Imagine you went to work today excited about new prospects. Your small business is growing, but you need more leads. Then, the phone rings.
You pick it up quickly, hoping an interested customer is on the other end. Instead, it’s some lady named “Kendra” calling about “your car’s extended warranty.”
You’re probably thinking, “Why am I getting so many spam calls?” Or, “These spam calls are getting out of hand!” Or, “I wish I could give those telemarketers a piece of my mind!” Spam calls are, in fact, the bane of many businesses’ existence. Let’s talk about some common reasons you might be getting these calls and how you can make them stop.
A Brief History of Spam Calls
What do robocalls, the British comedy group Monty Python, and the salty canned meat made popular in Hawaii have in common?
Spam.
Though the word “spam” as we know it today originated in a 1970s Monty Python sketch, it was popularized in the 1990s after a software developer sent the same post 200 times in an online newsgroup. The result? Outrage.
Though telemarketing also made its debut in the 1970s, spam calls surged with the introduction of mobile phones in 2006 and 2007. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stepped in, and in 2009, Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Though most spam, scam, and robocalls are illegal, the number of calls and texts continues to grow by the day. In fact, a recent report suggests that 52.8 billion calls targeted individuals in the United States in 2024.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
The real question is, why are you getting so many spam calls? These seven reasons are the most common for individuals and businesses.
1. Massive Data Breaches
In 2023, there were 3,205 data breaches in the United States alone. Personal information is constantly under attack. If your business phone number is exposed through a data breach, scammers are quick to jump on the opportunity.
2. Your Phone Number Was Compromised
Phishing scams often target individuals to trick them into sharing their contact information. You may get a text, email, or other form of communication asking you to provide your phone number to claim a prize or confirm a purchase.
3. Spam Callers Selling Your Number
Sometimes, when a spammer has your phone number, they sell that information to third-party sources who make your spam problem even bigger.
4. Use of Predictive Dialers
Predictive dialers help call centers by automatically calling numbers based on a list and connecting only when the call is answered. However, this is also a common tactic for spam callers, so you might get a number of robocalls or unwanted messages.
5. Caller ID Spoofing
Caller ID spoofing is when spam callers use a fake caller ID and number to trick people into answering the call. This tactic is often used to perpetuate scams and steal your personal information. Even though the call may look like it comes from a trusted source, be wary of what information callers ask you to share.
6. Lack of Registry Protection
The FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry can help protect you and your company against unwanted calls. However, you have to add yourself to the registry to be protected. If not, your number is accessible to spammers.
7. Public Listings and Directories
Public listings and directories are a popular place for spam callers to get phone numbers. Be smart of where you add your business phone number and be aware that public places online are accessible.
Taking your number off your website and business profile doesn’t help your customers, so here are some other ways to stop those unwanted calls.
How Do I Stop Unwanted Spam Calls?
As we change the conversation from “Why am I getting so many spam calls?” to “How do I stop getting spam calls?” you can take these steps to stop these calls before ring you.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
In the United States, the FTC is working to protect consumer information. You can register on their website or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Your registration on the National Do Not Call Registry does not expire, which means you just have to add it once to reduce the number of calls you get. Though this registry can help protect you, some spammers disregard these government protections entirely.
Block All Spam Calls
Many phones have built-in spam filters or settings that can reduce the risk of spam calls getting through. If these aren’t enough, downloading apps or software from a trusted company can help as well. These apps use black lists (blocking known spam call numbers) and white lists (only allowing your contacts), so choose the one that works best for you.
Update Passwords and Keep Data Secure
Keeping your passwords unique and updating them often can help your data stay safe. This practice reduces the risk of a data breach and your phone number getting leaked to unwanted callers.
Educate Employees on Data Practices
Training your employees on how to stay safe can protect both you and your business information. Awareness is the first step in avoiding scams like phishing emails asking for a phone number.
Worried About Your Outbound Sales Calls?
Many outsourced sales companies use predictive dialers or ignore “do not call” lists, flagging them as spammy or untrustworthy. Slingshot is different. We’re here to be the solution, not the problem when it comes to calls. We work to be the most friendly, responsive, and effective sales partner, so you can focus on delivering the best products and services.
Learn more about how Slingshot can help you get qualified leads today!
