Haris Ashley
If you're tired of receiving unwanted calls from insurance companies, there are several steps you can take to block them. Firstly, you can register your phone number on the National Do Not Call list, which was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls. You can also utilise call-blocking apps, which are available for both iPhone and Android devices, to filter out and intercept unwanted calls. Another option is to contact your phone company and inquire about the call-blocking tools they offer. Additionally, when using websites to obtain insurance quotes, be cautious as some lead-generating websites sell your contact information to telemarketing insurance agencies. To avoid this, consider using a temporary email address and a Google Voice number instead of your personal information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of call-blocking apps | Call-blocking apps can be downloaded on mobile devices to prevent unwanted calls. These apps use call data, user reports, and other sources to identify and block illegal or scam calls. Some apps are free, while others charge a fee. |
| Call blocking devices | Physical call-blocking devices can be attached to landline phones. These devices use databases of known scam numbers or allow users to add numbers to block. |
| National Do Not Call Registry | Registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry can help prevent unsolicited sales calls. |
| Phone company tools | Phone companies provide call-blocking tools and services to their customers. |
| Call blocking settings | Many cell phones have built-in settings that allow users to block calls from specific numbers or activate "Do Not Disturb" modes. |
| Use of temporary contact information | Creating a temporary email address and phone number, such as a Google Voice number, can help reduce spam calls and emails. |
| Verifying insurance brokers | It is important to verify the legitimacy of insurance brokers by calling the insurance company directly and checking for letterhead and certificates. |
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What You'll Learn
Register your number on the National Do Not Call List
While registering your number on the National Do Not Call List can help reduce unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies, it may not stop calls from scammers or illegal robocalls. Scammers often ignore the Do Not Call List and can even impersonate it, so it is important to remain vigilant and consider additional call-blocking and call-labeling solutions. Many cell phones have built-in settings that allow you to block calls from specific numbers, and some offer features like Do Not Disturb, which allows you to set hours during which calls go straight to voicemail. You can also download a call-blocking app, which uses data and reports to predict and intercept illegal or scam calls before they reach you. Additionally, talk to your phone company about call-blocking tools they may offer and check out the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Call Blocking Resources for more information.
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Use a call-blocking app
One of the best ways to block unwanted calls is to download a call-blocking app. These apps act as filters and use call data or reports from users, the FTC, and other sources to predict which calls are illegal or likely scams. The app then intercepts those calls before they reach you. Some apps are free, while others charge a fee.
You can find a call-blocking app by searching the online app store for your phone's operating system (e.g. iOS or Android) and looking at ratings and reviews for different apps. You can also check out the list of apps at ctia.org, a website from the wireless industry. This site lists apps specific to Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows.
When choosing a call-blocking app, consider the features that are important to you. For example, some apps might let you choose how to respond to flagged scam calls, while others might offer call labeling, where you'll see labels like "spam" or "scam likely" on your phone screen for suspicious calls that still come through.
In addition to third-party apps, your phone's manufacturer may offer built-in call-blocking features that you can enable in your phone's settings. For example, Apple iPhones have an opt-in "Silence Unknown Callers" feature, while Google Pixel phones have a "Call Screen" feature. You can also check with your phone company to see if they offer any call-blocking tools or apps that you can use.
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Contact your phone company for call-blocking tools
Contacting your phone company can be a great way to block unwanted calls. Phone companies use call blocking tools to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone. They often partner with third-party analytics companies to proactively block calls connected to suspicious calling patterns. Many phone companies enable their customers to block additional unwanted calls by enrolling in a service or installing an app.
You can contact your phone company to learn about the blocking and labeling solutions available to protect you from unwanted and illegal calls. They may offer their own call-blocking services or recommend third-party apps. Some phone companies may also provide built-in features to block unwanted calls from specific numbers using your cell phone's settings.
Some phone companies and their call-blocking solutions include:
- AT&T: ActiveArmor mobile security app to stop spam and scams.
- Google Project Fi: Call blocking options for Project Fi wireless service.
- T-Mobile: ScamShield app to block scam calls and robocalls.
- U.S. Cellular: CallGuardian to stop spam, unwanted, and illegal calls with advanced filtering and blocking protection.
