We May Lock Your Phone Soon Too Much Spam
Spam has been an issue for decades, with unsolicited emails, messages, and calls clogging up our inboxes and phones. But now, it seems that spam has found a new platform to invade: our smartphones.
The Rise of Spam Calls and Messages
According to a report by Truecaller, a popular caller ID and spam blocking app, spam calls increased by 18% globally in 2019, with an average of 26.3 spam calls per month per user. In the United States, the average number of spam calls per user was even higher, at 35.4 per month.
Similarly, spam messages have also been on the rise. A study by mobile security company, Hiya, found that spam messages increased by 65% globally in 2019.
Why Are We Getting So Much Spam?
There are several factors contributing to the increase in spam calls and messages. Firstly, scammers and spammers are becoming more sophisticated in their techniques, using tactics such as spoofing, where they disguise their phone number to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate source.
Secondly, as more people are using smartphones, spammers are shifting their focus to mobile devices. With smartphones, it's easier to send and receive messages, and many people are more likely to answer a call from an unknown number if it comes through on their mobile phone.
Lastly, many companies are using automated dialing systems to make sales calls or send promotional messages. While these may not technically be considered spam, they can still be annoying and intrusive.
How Can We Protect Ourselves from Spam?
Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to protect ourselves from spam on our smartphones:
- Install a spam blocking app, such as Truecaller or Hiya, which can identify and block unwanted calls and messages.
- Don't answer calls from unknown numbers, and don't click on links or respond to messages from unfamiliar contacts.
- Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
- Be cautious when giving out your phone number online or in person, and only provide it to trusted sources.
- Use the spam filter feature on your phone to automatically send suspected spam messages to a separate folder.
Will We Soon Have to Lock Our Phones?
While locking our phones may seem extreme, it's not a completely far-fetched idea. In fact, some countries have already implemented similar measures to combat spam.
For example, in India, the government recently introduced a new policy that requires all telemarketers to register with a central registry and obtain consent from customers before making any calls or sending messages. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or even imprisonment.
While such measures may seem drastic, they could be necessary to combat the growing problem of spam on our smartphones. In the meantime, it's up to us to take steps to protect ourselves and reduce the amount of unwanted calls and messages we receive.