Technology
How to stop robocalls on your flip phone
Robocalls can be a real headache, no matter what type of phone you use. If you’re like many people who prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, you might be wondering how to tackle this issue.
Donna reached out to us with a simple but great question, asking, “Is there a way to eliminate robocalls from a flip phone?”
We’ve reported extensively on how to stop spam calls from coming to your smartphone, but what if you don’t like using a smartphone and prefer a flip phone? While flip phones are generally harder to block spam calls from, it’s not impossible, but it’s not as easy as dealing with robocalls on your smartphone.
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Image of a flip phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to deal with robocalls on a flip phone
Dealing with robocalls on a flip phone can be challenging, but you can take a few steps to minimize them. You’ll have to make some phone calls, so it won’t be as simple as blocking spam callers on a smartphone. But if you’re willing to place a few phone calls and do some extra work, you can live happily without spam calls on your flip phone. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Avoid answering unknown numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
2. Be cautious with your number: Be mindful of where you share your phone number to reduce the chances of it being added to robocall lists.
3. Register on the Do Not Call List: Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This can help reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. You can register a phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry online at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to be registered with the Do Not Call Registry.
Man looking at a flip phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
AN ALARMING SPIKE IN SCAM CALLS COMING FROM ROBOCALLS
4. Contact your carrier: Many carriers offer call-blocking services. Contact your carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and ask if they provide robocall-blocking features for flip phones. Many carriers do, but it depends on the brand of flip phone you have and which carrier you have.
5. Manual call blocking: If your flip phone has the option, you can manually block specific numbers. Check your phone’s user manual for instructions on how to do this. While this feature is common with all smartphones, many newer flip phones can also manually block callers, but, as we mentioned, you’ll need to check your instruction manual.
Flip phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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6. Report robocalls to the FTC: Report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps authorities track and take action against robocalls. While this method doesn’t block robocalls from calling your flip phone, it does help the FTC locate robocalls and prevent them from calling. It’s a good way to help the FTC fight back against robo-spam callers. Here’s what you need to do to report a robocall to the FTC:
- Go online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
- When filling out your report, you’ll need the robocaller’s number and the date and time of the call.
FTC logo (Federal Trade Commission)
7. Consider using a data removal service: Regrettably, there is a high probability that your phone number is readily available on many lists sold by data brokers to hundreds of people search websites. However, removing it from the web can reduce the likelihood of spammers and telemarketers obtaining your number and contacting you.
While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Robocalls can be a real nuisance, especially for flip phone users. To tackle this issue, consider registering your number on the National Do Not Call List and avoid answering unknown numbers. Additionally, check with your carrier for any call-blocking services it may offer. With a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce those pesky interruptions.
What do you find most frustrating about robocalls, and how do you typically handle them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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