These days, robo and spam calls and texts have been getting out of control. Whether it’s a message about unknown subscriptions with suspicious links, or a spam call from a scammer hoping to trick you into buying something or handing over your personal information.
A robocall is a call made with an automated or prerecorded messages, usually used in spam calls. Spam calls are unsolicited calls by marketers and advertisers, but primarily spammers, and other rouge actors. Many of these calls even use spoof numbers, which is the modification of Caller ID information to utilize another number.
It’s also the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission, agency regulating communication) top customer complaint. Along from being alert and aware, contacting providers directly, and utilizing reporting features and security software, they are some ways you can proactively protect yourself.
New AI Tool
Norton, a software security company, has released a new AI tool that proactively protects you from spam and fraud phone call, emails and social media communications.
The Genie Scam Detector is a new app part of their Norton 360 Deluxe security solution. It works by analyzing the content to check if it’s a scam. Users can copy and paste the text, email, or screenshot, and get insight on it as well as get additional tips. It could potentially protect users from potential scams.
Learn more about the tool, and it’s benefits on their blog post.
Ways to Protect
AI is evolving, so utilizing a single tool may not be a failproof way to protect yourself. There are different ways to protect yourself from these fake calls or messages. Check within your device’s settings for call protection features, which may be manufacturer or carrier provider dependent.
Many carriers also provide call ID and verification tools, though sometimes on a subscription basis. Depending on your communication usage such as business, this may be a useful tool.
Do Not Call list
You can utilize the Do Not Call national registry, allowing you to unsubscribe from telemarking advertisements. This could help in stopping some unsolicited communications by some providers.
Apps
There are many apps that provide caller verification by comparing incoming calls with known spam lists. TrueCaller, for example, is a top call blocking provider with billions of calls and messages marked insecure.
Report Spam
If you receive a suspicious call or message, verify the sender and avoid exchanging personal information or clicking links. Many times, engaging through pressing numbers within a call or clicking clicks, for example, can be just an email verification, or pulse check, for a spam list.
Report any spam within your Messages app, or through FCC’s website. Also check out additional tips on protecting yourself from these types of messages here.
Whenever in doubt, contact any provider mentioned directly.
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