Spam calls and texts can feel nonstop—and unfortunately, they've become part of everyday life. It can be difficult to know what's legitimate and what's not. The best response? Slow down. You don't have to respond immediately, and a legitimate company won't mind if you take time to verify who's contacting you.
A Day in Your Phone
8:12 a.m. — Your package couldn't be delivered. Click here to reschedule.
You're expecting a delivery, so the message doesn't seem unusual.
11:37 a.m. — Your phone rings. It's a local number with the same area code as yours.
You don't recognize it, but you wonder if it's someone you know.
2:15 p.m. — Unpaid toll. Immediate action required to avoid additional fees.
The message catches you off guard, and the threat of additional fees makes it feel urgent.
6:42 p.m. — Suspicious purchase detected. Did you authorize this transaction? Reply YES or NO.
You don't recognize the purchase, and your first instinct is to respond.
Four interruptions. Four different stories. Each is designed to catch you in a busy moment and get you to engage. But why are they calling your number?
How Did They Get Your Number?
The answer isn't always simple. Your phone number has become part of your digital identity. Think about how often you use it—to shop online, open an account, sign up for a service, or receive a security code. Over time, your number can end up in databases, appear in information available online, or be exposed through a data breach. Scammers can also use technology to call or text thousands of numbers at once.
Social media can give scammers even more clues. Public posts may reveal where you work, who you know, places you visit, or upcoming travel. Scammers can use those details—and increasingly, AI—to make calls or messages feel personal and believable. Review your privacy settings and consider what you share publicly.
And just because you're getting spam doesn't mean your accounts have been compromised. Knowing how scammers find you—and what they want you to do next—can make suspicious messages easier to spot.
Why Do Some Calls Look Local?
Scammers don't always call from numbers that look suspicious. Ever wonder why a spam call has your area code? Scammers can fake—or “spoof”—caller ID so a call looks local or appears to come from a business you recognize.
That's why recognizing the name or number on your screen isn't enough to verify who's calling. If someone claims to represent your bank or another trusted company, it's okay to hang up and call back using a phone number you looked up yourself. A legitimate representative will understand.
Scammers may even impersonate financial institutions. Your Bank Will Never Ask You This explains how to spot the warning signs.
What Do Scammers Want You to Do?
Most scam calls and texts want one thing: a reaction.
Click. Reply. Call. Share. Pay.
A click could take you to a fake website. A reply could start a conversation where the scammer works to gain your trust. And sometimes, the first request may not seem suspicious at all.
Scammers may start small, asking for only part of your debit card number or information that may not seem sensitive. Once they gain your trust, they may ask for a verification code or tell you to add your card to a payment app or digital wallet.
Here's an important clue: read the entire security message—not just the code. If it mentions an app, company, or transaction you didn't initiate, stop. Don't share the code or approve the request.
Scammers may also use urgency or even agree with your concerns to seem more trustworthy:
“I'm glad you're being careful. That's exactly why we need to verify your account.”
How Can I Reduce Spam Calls and Texts?
You may not be able to stop every unwanted call or text, but you can take steps to reduce them and make it harder for scammers to get your attention.
- Turn on spam filtering. Check your phone's settings for features that silence or filter unknown callers and flag suspicious messages. Your wireless carrier may also offer call-blocking and spam-labeling services.
- Block and report suspicious calls and texts. Use your phone's built-in reporting features when available. You can also report unwanted calls and texts to the FCC.
- Think before sharing your number. Before entering sweepstakes, surveys, or unfamiliar websites, consider whether it's really needed and how it may be used or shared.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry. Register for free at DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It may reduce legitimate sales calls, but it won't stop scammers who ignore the law.
Before You Answer, Click, or Reply...
Your phone number is part of your digital identity. While you can't control every unwanted call or text, you can control how you respond. Slow down, trust your instincts, and verify before you engage.
Want to learn more? Explore our fraud prevention resources for more ways to help protect your personal and financial information.