Is this Number Safe?
We all get spam calls. Sometimes they are legitimate, but most of the time, they aren't. It's essential to know how to check if a number is safe to decide whether or not to answer it.
How to Check if a Number is Spam
If you're ever unsure if a number is spam, you can use a few methods to check.
First, try to determine if the number is being used. If it's just sitting in your inbox or being sent to many people, it's probably spam. If legitimate businesses and people use it, it may still be spam, but it's more challenging to determine.
Second, look at the number's format. Spammers often use unusual or nonstandard formats, so a quick check may be enough to tell the difference.
Finally, consider the content of the number. If it's full of gibberish or odd characters, that's usually a sign it's spam.
Tips for Avoiding Spam Calls and Texts
If you suspect that a call or text is spam, you can do a few things to confirm your suspicions. The easiest way to determine if a call or text is spam is to ask the caller or texter directly. If they refuse to answer, it's likely spam.
Another way to determine if a call or text is spam is to look for specific patterns. For calls, look for unknown numbers, calls from numbers that have been blocked by your phone carrier, or repeated calls from the same number. For texts, look for unsolicited messages with large attachments or highly promotional messages.
If you still have doubts about whether a call or text is spam, you can use one of the many online spam detection tools. Most of these tools will let you enter the phone number of the caller or texter and will tell you if the number appears to be associated with spam activity.
What to Do if You Think a Number is Spam
If you think a number is spam, there are a few things you can do to try and confirm if it is:
- You can check the number against the list of spam numbers that Google has. If the number matches one of Google's spam numbers, it likely is spam.
- You can look for common spam traits in the number. It may be spam if the number contains unusual characters, excessive punctuation, or incorrect spelling.
- You can use a spam filter to try and determine if the number is spam.