How do I manage unwanted calls?

Even with all the tools and technology at our disposal, staying proactive in managing unwanted calls is essential. Here are some practical tips to help keep those nuisance calls at bay and maintain your peace of mind:

Be Cautious

• Screen Your Calls: If you don’t recognize a phone number, it’s okay to let it go to voicemail. Scammers are less likely to leave a message, giving you time to verify the number’s legitimacy.
• Don’t Trust Caller ID Alone: Spoofing technology allows scammers to mimic legitimate numbers, so even if a call appears to come from a known company or local number, remain skeptical until you can verify the caller’s identity.

Report Scams

• Use Official Channels: If you suspect you’ve received a scam call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222. Sharing your experience helps authorities track and combat these fraudulent activities.
• Stay Informed: The FTC and other consumer protection sites often publish alerts about new scams. Keeping informed can help you recognize and avoid the latest schemes.

Regularly Update Contact Lists

• Keep Contacts Current: Regularly adding new contacts to your phone makes it easier to recognize incoming calls from people you know.
• Review and Clean Up: Periodically review your contact list to remove outdated or unnecessary entries. This helps with call recognition and keeps your digital life more organized.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can further reduce the impact of unwanted calls. Remember, vigilance is key—staying cautious, reporting scams and keeping your contacts up to date are simple yet effective steps you can take to protect yourself and your peace of mind.