It is worth noting that call-blocking services might block some calls you want to get. Therefore, it is important to check with your phone company and understand the specific call-blocking tools and features they offer.
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Use a burner email and Google Voice number
If you're tired of receiving unwanted calls offering lower insurance rates, one way to address this issue is by adopting a burner email and Google Voice number. This approach will allow you to create a disposable layer of protection between yourself and the source of these unsolicited calls. Here's a step-by-step guide to implementing this strategy:
Step 1: Create a Burner Email Address
Start by setting up a burner email account, which you can easily do through various free email service providers such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. This burner email will serve as a disposable inbox that you can use specifically for signing up for services or promotions where you expect to receive promotional calls. By using a burner email, you can avoid exposing your primary email address to potential spam or unwanted communications.
Step 2: Sign Up for Google Voice
Google Voice is a service offered by Google that allows you to create a virtual phone number for free. This number can be used to make and receive calls and texts while keeping your actual phone number private. To sign up for Google Voice, you'll need a Google account. If you don't already have one, you can create one using your burner email address.
Step 3: Choose Your Burner Phone Number
Once you have a Google Voice account, you can select your burner phone number. Google Voice allows you to choose the area code and city associated with your number. This way, you can even create a number that appears local to your area. Simply use the search bar on the Google Voice website to find the area you want your new number to be from, and then choose a specific number from the list provided.
Step 4: Link Your Burner Phone Number to Your Actual Phone
To use your Google Voice number, you'll need to link it to either a cell phone number or a landline number within the United States. This step is necessary for call forwarding, so calls made to your Google Voice number will be forwarded to your actual phone. Don't worry—your real phone number will remain hidden from callers.
Step 5: Start Using Your Burner Email and Google Voice Number
Now that you have your burner email and Google Voice number set up, you can start using them! When signing up for services or promotions, use your burner email address and Google Voice number instead of your real contact information. This way, if you start receiving unwanted calls, they will go to your Google Voice number, and you can always change or delete that number without affecting your primary phone number. Remember, with Google Voice, you have the option to block specific numbers, and it also offers automatic spam blocking to filter out unwanted calls.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a burner email and Google Voice number to reduce the number of unwanted insurance rate calls you receive. This approach allows you to maintain your privacy while still taking advantage of promotional offers and services without exposing your primary contact information.
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Answer and ask not to be contacted again
Answering a spam call will almost certainly lead to more spam calls in the future. Even if you pick up and don't say anything, the spammer knows that your number is active and in use. They also know that you're willing to answer calls from unknown callers and possibly engage with cold calls.
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. If you're getting a lot of robocalls trying to sell you something, they are likely illegal and may be scams. Hang up on phone scammers and hang on to your money.
If you answer a call, do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with a simple "yes". Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls, or if you are suspicious. If you get an inquiry from someone claiming to represent a company or government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request. You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a call from a legitimate source, especially if they are requesting payment.
If you answer a call and the caller asks you to hit a button to stop getting calls, just hang up. If you hit the button, you may get more calls.
If you answer a call and the caller starts their pitch, you can lay the phone down and go on with your day. They will usually give up after half a minute. You can also answer with mute and leave the phone on your desk until they hang up.
If you want to stop receiving these calls, you can answer and ask them not to contact you again. You can also try to get on the National "Do Not Call" list. Registering your phone number is free and will prevent unsolicited sales calls. If you are already on the list and are still receiving unwanted calls, the calls are likely from scammers.
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Frequently asked questions
You can register your mobile and landline numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. Additionally, you can ask the company to put you on their internal Do Not Call list, and legally, they must honour your request.
You can download a call-blocking app. There are many apps available for both iPhones and Android phones. Some examples include Nomorobo, Hiya, Robokiller, Truecaller, and YouMail.
You can contact your phone company to learn more about the blocking and labelling solutions that may be available. Some phone companies enable their customers to block additional unwanted calls by enrolling in a service or installing an app.
You can block individual numbers on your phone. On an iPhone, go to the Phone app, find the number you want to block, tap the "i" icon next to it, scroll, and tap "Block this Caller." On Android, open the Phone app, select "Recents," tap the number you want to block, tap the "i" icon, tap "Report," select the spam call type, tap "OK," and then "Block."
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