How many times have you been in the middle of a meeting, a meal, or just a much-needed moment of relaxation, only to be interrupted by an incessant ringing from your mobile phone? It’s happened to all of us, more times than we’d care to admit. 

Our mobile phones have become an extension of our lives, an ever-present conduit for staying connected with family, friends, and work commitments. It’s an amazing convenience, yes, but this accessibility can be a double-edged sword. In our bid to remain reachable, we’ve shared our contact information across an array of platforms: online accounts, apps, and numerous businesses. What happens next? Our personal data often gets shared or sold for marketing purposes, sometimes landing in the unscrupulous hands of individuals keen on exploiting it.

One such exploitation comes in the form of robocalls. 

What Are Robocalls?

Robocalls are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. Their content can range from benign, such as political campaign messages or appointment reminders, to malicious attempts to defraud you. The perpetrators behind fraudulent robocalls seek to deceive you into parting with your money, personal information, or both. A disturbing fact is that marking such calls as spam does not guarantee an end to them, leading to repeated frustration.

BlackCloak is committed to personal cybersecurity, we understand the gravity of this menace. Let’s dive into practical steps you can take to fight back against unwanted phone calls.

Register Your Number on the Federal Do Not Call List

One of the first defenses is to register your number with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry. It’s designed to stop sales calls from real companies, and while it may not eliminate all unwanted calls, it’s a good starting point. 

Consider a Call Blocking Service

Think about subscribing to a call-blocking service. These services screen and block incoming calls from known robocall numbers, providing an additional layer of protection. Many telecom service providers offer these services, as do several third-party apps.

Block Unwanted Text Messages

Text message spam is another nuisance linked to this problem. Be sure to manually block or report spam texts whenever you receive them. Also, many messaging apps and carriers provide features to filter or block unwanted texts.

Manually Block Calls on Your Cell Phone 

Lastly, use the built-in settings on your mobile phone to manually block persistent unwanted callers. Most smartphone operating systems provide an easy way to block specific numbers.

Remember, regaining control of your personal space begins with you taking proactive steps. By implementing these guidelines, you’re well on your way to breaking free from the nuisance of unwanted calls. At BlackCloak, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain your cybersecurity and digital peace of mind. For even more tips, review our guide on How to Stop Robocalls & Hacks on Your Phone Number.

Stay safe, stay connected, and learn more from BlackCloak, the Pioneer of Personal Cybersecurity™, about protecting your digital life.