Spam Phone Calls Have Increased 300% Worldwide

Spam Phone Calls

Your phone rings and upon inspection, you are met with the dreaded ‘Unknown caller’. What do you do? You can’t not answer it as it might be something important. On the other hand, you know full well that it’s probably going to be a call from someone trying to sell you something. You answer it, a moment of silence, then you’re suddenly speaking with ‘David’ who is very interested in discussing the recent accident you had and how he can win you thousands in compensation!

Yes, spam calls are annoying and if you think you’re getting more than you used to, you’re probably right. In a report via The Verge, a report has found that spam calls have increased worldwide by about 300% in 2018.

I’d Just Like To Take A Moment To Talk About…

While it is increasing, on the whole, the good news (at least for people who live in Western countries) is that these spam dialers are turning their attention more towards countries where the mobile market is a little fresher. In other words, preying on victims who might not have gained the same experience we have.

How You Can Combat This

Many phone companies do offer you the option to filter out calls from withheld or unknown numbers. As such, if you do find yourself plagued by these calls, you might want to speak with your provider. They genuinely might be able to do something to improve the situation, if not solve it for you entirely.

I have, however, personally, invented a whole new game out of it. I am now answering every spam call I get. Yes, with every one I pick it up and patiently listen to their script for a few seconds before interrupting the caller to say I’m just getting out the car and ask if they can wait for a second while I get in the house. I then proceed to place them on hold and see how long they wait on the line. My best record so far is 1 minute 37 seconds. I invite you to do the same.

What do you think? Have you noticed an increase in junk phone calls? – Let us know in the comments!