How to Stop Spam Calls in Georgia
Spam calls and texts are out of control in the United States. In 2023, Georgia residents complained to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about spammers 66,808 times, putting them in 15th place in the nation that year for complaints per 100,000 residents.
While these complaints are on a download trend, there are still a lot of unwanted calls and texts, which can become more than just an annoyance if you get contacted by the wrong spammer. Many of these spammers are also scammers who will pass themselves off as real businesses in an attempt to steal sensitive data and financial information using telemarketing tactics. Even though both Georgia and the federal government are working hard to stop this scourge, it is still up to Georgians to be proactive in blocking and reporting these incidents.
Georgia residents can use this article as a manual to fight back. It provides details on signing up for the Do Not Call Registry, reporting spam to both federal and state authorities, blocking unwanted texts and calls, and protecting personal data. Using the strategies outlined here will help cut down on this stateside problem.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a State Level
While the federal government has laws in place to prevent this nuisance, Georgia also has its own set of regulations that crack down hard on spammers, including giving residents the right to take legal action against them.
Here are the Georgia codes that apply to spam calls and texts:
- Georgia Code 46-5-23: Prohibits using automatic dialing and recorded message equipment to make unsolicited telephone sales calls without prior express written consent. Businesses can face fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
- Georgia Code 46-5-27: Prohibits telemarketers from making unsolicited calls to residential, mobile, or wireless subscribers who have objected to receiving such calls, requires them to access the database of these subscribers to avoid calling these numbers, prohibits them from blocking caller ID, and requires them to identify themselves at the beginning of the call. It also gives consumers the right to take private action.
Georgia did have its own Do Not Call List, but it has since merged it with the national list. If you have received a spam call or text, document the day and time the telemarketer called, their name and number, the company’s name, and any other information about the call to give authorities a better chance of finding the spammer. You can report these violations to the Georgia Public Service Commission by email at [email protected] or by mail to:
Georgia Public Service Commission
244 Washington Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
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 Georgians.