Jane Dotson
Unwanted calls from medical insurance companies can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Many people have reported receiving a high volume of unsolicited calls from telemarketers and scammers, with some reporting up to 80 calls a day. These calls are often the result of lead-generating websites selling your contact information to multiple insurance agencies without your consent. While it may seem like there is no end to these disruptive calls, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce or block them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Call-blocking apps | Available on the App Store and Google Play Store |
| National Do Not Call Registry | Registering your phone number is free |
| Call-blocking features | Available on cell phones, home phones, and landlines |
| Anti-robocall services | Offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile |
| Call blocking software | Built-in on some phones |
| Blocking individual numbers | Can be done if you are called repeatedly from the same number |
| Reporting | Texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 |
| File a complaint | File an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints |
| Third-party analytics companies | Partnered with phone companies to block unwanted calls |
| Call-blocking tools | ActiveArmor, CallGuardian, Call Filter, Nomorobo, Smart Call, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Register your number on the National Do Not Call list
Registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry is a good way to stop unwanted calls from insurance companies. The National Do Not Call Registry was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls. Registering your home or cell phone number is completely free.
To register, simply visit the National Do Not Call Registry website and enter your phone number. Once your number is registered, it will be illegal for telemarketers to call you. It's important to note that it may take a few days for your number to be fully registered, and even after that, you may still receive some unwanted calls. Scammers and illegal robocalls are likely to continue, but legitimate companies should stop calling you.
If you continue to receive unwanted calls after registering, you can report the callers to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC provides resources and tools to help consumers block and avoid unwanted calls. Additionally, you can contact your phone service provider and ask about call-blocking services they may offer. Many providers, such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer anti-robocall services that can detect and block potential spam calls.
While registering with the National Do Not Call Registry is a helpful step, it may not completely stop all unwanted insurance calls. Some callers may still try to reach you, especially if they are scammers or if they purchased your information from another source. In these cases, you may need to take additional steps, such as blocking individual numbers or using call-blocking apps, to further reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
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Use call-blocking apps
Call-blocking apps are an effective way to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. These apps use call-blocking and labelling services to detect whether a call is likely to be fraudulent based on call patterns, consumer complaints, or other means.
There are many call-blocking apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. For example, the App Store offers EyeMed, a leading vision insurance app with plans starting at $5/month. iPhone users can also take advantage of the ""Silence Unknown Callers"" feature, which screens and blocks calls from unknown numbers. Google Pixel phones have a similar feature called "Call Screen". Google Voice and Google Play also offer apps to help block unwanted calls. Additionally, Samsung offers Smart Call, a call-blocking solution that allows users to report and block unwanted calls.
Third-party call-blocking apps are also available for download. Nomorobo, for instance, offers tools and services for both VoIP landlines and mobile phones. YouMail provides apps and services that protect consumers from spam calls and offers solutions for businesses. Hiya is another option, which includes caller ID and blocking features.
While call-blocking apps can be a great way to reduce unwanted calls, it's important to note that they may also block some legitimate calls. It is also recommended to register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry to further reduce unwanted calls.
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Answer the call and ask them to stop
Answering the phone and asking telemarketers to stop calling is one way to reduce the number of sales calls you receive. However, it is not always effective, and it may even lead to more unwanted calls. When you answer a spam call, the caller knows that your number is active and in use. They may also realise that you are willing to answer calls from unknown numbers and engage with cold calls. This could result in your number being added to more spam lists.
If you do choose to answer and ask the caller to stop, be sure to avoid providing any personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, or account details. You should also refrain from answering "yes" to any questions, as this could be used to create a false agreement that can be used against you in the future.
If the unwanted calls persist, you can try to get your number added to the National "Do Not Call" list. This registry was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls, and legitimate businesses are unlikely to risk the penalties and reputational damage that can result from ignoring it. You can also file a complaint with the FCC if you believe you have received an illegal call or if you think you are the victim of a spoofing scam.
In addition to these measures, you can also take advantage of call-blocking apps available on both iPhone and Android devices. These apps can help you prevent unwanted calls by intercepting them before they reach you. Alternatively, you can contact your phone company to see if they offer any call-blocking services or adjust your phone settings to block unknown numbers.
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Report or file a lawsuit against the solicitors
If you are receiving unwanted calls from solicitors, there are several ways to address the issue. Firstly, you can request to be removed from their call list. In some cases, simply answering the call and asking to not be contacted again may be sufficient. Another option is to register your phone number with the National "Do Not Call" Registry. This registry was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls, and registering your number is free of charge. Keep in mind that it can take up to 90 days after registration for the unsolicited calls to stop.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may consider taking legal action by reporting or filing a lawsuit against the solicitors. Here are the steps you can take:
- Collect the solicitor's information: To file a lawsuit, you will need the solicitor's information, including their name, the name of the company they are calling for, and their contact information such as a telephone number or address. Obtaining this information can sometimes be challenging, as some telemarketers may refuse to provide it. However, it is mandated under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that telemarketers provide this information. You can try to collect this information by pretending to be an interested consumer, as they may be more inclined to reveal these details.
- Send a demand letter: Before filing a lawsuit, it is common to send a demand letter to the solicitor. This letter will outline your request to stop the unsolicited calls and can be created with the help of online tools.
- File a complaint: If the solicitor continues to violate the TCPA and ignores your demand letter, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. In some states, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General's office, who can take legal action against those who violate the "Do Not Call" law.
- Pursue a lawsuit: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may consider taking the solicitor to small claims court. Small claims courts provide an efficient and affordable way for consumers to take action against telemarketers who illegally harass them. You will need to fill out the correct small claims forms from the courthouse where you intend to file your lawsuit. Most courts offer options to file in person, by mail, or online.
It is important to note that the procedure for small claims court may vary slightly from state to state, and you may choose to hire a lawyer or handle the issue yourself. Additionally, keep in mind that not all telephone calls are prohibited, even after registering on the "Do Not Call" Registry. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of the dates, times, and nature of the calls you receive to determine if your rights have been violated.
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Block individual numbers
If you're receiving unwanted calls about medical insurance, there are several steps you can take to block the callers' numbers.
First, you can download a call-blocking app. There are many such apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. Some apps are free, while others require payment. These apps can intercept unwanted calls before they reach you.
Second, you can block individual numbers directly on your phone. The exact steps to do this will depend on your device and operating system, but typically, you can go into your recent calls, select the number you want to block, and choose the "block" option. On an iPhone, you can block callers as they call you, or block all calls from unknown numbers. However, blocking all unknown callers may cause you to miss important calls.
Third, you can contact your phone company to discuss call-blocking tools they may have available. They may be able to provide you with additional options or features that are built into your phone plan or device.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to avoid receiving medical insurance calls. You can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, a list that was established to prevent unsolicited sales calls. You can also activate the built-in call-blocking software on your phone or use call-blocking apps available on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Medical insurance spam calls are made by scam artists attempting to persuade consumers into paying for expensive health insurance that either offers few benefits or doesn’t exist.
If you are receiving a call from a company that does not have your permission to contact you, it is likely a Medicare telemarketing call.
If you answer the phone and the caller asks you to press a button to stop getting the calls, hang up immediately. Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with a "yes". Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, and passwords.
