-Mobile: The company’s Scam Shield app has a free and premium version. The basic option offers scam blocking, free caller ID, and the option to use a proxy number if you don’t want your personal number shown to the person you are calling. The premium version includes a personal block list, reverse phone number lookup and transcribed voicemails. 
• US Cellular: The Call Guardian App's free version provides spam reporting, alerts, and caller ID services. The paid version adds nuisance call blocking, detailed spam ID, caller name ID, and a personal block list. 
• Google Fi: Google offers free call-blocking options and caller ID in the base Google Fi app.

Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps also specialize in blocking calls and texts from spam numbers. Some popular options include:

• Nomorobo: Call blocker that stops robocalls and telemarketers.
• Truecaller: This app identifies incoming calls and can automatically block calls from known spammers or numbers you've selected.
• Robokiller: Blocks scam calls and spoofed calls.
• YouMail: Offers spam call blocking and visual voicemail.
  

Choose an app that's well-reviewed and available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

4. How to Stop Getting Spam Calls and Texts: Don’t Give Out Your Number

One of the easiest ways to prevent spam is to be careful where you share your number. Avoid posting it on social media or any public website.

If you need to enter your number online, make sure the site is secure—look for the padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates SSL certification.

5. How to Stop Getting Spam Calls and Texts: Do Not Call List

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service that can help reduce telemarketing calls. Visit donotcall.gov and enter your phone number to sign up for the Do Not Call List. You should start receiving fewer spam callers in about a month. 

While it won't stop all unsolicited calls, since political groups, charities, and debt collectors can still reach you, it's a good first step toward protecting your privacy.

6. How to Stop Getting Spam Calls and Texts: Be Extra Careful During Tax Season 

Scammers often pose as IRS agents and use pressure tactics to steal financial information. If you get a call claiming to be from the IRS, ask for a reference number, hang up, and call back using an official IRS number to check the claim. 

Also, never click on links from "urgent" IRS texts or emails since these are common phishing attempts. Remember, the IRS will never ask for personal details via email, text, or social media. Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 if something seems off to confirm if the contact is legitimate.

How to Identify If You Received a Spam Call or Text

Even with all these strategies, some spam calls and texts may still slip through to you, so it's important to recognize their telltale signs so you can avoid falling for phone scams.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Generic or Suspicious Numbers: If a call or text comes from a number that looks too generic (like 123-456-7890) or is from an unfamiliar area code, it might be spam.
• Phone Numbers That Are Similar to Yours: Phone spoofers use this tactic to make you think someone local is calling. 
• Urgent Language: Spammers often use urgent or threatening language to get you to act quickly. For example, a text might say, "Your account has been hacked. Click here before it's too late!"
• Requests for Personal Information: Be careful when sharing your credit card numbers and other sensitive information over the phone. If you must, verify that the reason is valid and that the person on the other line is legitimate. If someone claims to be from a business and calls you requesting information, hang up and call the company back using the number you have on file to verify them. 
• Too Good to Be True Offers: If a call or text offers something that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of prize notifications, special offers, and promises of quick cash.
  

If you're ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a call or text, ignore it. Don't answer unknown numbers or click on any links in questionable texts. 

Instead, you can look up the number online to see if others have reported it as spam.

What to Do If You Fall for a Scam

Despite your best efforts, it’s possible you might still fall for a scam. If you've given out personal information or money to a scammer, here's what you should do next:

Contact Your Bank: If you've provided your bank account information, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and freeze your accounts if necessary. Many banks also offer the option to freeze your cards right from their smartphone app. 

Change Your Passwords: If you've given out your email address or other online account information, change your passwords immediately. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account. That means passwords that are a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, if possible. Use a password app like LastPass or 1Password to organize your passwords. 

Monitor Your Credit: Monitor your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com.

Report the Scam: You can report spam calls to the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They can take action against companies that violate telemarketing rules, and your report might help prevent others from being targeted.

• FCC: File a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
• FTC: Report spam calls at donotcall.gov. 
  

The Bottom Line

Spam calls and texts are an unfortunate reality in today's world, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with them. 

By understanding why you are getting so many spam calls and texts and how to stop getting them, you can protect your personal information and reduce the annoyance they cause. And remember, when in doubt, it's always safer not to answer unknown numbers or click on suspicious links.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove my number from the spam list?

One way to stop spam calls is to dial 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want removed. Your number will be taken off the Registry by the next day, but businesses may take up to 31 days to update their call lists.

Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls?

It’s best to ignore spam calls. Declining them can signal that your number is active, which might lead to even more spam. Avoiding picking up is your best option.

Does answering spam calls make them call more?

Picking up a spam call lets scammers know you’re an easy target, encouraging them to keep trying. They’ll often call back from new numbers, hoping to get you on the line again. The more you answer, the more likely you will get flooded with unwanted calls.