Most of our technological advances cause us to wonder what we ever did without them and the conveniences they offer to our modern, fast-paced lives. The cell phone is one such modern convenience that allows us to remain accessible and keep in touch wherever we are - or at least, wherever we can obtain adequate cell reception.
Just as other forms of technology have their drawbacks - such as the infamous glitches that occur with computers - both land line telephones and cell phones are prone to one of the most common forms of annoyance: unwanted, unsolicited calls and text messages. These types of calls and messages are the equivalent of email spam. For some reason, in spite of the Do Not Call Registry, unscrupulous individuals and companies manage to find loopholes to work around it and harass an individual on his or her cell phone.
Conveniences of Cell Phones
Your cell phone provides a convenient means to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as creates an accessible means for your business and professional contacts to reach you. Of course, many cell phones today allow you to do much more than simply make and receive calls and text messages. You can take pictures, connect to the Internet, check your email, play games, listen to music, and numerous other activities, depending on the type of cell phone you have and the features and services your cell phone provider offers.
Annoyances of Unwanted Calls
Unfortunately, call spammers have also found out how convenient a cell phone is, for less than ethical activities. Telemarketers frequently use cell phone numbers, as well as land line numbers, to try to elicit sales, while other individuals and companies call and text cell phone numbers for purposes such as requesting donations, taking surveys, promoting political candidates, or threatening legal action on old, expired debts.
Of course, other unwanted calls include actual wrong numbers, as well as calls from individuals who are intent on harassing, pranking, or even threatening people. These calls on your cell phone cross the line from annoying to alarming.
Actions to Take Against Unwanted Calls
You do have recourses against spammers, solicitors, pranksters, and others who abuse cell phone use.
For instance, it is illegal in most cases for telemarketers to call or text your cell phone. This is due to the fact that it incurs a charge for you, according to the FCC Advisory Board. The only exemption, typically, is for certain non-profit organizations or any other company with whom you have some form of pre-existing relationship or agreement.
You can also implement services to block or report unwanted calls and text messages. These services and their respective benefits and costs vary, depending on your provider's terms.
Here are some actions you can take to reduce, or hopefully eliminate, unwanted calls and text messages to your cell phone:
1] Do Not Call Registry: This is a service offered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can register both landline phone numbers and cell phone numbers through either of the following methods: online at www.donotcall.gov; call 1-888-382-1222. If you are already registered, and receive unwanted calls or text messages violating the Do Not Call rules, you may file a complaint.
Specific guidelines apply for filing complaints. First, they must be for telemarketers calling for commercial purposes, and under the following conditions: (1) Calling before 8am, or after 9pm; (2) Caller leaves a message, but no phone number, preventing you from returning a call to request the caller stops calling; (3) Caller does not identify him/herself; (4) Caller is one you have previously requested NOT to call any more; (5) Call is pre-recorded/auto-dialed message from someone you do not know, has no permission to call you, and/or with whom you have no previous relationship.
2] Call Block: Another step to reduce or stop unwanted calls or text messages to your cell phone is to place a call block. Your cell phone provider offers various ways to block calls, for different price points. For instance, you may add known numbers to subscriber preference block list. When those callers try to reach your number, they will receive a message that calls from their numbers will not be accepted. Depending on the provider, call block may or may not be available.
3] TrapCall: Another service to help reduce or stop unwanted calls to your cell phone is TrapCall. This service can unmask and identify incoming blocked or restricted numbers, as well as blacklist harassing callers and record unwanted calls. TrapCall is a paid service and offers various plans and pricing based on subscriber needs.
If you're tired of receiving unwanted calls or unsolicited text messages on your cell phone, take the appropriate actions as soon as possible to eliminate or at least reduce those spam calls and text messages.
