What Are Spam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Spam calls, including scams and telemarketing, remain a persistent problem for phone users worldwide. These calls can have various intentions, including:
- Promoting products or services without permission
- Stealing personal data through fraudulent offers
- Conducting phishing scams by impersonating trusted entities
Many of these calls are generated by automated systems that use caller ID spoofing to appear local and legitimate. Apps like Truecaller have become essential tools to block these calls in real-time.
How to Block Unwanted Calls on Your Device
With Truecaller’s latest update for iOS 18.2 and Android, users can now efficiently block and filter calls. Here’s how to enable the feature:
📱 For iPhone Users:
- Download Truecaller from the App Store.
- Go to Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification.
- Enable Truecaller options to activate call filtering.
- Open the app to ensure the feature is working.
📱 For Android Users:
- Install Truecaller from the Google Play Store.
- Grant call identification permissions.
- Enable auto-block for spam calls in the app settings.
Key Features of Truecaller
🚀 Real-Time Caller Identification: Automatically detects and filters spam using a global database and advanced AI.
🚫 Spam Call Blocking: Protects against calls from scammers, telemarketers, and unwanted contacts.
📊 Expanded Call History: Allows iPhone users to search up to 2,000 recent numbers.
🌟 Premium Features: Provides additional benefits like family sharing for up to four users.
Tips to Maximise Protection Against Spam Calls
🛡️ Keep the App Updated: Regular updates improve spam detection algorithms.
📵 Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never disclose sensitive data to unknown callers.
🚩 Report Suspicious Numbers: Help improve the community spam database by reporting fraudulent calls.
What Are the Common Causes of Spam Calls?
Spam calls are often linked to large-scale marketing efforts or scams. Common causes include:
🔸 Telemarketing Databases: Companies obtain phone numbers through forms, surveys, and public records.
🔸 Phishing and Fraud: Scammers impersonate banks, service providers, or government agencies to extract personal information.
🔸 Automated Dialling Systems: These systems can generate thousands of calls, often using spoofed caller IDs to bypass detection.
Governments and phone carriers have implemented regulations and call filtering tools to protect users, but apps like Truecaller remain crucial for personal security.