8 Ways to Cut The Spam
Frustrated with Spam calls & Emails?
Unwanted spam calls & emails are a source of daily stress for many of us. Here are some ways to cut down on the intrusion into our personal space.
Battling Unwanted Offers & Spam
As consumers, we've all been exasperated by the deluge of unsolicited offers bombarding our email, phone calls, and traditional mailboxes. Unfortunately, the situation seems to be worsening, and a significant contributor to these intrusions is the Credit Bureaus themselves. They don't hesitate to sell your personal information, even when you haven't applied for anything. But now, there's a new menace known as the 'Trigger Lead.'
So, what exactly is this 'Trigger Lead'?
Imagine you apply for a loan with 'Bank 1,' and they run a credit check. The Credit Bureaus instantly capitalize on this opportunity by selling your information to multiple other banks. These banks, in turn, seize the chance to inundate you with spam calls, messages, and texts. Some unfortunate individuals have reported receiving up to 20-30 of these intrusions per day for several days until the companies relent or shift their focus to someone else. Shockingly, this practice is considered legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules for 'Prescreen Offers.'
But don't lose hope just yet! There are steps you can take to regain control of your privacy, minimize spam calls, emails, and even contribute to saving a few trees along the way. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of reclaiming your digital space and bringing peace back to your inbox and phone.
The Basics
1. Opting Out
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants you the right to opt out of receiving these 'Prescreen Offers' so they don't flood your inbox, phone and mailbox. By default, credit bureaus are allowed to sell your information unless you specifically opt out.
But there's good news! Opting out of these offers is a breeze. You can do so by clicking the link provided below or visiting the official website maintained by the major Credit Bureaus: https://www.optoutprescreen.com. Here, you' ll find two options for opting out - either temporarily for 5 years or permanently. To ensure proper identification, you'll need to provide your date of birth and social security number.
2. Register at DoNotCall.gov
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set up a website at https://donotcall.gov where you can register all of your phone numbers so that telemarketers are not allowed to call you.
Unfortunately, other types of organizations may still call you, such as charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys.
3. Unsubscribe
Legitimate marketing emails are obliged by law to include an unsubscribe link. Scroll down to the bottom of the email (often in small print) and click the provided link. This will allow you to opt-out from receiving future emails from that specific sender.
Opt out of 'Prescreen Offers'
Further Actions to Take
While the steps mentioned above will undoubtedly help decrease the influx of legal spam from reputable companies adhering to the law, it's essential to recognize that some unscrupulous actors operate outside these boundaries. To fortify your defenses against such entities, consider implementing the additional strategies outlined below.
Phone Settings
4. Do Not Disturb
The Do Not Disturb feature on modern cell phones allows users to control when and how they receive notifications, calls, and messages. By customizing the Do Not Disturb settings, you can significantly reduce or eliminate spam calls, but allow friends & family to still reach you.
To get started, locate and open the "Settings" app on your cell phone. Depending on your device's make and model, you may find the Do Not Disturb feature under a specific menu item, such as 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Notifications'.
Tap on "Allow Calls From" or a similar option to customize who can reach you during Do Not Disturb. You'll have several options to choose from:
- "Everyone": This allows all calls to come through, including spam calls.
- "No One": Blocks all calls, even from contacts.
- "Favorites": Allows calls from your favorite contacts only.
- "Contacts": Allows calls from anyone listed in your contacts.
Some devices may offer additional options to schedule when the 'Do Not Disturb' mode is active, giving you even more control over your availability.
5. Silent Ringtone for Strangers
Concerned about missing important or emergency calls while using 'Do Not Disturb'? Consider setting a silent ringtone for anyone not in your contact list.
Different phone manufacturers may have varying features. While some devices allow you to set a default ringtone for contacts automatically and a different one for other callers, others may not have this option readily available.
If your phone lacks this feature, don't worry! You can still set a silent ringtone using the classic approach. Utilize the phone's voice recorder to record 30 seconds of silence, then select that recording as the default ringtone for strangers.
As you add contacts, simply select a regular ringtone when saving them. Consequently, your phone will still notify you when a strange number calls, but you won't be bothered by any audible noise. If your phone is face down or in your pocket, you'll merely see a missed call notification the next time you check your device.
6. Phone Apps
Spam blocking phone apps present an alternative solution, although opinions about their effectiveness are divided, and some drawbacks exist. Many phone carriers already include built-in spam blocking capabilities, offering a baseline level of protection. Additionally, third-party apps, both free and paid, may provide additional features, but user reviews do not definitively identify a standout performer.
To find the best-suited app, users may need to engage in a trial and error approach, testing various apps to discover the features that work optimally for them while minimizing any inconveniences. Finding the perfect balance between effective spam blocking and a seamless user experience may require some experimentation.
Be selfish with your info
7. Avoid Full Disclosure:
In today's digital age, safeguarding your personal information is essential. Instead of freely giving away your data, it's wise to adopt a more cautious approach and share minimal or fake information until you trust the party with whom you're interacting.
Many websites withhold crucial information, like prices or rates, until you provide them with all your contact details. Refrain from giving away such information until you are confident in their intentions, as they may misuse your data for spamming or sell it to others for the same purpose.
8. Create a Junk Email Address:
Test a service or gather initial information without revealing your primary email address by setting up a separate "Junk Email" account. This secondary email address should only be used for signing up on websites or interacting with unfamiliar entities. Only check this email when you are expecting specific communications, such as activation links or important updates.
Being cautious with data sharing is crucial in an era where online privacy and security are of utmost importance.
Final Thoughts
The Reality
Blocking unwanted calls and spam is a practical but continuously evolving challenge in today's interconnected world. While there are numerous spam-blocking tools available, it's important to understand that no solution is foolproof. Spam callers are often creative and adapt their tactics to bypass filters. As a result, some unwanted calls & emails will still manage to slip through. Striking the right balance between efficiently blocking spam and ensuring essential communications get through can be a delicate task. It's crucial for users to stay vigilant, keep their call-blocking tools & anti-spam strategies updated, and be cautious when sharing their personal data to minimize spam intrusions effectively.
