Defending Yourself From Unwanted Calls and Text Scams
Learn how to recognize, block, and report unwanted calls and text messages before they turn into costly scams.
Unwanted calls and text messages are more than a daily annoyance. They are a common way for scammers to trick people into sharing personal or financial information, installing malware, or paying money they don’t owe. Understanding how to recognize, block, and report these contacts can significantly lower your risk and help protect your community.
Why You Get So Many Unwanted Calls and Texts
Modern phone systems make it cheap and easy to send millions of calls and texts in minutes. Many scammers use internet-based calling tools to dial from anywhere in the world and “spoof” caller ID so the number looks local or familiar. Legitimate marketing texts also add to the clutter, especially when you’ve agreed to receive messages from companies.
Common sources of unwanted calls and texts include:
- Illegal robocalls trying to sell something or collect fake debts.
- Phishing texts that try to steal passwords, bank information, or verification codes.
- Fake government or business calls impersonating agencies like the IRS, Social Security, tech support, or your bank.
- Legitimate sales or charity calls from companies or organizations you did not expect to hear from.
Recognizing Risky Calls and Text Messages
Scammers depend on speed and pressure. They often try to keep you from stopping to think or verify the story. Learning their favorite tricks makes it easier to hang up or delete without engaging.
Warning Signs in Unwanted Calls
Be especially careful if a caller does any of the following:
- Claims to be from a government agency, bank, or big company, but calls out of the blue.
- Threatens arrest, lawsuits, or cutting off benefits if you don’t act immediately.
- Demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app.
- Asks you to share account numbers, Social Security number, or one-time security codes.
- Refuses to give you a callback number you can verify independently.
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Warning Signs in Suspicious Text Messages
Text messages can be even riskier because one tap can open a fake website or download malicious software to your phone.
- Unexpected links claiming to be from a delivery service, bank, or streaming service.
- Messages saying, “Your account is locked” or “You must verify now” with a link.
- Texts you did not request that contain verification or one-time passcodes.
- “You won a prize” messages, especially if you never entered a contest.
- Messages from numbers that look almost identical to your own or to a friend’s number.
Immediate Steps When You Receive an Unwanted Call or Text
The way you respond matters. Interacting with scammers can confirm that your number is active, which may result in more unwanted contact.
What To Do During and After an Unwanted Call
- Hang up right away if the call sounds like a sales pitch or a recording and you did not consent to it.
- Do not press any numbers during a robocall, even if the message says “press 1 to be removed from the list.”
- Do not share any personal information, even if the caller knows part of your details.
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail; scammers often hang up without leaving a message or leave suspicious recordings.
- After the call, block the number using your phone or your phone company’s tools.
What To Do When You Get a Suspicious Text
- Don’t click any links, open attachments, or scan QR codes from unexpected texts.
- Don’t reply, even with “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE,” unless you are sure the sender is a legitimate company you recognize.
- Delete the message after you’ve blocked or reported it.
- Check your accounts directly by typing the organization’s official website address yourself or calling a verified phone number.
Using Call-Blocking and Text-Filtering Tools
Technical tools will not stop every unwanted call or text, but they can filter many of them before you even notice.
Built-in Features on Mobile Phones
Most smartphones include options to block individual numbers and filter spam-like calls and messages.
- Number blocking: Block specific numbers from calling or texting you again.
- Silence Unknown Callers or similar settings: Send calls from non-contacts straight to voicemail.
- Spam protection for texts: Some messaging apps can flag or move suspected spam into a separate folder.
- Do Not Disturb: Limit who can reach you during certain hours, such as at night.
Apps and Services From Phone Companies
Phone companies and app developers offer more advanced tools that use large databases and user reports to block or label potential scam calls.
- Call-blocking apps that identify likely spam based on calling patterns and reports.
- Call-labeling services that show warnings such as “spam risk” or “possible scam” on your screen.
- VoIP (internet phone) settings that require unknown callers to complete a challenge, such as pressing a key, before your phone rings.
Many of these services are free, though some advanced options may require a subscription. Always review the privacy policy for any app you install so you understand how your call data and contacts are used.
Call-Blocking Options for Landlines
If you use a traditional landline or a home phone service over the internet, you may still have ways to cut down on unwanted calls.
- Call-blocking devices you connect to your phone to filter known scam numbers.
- Services from your phone company, sometimes available for a fee or as part of a bundle.
- Whitelist features that only allow calls from approved numbers to ring through.
