In Focus
Like many of you, I am sick and tired of scammers calling me.
I’ve tried blocking the numbers, but they just call from a different one. I’ve resorted to turning my ringer off because it never ends.
I average about four spam calls a day, sometimes up to ten. It’s highly annoying when I am waiting on return calls for stories. I have to save everyone’s phone number just so I know it’s a person I’m trying to reach and not a spammer. I am up to 990 contacts. No joke. I don’t know what the limit is, but I’m sure I will hit it soon enough.
Recently, I noticed a change to my caller ID. My cellphone carrier added a new app to screen and autoblock spammers and scammers. One came up as a high risk “Potential Spam” on my caller ID. I did not pick up the phone, but they left a message. Apparently, social security is sending law enforcement after me. I laughed. It’s one of the most common scams right now. Now that number is blocked.
I’m still trying out the settings as I don’t want to block all unknown callers. I had it on high risk, now I dropped it to a lower setting. We’ll see how that works.
Lately, most of the calls are Minnesota numbers from around the state, such as Red Wing and Le Sueur.
I don’t know who’s selling my number or why, but it’s infuriating that nobody’s information is safe. I recently read that a DMV in another state made millions by selling people’s data. It makes you wonder who else is doing it. I really wish this would stop.
Be wary of websites that want your phone number. You could be agreeing to spam calls that’s buried in the fine print that nobody reads. Never call anyone back that claims they are from social security or the IRS as they would send you a letter if there is an issue. Scammers and spammers are getting creative. If it sounds like a good deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is, so hang up. If you don’t recognize the number calling you, just don’t answer the call.