Working from home means that you'll probably spend a lot more time on your phone and computer. But if you don't already have a work phone, you'll have to use your personal device.
Throughout the day, you may get more calls and wonder, why do random numbers call me?
You can stop the madness of spam calls, so keep reading to learn about the tools you need.
1. What Are Spam Calls?
2. Why Do Random Numbers Call Me?
3. What to Do When You Get Spam Phone Calls?
4. How to Block Spam Calls?
5. How to Stop Getting Spam Calls?
6. Productivity Is Calling
What Are Spam Calls?
Have you ever wondered, why do random numbers call me? If so, you've probably had a spam call. Spam phone calls are unwanted calls, and they're similar to spam emails since they often try to sell you something or collect your information.
A lot of these phone calls are Robo-calls because robots make the call rather than people. When you answer a spam call, it may sound like a person, but it will give canned responses.
At best, spam calls are annoying, and at worst, they can scam you out of a lot of money.
If you get a spam call and pick up, be sure you don't reveal any personal or financial information. Even if the call seems like a friend or your bank, hang up and call the person or company directly.
If you have to work from home and use your personal phone, that can increase your risk of getting spam phone calls. However, you can use a second phone line to protect your privacy.
Employers can set their employees up with a second phone line so that they can keep working efficiently from home.
Why Do Random Numbers Call Me?
Since scammers can automate spam calls, they can call a lot of people in less time. Even if you block spam calls, you might still get more.
Scammers use Voice-over IP (VoIP) to make spam calls, so they don't have to stick to one phone number.
They can spoof different numbers, usually ones with the same area code as you. Spoofing can make it seem like they're a real person calling.
If you get a spam call and block that one number, it won't stop scammers from calling you with other numbers. VoIP is the reason why it seems like so many random numbers call you.
Unfortunately, that system makes it very hard to stop spam phone calls. However, you may sometimes see scam likely calls. You'll see "Scam Likely" on the caller ID if your phone provider thinks the number is spam.
If you need to stay productive while working from home, separating your business and personal phone numbers can help. By setting up a work phone number, you can ignore personal calls, which can include scam calls.
What to Do When You Get Spam Phone Calls?
If you get spam phone calls often, you can do a few things to protect yourself. You may not be able to stop getting spam calls, but you can protect your information from the scammers.
The best thing to do when you get a spam call is to not answer it. Of course, that can be hard to do when the number looks local or familiar. However, avoid answering the phone when you don't recognize the number.
Put numbers in your contacts for friends and family as well as your work. Then, you'll know those calls are real.
If you answer a spam call, hang up. Don't share your name or personal information, and go to your phone's settings to block that number.
Some scammers will trigger your emotions with statements like your warranty is expiring, or you could get a lower rate on your credit card. If you get a call like this, you can call your credit card company to verify if it's real or not.
A second phone line can help you avoid scam calls, and you can maintain your productivity through the day. You can also protect your new number from getting into the hands of scam callers.
How to Block Spam Calls?
If you get a spam call, you can block that number. While it won't prevent random calls in the future, it means the scammers have one fewer number to use to reach you.
The steps you take to block spam calls depend on the phone you use. If you use a mobile phone, you can go into your phone settings and add the number to a blocked list.
You can use the same process to block spam calls through your personal line and business line, even if you use the iPlum app for your business phone. Then, you don't have to worry about spam calls breaking up your day and making you less productive.
How to Stop Getting Spam Calls?
If you get a lot of them, you should know how to stop getting spam calls. Unfortunately, you may not be able to prevent all random calls.
However, you can use call-blocking tools to minimize the number of calls you get.
Whenever you get a spam call or a scam likely call, block the number. You can block it in your phone's settings, or you can use an app. Make sure you report any spam calls to the FCC so that they can investigate.
Only give out your number to people and businesses that you trust. Ask companies what they do to protect customer phone numbers.
You will probably still get some random calls. However, the more you can keep your number private, the harder it will be for scammers to get ahold of it.
If you need another number for work, you can get a local second phone line. You don't need to get another device. However, you can still separate the two numbers, which can protect your new number from scammers.
Productivity Is Calling
Working from home can be difficult, and productivity levels can drop. If you get a call and wonder, why do random numbers call me, you can lose out on precious work time.
Luckily, a second phone line can help you stay on track throughout the day. You can still keep up with your team, but you don't have to worry about dealing with personal calls.
Do you want to get a second phone line for working at home? Check out our plans and set up your account today.
Authored by Keily Atterberg, a freelance writer specializing in content creation for mobile security. She also writes for many local & national publications.
