How to Stop Spam Calls in Arizona
In 2023, Arizonans reported receiving 48,157 Do Not Call Complaints, according to the FTC. These calls often involve attempts to deceive individuals into divulging personal information, posing a threat to their privacy and security. Although state authorities have made efforts to combat this problem, spam calls and texts continue to persist.
This guide provides Arizonans with practical steps to reduce the influx of spam calls and texts, empowering them to stop and report spam callers at both the state and national levels. By proactively shielding personal information and promptly reporting any suspicious behavior, we can collectively combat Arizona’s persistent problem of spam communications.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a State Level
In response to the escalating issue of spam texts and calls, numerous states have instituted programs to combat this challenge. Arizona has taken decisive action by implementing its own set of laws and regulations to stop spam, including:
- Statute 13-2919: Regulate the use of robocalls to solicit people to buy goods and services or request survey information.
- Statute 44-1271: Regulates telemarketing activities and prohibits call spoofing.
- Statute 44-1282: Prohibits sellers, solicitors, or anyone acting on their behalf from initiating outbound telephone solicitations to consumers who have registered their phone numbers with the National Do-Not-Registry.
If you receive a spam text or call in the state of Arizona, you can file a consumer complaint online with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. To file a complaint, you can also call the Consumer Protection Office at (602) 542-5763 in Phoenix or 1-800-352-8431 statewide. Make sure to note the number on the caller ID, even if it is fake, so that you can include it with your complaint. Also, add the date and time of the call and any other related information to help law enforcement find the scammer.
If the scam caller claims to be law enforcement and tries to extort money from you, you should also report the call to the Clerk’s Office of the United States District Court of Arizona at 602-322-7200 in Phoenix or 520-205-4200 in Tucson.
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 Arizonans.