How to Stop Spam Calls in Indiana
Spam calls and texts are annoying, potentially dangerous, and out of hand. Residents of all 50 states are receiving more spam in the last few years. In 2023, Indiana residents filed 29,563 Do Not Call complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and while this number is currently trending downward, there is still work to be done.
Most spam calls just interrupt your day, but some of them have a hidden risk. You could be contacted by a scammer who uses the same techniques at legitimate businesses to gain access to your personal information, online accounts, and financial data. It’s up to every resident of Indiana to help the state, the federal government, and themselves to help stop both spammers and scammers.
This article will provide the tools you need to do so. It will show you how to add your number to both the National and Indiana Do Not Call lists, block unwanted calls, report spam to the right authorities, and protect your privacy and data.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a State Level
The federal government has many programs and regulations to prevent spam calls and texts, but many states have found it necessary to implement their own. To help bolster the protection citizens receive at the national level, Indiana has put these laws and regulations in place:
- Indiana Code 24-5-14, Chapter 14: Prohibits using technology to dial numbers and deliver pre-recorded sales messages and requires a live phone operator to obtain permission before playing the message.
- House Enrolled Act 1723: Expands the state’s legislation prohibiting robocalls to include texts, multimedia messages, and all forms of cell phone communication to Indiana cell phone numbers.
- Telephone Solicitation of Consumers Act: Requires telemarketers to register with the Attorney General’s office and prohibits calls to numbers on the state or national Do Not Call List.
Indiana has its own Do Not Call List. You can add your number to it with this online form or by calling 1-888-834-9969. If you have already added your number to the list and get a call from a telemarketer after the quarterly list update, you should report this to the Indiana Attorney General. First, note all details about the call or text that you can, including the date, time, and caller ID information. Then, you can file a complaint here or call 1-888-834-9969 to request a complaint form.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a National Level
You can also fight unwanted calls at the national level. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the agency responsible for governing telemarketing practices in the United States. The FCC has implemented rules and regulations aimed at reducing unwanted calls and texts, including:
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Requires consent from consumers before they are robocalled, an automated opt-out process, and no longer allows telemarketers to use an established business relationship to avoid getting consent.
Truth in Caller ID Act (TICIDA): Prohibits callers from spoofing their caller ID with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or steal.
The National Do Not Call Registry is the most well-known national program for reducing unwanted calls. It allows consumers to register their phone numbers and opt out of telemarketing calls from most companies. It’s important to note, however, that the Do Not Call Registry does not apply to all types of calls, including:
- Political calls
- Calls from non-profits or charities
- Calls from legitimate survey organizations
- Calls from debt collectors
Calls from companies you do business with or have sought to do business with within the last 18 months
Registering your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry is free. You can do this at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). If you register at the website, you will be sent an email with a link you will need to click within 72 hours to complete registration. Telemarketers covered by the registry must stop calling you within thirty days after you register. Your phone number will remain on the registry permanently. Removing a number requires calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to remove, and your number will be removed by the next day.
If you get a call that is clearly a scam, the FCC recommends filing a complaint with them and providing them with the phone numbers and other details you have about the calls. In addition to the Do Not Call Registry and reporting the calls to the FCC, the FCC provides several resources for consumers looking to block and report spam calls and texts.
Everyday Tips to Reduce Spam Calls and Texts
Spam calls and texts are not only annoying, but they can also be a security risk. To help reduce the number of unwanted calls and texts you receive, we recommend taking the following steps:
Be very careful where and with whom you share your cell phone number: Be cautious when providing your phone number online or in person, especially when dealing with unfamiliar companies or individuals. Remember that some companies may share or sell your phone number to third-party marketers.
Do not respond to texts from questionable sources: If you receive a text from an unknown sender or a number you don’t recognize, don’t respond. This could confirm that your number is active to the spammer, leading to more unwanted messages.
Do not click on any links in text spam: Many spam messages contain links that could lead to malicious websites or install malware on your phone. If you’re not sure whether a link is safe, don’t click on it.
Do not give out personal information via call or text if you do not know the recipient: Scammers may pose as legitimate companies or organizations to trick you into giving them personal information. Be suspicious of unsolicited calls or texts asking for sensitive information.
Check with your mobile service provider about options to block text messages from specific numbers: Many service providers offer features to block or filter incoming text messages from certain numbers or keywords. This can be an effective way to reduce the number of unwanted messages you receive.
Install a call-blocking app on your phone: Many Android and iOS apps will help you block spam calls and texts. A lot offer basic features for free and premium call-blocking features with a subscription.
Consider getting a virtual phone number: You can use a secondary number for online forms, social media, or anywhere spammers could find it and prevent spam on your primary phone number
Spam calls and texts can pose a significant threat to your privacy and security. While it may be impossible to stop spam calls completely, we’ve covered several steps you can take to minimize the amount of these calls. Working together can create a safer and more secure digital environment for all Hoosiers.