Let's be real here. Political prank calls are still prevalent. How can you prevent them? In this blog post, let's go over some tips during the midterm elections.
But that doesn't mean you have to accept them just because they are a sad reality. If so, you must be able to recognize these bad actors.
According to AARP, Consumers should be on the alert for bold scammers that government and industry experts say are increasingly using fake phone calls to prey on potential victims."
In doing so, you’ll protect both your identity and money. Here are some of the things you should know about these robocalls and spam calls.
What are Political Scam Calls?
AARP points out that con artists pose as volunteers to persuade voters to donate money by either directly asking for it or requesting a credit card number. If targets provide their Social Security number, they may be informed that they can register to vote over the phone, which is not legal in any part of the United States.
Scammers use analytics to target states like Florida that have a large population of senior citizens. Having said that, it is clear that these criminals prefer to prey on older, more defenceless adults. In the end, the strategies employed are very effective. Usually, the scam starts with an unknown call and progresses from there.
Why Do These Happen?
Remember the robocall issue last 2020? Thousands of robocalls were organized by Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, according to the prosecution, to discourage minorities from casting mail-in ballots in the 2020 election.
Scammers are counting on people to be confused by the election process, eager to register, and willing to give up their Social Security Numbers. From donation scams to survey scams to voting by phone scams, scammers are persistent in their attempts to lure people in.
Protect Yourself from Robocalls & Scam Calls
The time for the hotly contested races in the midterm elections is rapidly running out. Therefore, political campaigns are using email, phone, and text messaging. Here are some strategies to stop the annoying vote-seeking process.
National Do Not Call Registry
You can get fewer telemarketing calls by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Your phone number can no longer receive telemarketing calls if you register it.
Here are the steps:
- Residential or mobile phones can be registered for free.
- After registering, you might still get calls from other organizations, including charities, political parties, debt collectors, and surveys.
- If you receive an annoying call after your number has been on the National Registry for 31 days, you should report it to the FTC.
Automated marketing calls that are generated by computers cannot be stopped by registration. It is done so that the law only applies to people and excludes computers. It would be beneficial if you and your phone service provider talked about terminating these calls.
Stop Spam Calls on Your Traditional Landline Phone
If your home phone is a conventional landline that isn't internet-connected, you can purchase and install a call-blocking device (VoIP). Call-blocking gadgets are typically small boxes that you attach to your phone.
Using call-blocking tools or devices that have full control over your landline, you can stop spam calls. This device uses caller ID and is connected to your phone line.
Some devices use databases of phone numbers associated with well-known scammers, even though you can add phone numbers to the block list. Other devices depend on your ability to compile and maintain a list of phone numbers to block.
Here are a few instances of call blockers you can use to stifle telemarketers.
CPR Call Blocker V5000
The CPR V5000 Call Blocker is one of the best call-blocking gadgets. Spam and robocalls can be avoided with the aid of this device. A spam registry with 5000 known Robocall spam numbers is part of the CPR V5000. 1500 additional numbers may be blocked at your discretion.
With just one press, the numbers can be added to the block list. On the CPR V5000, 1500 obnoxious calls can be blocked with a single click of the Block Now button. It is accessible and located at the top.
CPR Call Blocker V10000
The CPR V10000, a more sophisticated call blocker, comes preloaded with 10,000 scam phone numbers. You can use a button to block up to 2000 numbers in addition to these pre-set ones.
The call blocker can block all private, foreign, and unidentified numbers. You can set up this call blocker to reject calls that start with a specific area code to stop spam callers.
CPR SHIELD Call Blocker
Another portable caller ID and call-blocking device is CPR Shield. Its design is very ergonomic, with buttons placed in practical places. Your hands will get used to the round form.
A database of 2000 numbers, including robocalls, spam, and political advertisement numbers, is preloaded with CPR Call Blocker. Up to 1500 numbers can be added or blocked using the device. By pressing the "Block Now" button on the device's top, you can add a phone number to the list of numbers you want to block.
Block Calls on a Home Phone That Uses the Internet (VoIP)
first, confirm that your phone is connected to the internet (VoIP). Your home phone may use VoIP technology, which you are unaware of. VoIP, or voice over internet protocol, describes the practice of making phone calls over the internet as opposed to traditional phone lines.
If you're unsure of what you have, contact your phone provider. However, you almost certainly use VoIP service if you purchase a phone, internet, and cable package or get your phone service from a cable provider.
Block Spam Calls on Your Smartphone
With the call-blocking feature found on Android smartphones, you can quickly end spam calls. Due to an increase in spam and telemarketing calls, the majority of mobile carriers now provide a service that automatically blocks unwanted calls.
These carriers provide services to prevent robocalls and can identify the origin of incoming calls. Visit the carrier's website or get in touch with customer service to learn more about the best options or services. Additionally, you can stop spam calls by downloading free specialized apps from Google Play and the App Store.
Conclusion
The time for the hotly contested races in the midterm elections is rapidly running out. Therefore, political campaigns are using email, phone, and text messaging.
If you’re ready to identify and block political scam calls during the midterm elections, a call-blocker device is strongly recommended to block political spam calls. Our call blockers are meant to keep you and your family safe from unwanted phone calls and give you peace of mind at home. Browse our products or get in touch with us to help you.