Symptoms
- Frequent calls from unknown or spoofed numbers
- Calls appear to come from local numbers similar to your own
- Robocalls with recorded messages or long silences before a person speaks
- Spam calls increased suddenly after a data breach news event
Likely causes
- CommonNumber sold or leaked to telemarketing and scam listsData breaches and marketing list sales commonly circulate phone numbers.
- CommonCaller ID spoofing making calls look local or familiarScammers often spoof numbers similar to yours to increase pickup rates.
- PossibleNumber posted publicly somewhere (forms, listings, social media)Public number exposure increases how often it's scraped by spam callers.
- PossibleCarrier's spam protection not enabledMany carriers offer free or paid spam-blocking features that may not be turned on by default.
What to do
- Enable your carrier's free spam-call blocking or labeling feature through their app or account settings.
- Turn on 'Silence Unknown Callers' or similar built-in phone features to send unrecognized numbers to voicemail.
- Don't answer or call back unknown numbers; even declining can confirm your number is active to scammers.
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov), which reduces legitimate telemarketing though not illegal scam calls.
- Use a reputable call-blocking app if your carrier's built-in tools aren't sufficient.
- Report persistent scam numbers to your carrier or the FTC.
When to call a pro
If spam calls include threats, demands for payment, or claims from government agencies, treat them as scams and report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov; never give out personal or financial information on an unsolicited call.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.