Are you tired of spam calls? Expert shares how to stop getting those spam calls

Photo by@belle.pepper/TikTok bestforbest/Adobe Stock wisely/ShutterStock

Spam or unwanted calls are an increasingly growing annoyance for the average American.

TrueCaller data shows that the typical individual with a functional phone number receives about nine unwanted calls each month. Over a year, from July 2023 to June 2024, Americans spent roughly 9.7 million days fielding these calls.

The platform further noted that these calls often originate from robocalls, fraudsters, and salespeople, with the most frequent scams involving credit card scams, identity theft, and issues with vehicle warranties.

In search of tranquility, more Americans are turning to apps that block calls and systems for reporting these calls. Yet, a woman on TikTok suggests there are alternative, more effective methods to minimize the occurrence of these unwanted calls.

How to stop getting spam calls

In her video, TikTok user Isabelle (@belle.pepper) revealed her advice on minimizing pesky spam calls, based on her past work at a call center.

“Now that I don’t make basically spam calls for a living, I’m gonna give you guys a couple of tips on how to reduce them,” she begins, though she admits, “ideally stop them all, but that seems unlikely.”

Isabelle first suggests viewers sign up for the federal Do Not Call list.

“A lot of people don’t know this is a thing,” she explains.

She encourages her audience to “literally click off this video right now, go to donotcall.gov, and register your phone number.”

However, Isabelle adds that while the registry helps stop unsolicited telemarketers, it won’t prevent calls from charities, political campaigns, or surveys.

In order to get rid of those, Isabelle warns viewers to be wary of entering their phone numbers on different websites.

“If you put your phone number in, that website is now selling your phone number to tens of other companies,” she explains, adding that this one simple action leads to “a million different companies calling you a million times a day.”

For those still receiving calls after signing up for the Do Not Call list, Isabelle recommends a direct approach.

“Pick up, make sure there’s a real person there, and say, ‘Stop calling me, take me off your calling list,’ then hang up.” She stresses the importance of not staying on the line, as the callers may try to convince you otherwise.

“If they call you again after that, say, ‘I already said, take me off your list. I’m gonna sue you,’” she continues. According to Isabelle, the threat of legal action often stops persistent callers, as “they don’t want to get sued.”

‘Stop calling me’

Isabelle mentions that although pursuing legal action against businesses can be challenging, it is still possible to receive financial compensation.

“You can get a couple of thousand dollars, but most people don’t because it’s hard and annoying to do,” she states.

Toward the end of the video, Isabelle suggests using tools like call blockers, though she warns these can block necessary calls as well.

She wraps up the video by mentioning that although her advice might not be completely reliable, it can effectively lower the occurrence of unwanted calls by a good amount.

“Basically, the key is to say, ‘Stop calling me,’ and then just hang up,” she states.

Can you sue telemarketers?

According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), threatening legal action against persistent callers who don't want to be contacted is a legitimate approach.

According to ConsumerLawPartner, a telemarketer might have to pay as much as $1,500 if they contact someone on the Do Not Call list, make a call after hours, or don't disclose their identity as telemarketers. This often serves as a way for consumers to end these unwanted calls effectively.

However, as Isabelle mentioned in her video, the actual process of pursuing this can be complex and time-intensive, and it also involves keeping detailed records of the calls made by the complainant.

Commenters share their own techniques

In the comments, some users were thankful for the advice, while others had better techniques under their belt to share.

“i just picked “silence unknown callers” in my settings,” wrote one user. “Phone never rings for unsaved numbers, and if it’s a real phone call they leave a voicemail.”

“Now how do I stop the texts telling me that I can’t deliver stuff from USPS,” asked another user. Isabelle responded, “Scams, unfortunately. All you can do is block the number.”

“What I do is answer, but then mute the call. Right off the bat,” wrote a third. “If it’s a human they’re gonna be confused and say hello, but a PC will just not hear anything think the # is bad, and mark it as not good.”