How to Stop Spam Calls in Illinois
America has been hit hard by unwanted calls and texts in recent years. Last year, Illinois ranked in the top ten in the nation for Do Not Call complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) per 100,000 residents. Illinois residents filed a total of 97,759 complaints in 2023.
While spam calls and texts may seem like just an annoyance, they also pose a hidden threat. Scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses, using the same tactics as telemarketers to extract personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals. Despite the ongoing efforts of both federal and state governments, the problem persists, and Illinois residents should take steps to block and report incidents of spam.
With this guide, you can take control of your phone communications and banish the annoyance of spam calls and texts. Learn how to register your number on the Do Not Call Registry, effectively report and block spam callers, and protect your privacy and security from unwanted intrusions. By following the steps in this article, you can cut back on the spam you receive and safeguard yourself from potential scams.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a State Level
With the proliferation of spam calls and texts, several states have initiated programs and created laws to address this issue to help boost the protection provided by the federal government. Illinois has several regulations regarding spam calls and texts that were put in place by the Automatic Telephone Dialers Act.
Here are some of the provisions of this act:
- Autodialers cannot be used to place non-consensual pre-recorded voice calls or texts to Illinois residents.
- Autodialers must disconnect when 30 within 30 seconds if a call is not answered.
- Autodialer operators must maintain records of all numbers called and documentation of any exemptions claimed.
- Consumers can sue violators for three times actual damages plus costs and attorney fees.
- Exemptions exist for calls made and responses to a request, to existing customers, or on behalf of political, charity, research, or broadcast organizations.
Along with reporting spam calls and texts to federal authorities, you can also do so at the state level in Illinois. It is important to collect all the information you can on the call before reporting it, including the time and date of the call, caller ID information, and details on the content of the call. If the call or text has violated Illinois spam regulations or you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, you can file a consumer complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s office by calling 1-888-225-5322 or online here.
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 Illinoisans.