How to Stop Spam Calls in Massachusetts
Spam calls and texts are everyone’s problem and are out of control in just about every state of the union. In 2023, residents of Massachusetts filed 35,444 Do Not Call complaints (equivalent to over 97 calls per day on average) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
While spam like this can interrupt your day, and just hanging up can solve the nuisance problem, it doesn’t stop the root cause. Also, some spam calls are more than just an inconvenience. Scammers often use the same techniques as telemarketers to commit fraud and steal victims’ personal and financial data. To help stop this issue for everyone, it is important to report spam and protect yourself from scams, you should know how to block these calls and protect your data.
This article is meant to help you do both. It will guide you through the process of adding your phone numbers to both the national and state Do Not Call lists, show you how to block spam calls and protect your data, and give you the details you need to report spammers and even recover monetary damages.
How to Block and Report Spam Calls and Texts at a State Level
Citizens of every state can report spam calls and texts to the federal government, but many states have implemented their own laws and programs to stop this nuisance. Massachusetts has enacted the following regulations regarding spam texts and calls:
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 159: Defines automatic telephone dialing systems, gives residents the right to notify their carrier that they do not want to receive calls from these systems, and requires companies that use these systems to state their identity and the goods or services being offered before making any other statement.
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 159C: Prohibits unsolicited telephonic sales calls, whether by a telemarketer or automated dialing systems, without express written consent, prohibits the blocking or spoofing of caller ID information, and allows for fines, injunctions, and civil penalties for companies that break these laws.
Massachusetts has had its own Do Not Call List since 2003. You can register your home and cell phone numbers by completing this online form, calling 1-866-339-1475, or by printing the registration form and mailing it to the following address:
Massachusetts Do Not Call
c/o First Data
855 Pacific Street
4th Floor FDGS
Omaha, NE 68106
Once you register your phone number, it can take up to 90 days for it to become active on the list. If your name is active on the list, which you can check here, and you received a telemarketing call, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General with this online form. You can also send a 30-Day Demand Letter to the business responsible for the call to recover monetary damages.
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 Bay Staters.