The holiday season is here! It’s the time for festive gatherings, shopping sprees, and connecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when scam calls reach their peak. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, using tactics to steal your personal information and ruin your holiday cheer. At TCC, we care about your safety and want to help you protect yourself against these pesky and potentially harmful calls.
Let’s dive into some effective ways you can block scam calls and stay secure this holiday season.
1. Use Verizon’s Call Filter App
As a Verizon Authorized Retailer, we recommend using Verizon’s Call Filter app, which is designed to protect you from unwanted calls. The app can:
- Automatically block spam calls and alert you about potential robocalls.
- Identify unknown numbers and give you a risk meter for each call.
- Report scam numbers directly within the app, helping to keep everyone safer.
The Call Filter app is available for most smartphones and is easy to set up. Just download it from the App Store or Google Play, and activate it in your settings. This service is free for basic protection, but you can also upgrade to premium features for more control and customization.
2. Enable Built-in Call Blocking Features on Your Phone
Your smartphone likely has built-in features to block spam calls:
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This feature sends any unknown number directly to voicemail, allowing you to focus on your contacts.
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Caller ID & spam app> Select “Call Filter” and toggle on Filter Spam Calls. This will help reduce unwanted interruptions.
By enabling these features, you can avoid unwanted calls without lifting a finger.
3. Register Your Number with the National Do Not Call Registry
Signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry is another effective way to reduce unwanted calls. This service is free and helps limit calls from legitimate telemarketers. Simply visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
While this won’t block all scam calls (as scammers often ignore regulations), it can significantly reduce the volume of telemarketing calls you receive.
4. Beware of Phishing and Spoofing Tactics
Scammers often use caller ID spoofing, making their numbers look like local or familiar contacts. Be cautious if:
- The caller asks for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords.
- You receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from a government agency or well-known company like Verizon, especially if they pressure you to act quickly.
When in doubt, hang up and call the company back using their official customer service number to verify the call.
5. Don’t Engage with Robocalls
If you answer a call and it sounds like a robocall, don’t press any buttons or interact with the call in any way. Scammers often prompt you to “press 1” to speak with an agent or be removed from their list. Interacting in this way can actually lead to more scam calls, as it confirms that your number is active.
The best course of action? Hang up immediately.
6. Consider Using a Third-Party Call Blocker App
There are many third-party apps available to help filter out spam and scam calls. Some popular options include:
- Hiya
- Truecaller
- Nomorobo
These apps often provide additional layers of protection, such as identifying unfamiliar numbers and blocking calls from known scam numbers.
7. Stay Vigilant During the Holidays
Scam calls tend to increase during the holidays, as scammers know people are shopping, traveling, and receiving more calls than usual. Be extra cautious if:
- You receive unexpected calls related to deliveries or purchases you didn’t make.
- A caller claims you’ve won a prize or sweepstakes you didn’t enter.
These are classic scam tactics designed to catch you off guard — unless it’s TCC calling to inform you that you’ve won the Get10Give10, which is a legitimate contest. You can enter here to participate!
Visit Us for More Security Tips
If you’re unsure about how to activate call-blocking features on your phone or want more information on how to protect your device, visit your nearest TCC location. Our expert team is here to help you set up your phone and provide personalized tips for staying secure.
Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities this holiday season. With these steps, you can enjoy a scam-free, joyful holiday!
Happy Holidays from TCC!