How the National Do Not Call Registry Fits In
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service from the Federal Trade Commission that lets you limit telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses.
| Topic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Reduce sales calls from real companies that follow telemarketing rules. |
| Cost | Registering your home or mobile number is free. |
| Effect on scammers | Scammers ignore the Registry, so you may still get illegal calls and robocalls. |
| Effect on real businesses | Most legitimate telemarketers are required to avoid numbers on the Registry or risk penalties. |
Being on the Registry won’t stop all unwanted calls, but it can reduce lawful telemarketing and makes it clearer that calls selling something are likely to be illegal or fraudulent if you never gave written permission.
Reporting Unwanted Calls and Texts
Reporting unwanted contacts helps enforcement agencies spot new scams and take action against rule-breakers. Your reports become part of a large database investigators use to see patterns across the country.
Where To Report
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Use the FTC’s online complaint tools to report unwanted calls and potential scams related to calls and texts.
- National Do Not Call Registry: You can report unwanted sales calls to the Registry, especially if your number is listed there.
- USA.gov resources: USA.gov explains how to complain about telemarketers, robocalls, and scam texts and links to proper reporting channels.
Information To Include in a Complaint
When you file a report, try to record as many details as you safely can:
- The phone number that called or texted you.
- The number shown on your caller ID, even if you think it’s spoofed.
- The date and approximate time of the call or message.
- Any name, company, or callback number the caller or sender provided.
- What the caller or text message said and what they asked you to do.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Even one successful scam can lead to long-term problems, including identity theft, unauthorized charges, or misuse of your accounts. Government sources recommend limiting what you share by phone or text and using secure channels for sensitive information.
- Never share full account or card numbers in response to a call or text you did not initiate.
- Don’t give out one-time codes from your bank, email, or other accounts; legitimate organizations will not ask for these over the phone or by text.
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts.
- Monitor statements for unusual charges or transfers and contact your bank or card issuer quickly if you see anything suspicious.
Helping Friends, Family, and Neighbors Stay Safe
Many scammers specifically target older adults, new phone users, and people who are not familiar with current technology or government procedures. Talking openly about scams can make it easier for others to recognize and ignore them.
- Explain common scam stories, like fake tech support, prize scams, and impostor calls claiming to be from government agencies.
- Practice responses, such as, “I don’t give information on the phone. I’ll call the company using a number I find myself.”
- Help set up phone and text protections, including blocking tools and spam filters on their devices.
- Encourage them to talk before paying; suggest they call a trusted friend or family member anytime a caller asks for urgent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all robocalls illegal?
No. Some automated calls are legal, such as appointment reminders, school closing notices, and messages from political campaigns or charities. But robocalls that try to sell you something are generally illegal unless you gave the caller written permission to contact you that way.
Q: I’m on the National Do Not Call Registry. Why am I still getting calls?
The Registry helps reduce sales calls from legitimate businesses that follow the law, but scammers and some dishonest telemarketers simply ignore it. That is why you still need call-blocking tools and safe habits even when your number is registered.
Q: Should I call back a number I don’t recognize if it left a short or silent voicemail?
Avoid calling back unknown numbers, especially if the voicemail is unclear or silent. If the call is important, the caller will usually leave a detailed message or contact you through another verified channel. Calling back can confirm that your number is active to potential scammers.
Q: How can I tell if a text asking me to verify my account is real?
Do not click links or call numbers in the text. Instead, open your browser and type the organization’s official website address yourself, or use the phone number listed on your statement or card to contact customer service. If there’s a real problem, they can confirm it through secure channels.
Q: What should I do if I already clicked a suspicious link or gave information?
If you clicked a link or shared personal or financial information, consider immediately updating your passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring your financial accounts. If you think your identity or money is at risk, contact your bank or card issuer, and use official consumer protection resources to get recovery steps.
References
- How To Block Unwanted Calls — Federal Trade Commission. 2023-09-25. https://consumer.ftc.gov/node/77558
- Unwanted Calls and Text Messages — Federal Trade Commission. 2023-09-25. https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/unwanted-calls-and-text-messages
- How to Stop Unwanted Calls — Federal Trade Commission. 2023-09-25. https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-stop-unwanted-calls
- Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts — Federal Trade Commission. 2023-09-25. https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-texts
- Complain about phone and text scams, robocalls, and telemarketers — USA.gov. 2025-11-13. https://www.usa.gov/telemarketer-scam-call-complaints
- National Do Not Call Registry — Federal Trade Commission. 2023-09-25. https://www.donotcall.gov/report.html
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