Managing Unwanted Calls on Your Mobile Phone: Practical Strategies
Unwanted calls, including spam, scams, and telemarketing, are a persistent nuisance for mobile phone users in Australia. These calls can be disruptive, annoying, and even dangerous if they're part of a phishing scam. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies you can implement to manage and reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. This article outlines actionable steps you can take to regain control of your mobile phone experience.
1. Utilising Built-in Call Blocking Features
Most modern smartphones come equipped with built-in features that allow you to block specific numbers directly from your call history or contacts list. This is often the simplest and most immediate solution for dealing with persistent unwanted callers.
Blocking Individual Numbers
Android: The process varies slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but generally, you can open your phone app, tap the number you want to block, and select the "Block" option. You may also find this option within the call details screen.
iPhone: Open the Phone app, tap the "i" icon next to the number you want to block, scroll down, and tap "Block this Caller." You can manage your blocked contacts in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
Blocking a number prevents that number from calling or texting you. The caller will typically be diverted to voicemail (if you have it set up), and you won't receive any notification of their attempt to contact you. One common mistake is forgetting that you've blocked a legitimate contact. Regularly review your blocked list to ensure you haven't accidentally blocked someone important.
Using Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone)
Apple offers a feature called "Silence Unknown Callers" (Settings > Phone). When enabled, calls from numbers that are not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions will be silenced and sent to voicemail. This can be effective in reducing the number of spam calls you answer, but it also means you might miss calls from legitimate new contacts (e.g., delivery drivers, new clients). Consider this feature carefully based on your communication needs. You can learn more about Whocalledme and how our services can help you identify unknown callers.
2. Reporting Spam Numbers to Your Provider
Reporting spam numbers to your mobile provider helps them identify and block these numbers network-wide, protecting other customers as well as yourself. Most Australian providers have dedicated channels for reporting spam calls and messages.
How to Report
Telstra: You can report spam calls and SMS via their website or by forwarding the SMS to 7726 (SPAM). For calls, note the number, date, and time, and report it through their online form.
Optus: Optus encourages customers to report spam SMS by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). For spam calls, contact Optus customer service with the details.
- Vodafone: Vodafone also uses 7726 (SPAM) for reporting spam SMS. For unwanted calls, contact their customer care team.
When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including the date, time, and the number that called you. Some providers may also ask for a description of the call. Reporting helps build a database of known spam numbers, allowing providers to take action against them. Remember to report even if you didn't answer the call; the attempt itself is valuable information. Before choosing a provider, consider what Whocalledme offers and how it aligns with your needs.
3. Using Call Screening Techniques
Call screening involves actively filtering your calls to identify legitimate callers before answering. This can be done manually or with the help of apps and services.
Manual Call Screening
When you receive a call from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If the caller leaves a legitimate message, you can return the call. This allows you to avoid engaging with potential spammers or scammers. Be aware that some scammers will leave generic messages to trick you into calling back. Listen carefully for context and avoid calling back if you're unsure.
Call Screening Apps
Several apps are available that can help screen calls by identifying potential spam or scam numbers. These apps often use crowdsourced data and algorithms to flag suspicious calls. Examples include Truecaller and Hiya. These apps typically require access to your contacts to function effectively. Always review the app's privacy policy before granting access to your data. Consider our services as an alternative to apps that require extensive data access.
4. Adjusting Your Privacy Settings
Reviewing and adjusting your privacy settings on social media and other online platforms can help reduce the amount of personal information available to potential spammers and scammers. This reduces the likelihood of them targeting you with personalised scams.
Social Media Privacy
Limit the visibility of your phone number and other personal information on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Adjust your privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts and profile information. Avoid publicly sharing your phone number in posts or comments.
App Permissions
Regularly review the permissions granted to apps on your phone. Some apps may request access to your contacts or call history, which they may then share with third parties. Revoke permissions that are not necessary for the app's core functionality. This can be done in your phone's settings under "App Permissions" or similar.
5. Being Cautious About Answering Unknown Numbers
One of the simplest ways to avoid unwanted calls is to be cautious about answering calls from unknown numbers. If you don't recognise the number, let it go to voicemail. If it's important, the caller will leave a message. This is especially important if the number is from an international location that you don't expect to receive calls from.
Avoiding Scams
Be wary of calls claiming to be from government agencies, banks, or other institutions. Scammers often impersonate these entities to trick you into providing personal information or making payments. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified phone number from their official website. Never provide personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the caller's identity.
The Risk of "Wangiri" Calls
Be particularly cautious of "wangiri" calls, which are short, missed calls from unknown numbers, often from overseas. The goal is to entice you to call back, at which point you may be charged exorbitant fees or connected to a premium-rate service. Avoid calling back any number you don't recognise, especially if it's an international number you weren't expecting. Frequently asked questions can provide more information about common scams.
6. Regularly Updating Your Contact Information
While it might seem counterintuitive, keeping your contact information up-to-date with legitimate businesses and services can help reduce the risk of your information being sold or shared with spammers. Ensure that you only provide your phone number to trusted sources and that you review their privacy policies.
Opting Out of Marketing Lists
When providing your phone number to businesses, look for opt-out options for marketing communications. Many companies are required to provide you with the ability to unsubscribe from promotional calls and messages. Take advantage of these options to reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive.
Reviewing Online Accounts
Regularly review your online accounts and update your contact information as needed. Remove any old or unused accounts to reduce the risk of your information being compromised in a data breach. Consider using a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive and protect yourself from scams and other unwanted solicitations. Remember to stay vigilant and adapt your approach as new tactics emerge. If you are still unsure, you can always learn more about Whocalledme.