Are you getting flooded with unwanted spam calls? You’re not alone! Many people are experiencing an increase in aggressive calls that seem to come out of nowhere. And not just phone calls, but the constant spam text messages are just as annoying!
Unfortunately, some of these calls aren’t random. In most cases, companies collect your personal information through online forms and then they turn around and sell that data to telemarketers and other third parties. It’s misleading and dishonest, and they are doing it without your knowledge or your permission.
What to know about signing up for coupons or sweepstakes
It’s easy to assume that entering a contest or signing up for digital coupons is harmless. But in reality, many websites store your data. They use these forms to gather personal information, so they can turn around and sell it later.
Here are three simple tips that can help reduce spam calls and texts:
- Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.
- Pause before signing up for a contest or sweepstakes. Do a quick search of the site name along with the words “complaint” or “scam,” to see what others are saying.
- Report illegal robocalls. There are a ton robocalls ties to scams. Reporting them to the National Do Not Call Registry helps federal agencies crack down on bad actors.
Never engage with spam callers! A little awareness today can save you a great deal of frustration down the road
Spam calls and text messages may feel like an unavoidable part of life, but a few smart habits can go a long way toward protecting your personal information online. Staying alert to where you share your data, and understanding how that information may be used, can help you avoid being targeted by unwanted callers and potential scams.
If you want even greater protection online for your personal data, explore our exclusive Privacy Plans. We work specifically to help safeguard online information for law enforcement officers, public officials, and their families.