Technology

Top 10 robocall hot spots in America

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Americans are grappling with an ongoing surge in robocalls, a trend that has become increasingly concerning due to the prevalence of scams. According to a recent report by YouMail, a call-blocking service, nearly 4.5 billion robocalls were made in September alone.

This marks a slight increase from the previous month and a notable rise of 5% compared to the same time last year.

As so many of us continue to receive these unwanted calls, we are left wondering how to protect ourselves from potential scams and what can be done to mitigate this persistent issue.

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Robocall on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Robocall statistics for September 2024

The latest data from YouMail reveals alarming trends in robocall activity across the U.S.:

Total calls: Approximately 4.5 billion robocalls were made.
Calls per second: An astonishing rate of 1,700 calls per second.
Calls per person: On average, each person received about 13.7 calls.
Daily calls: This translates to nearly 149.4 million calls per day, or 6.2 million calls per hour.

Notably, the types of robocalls that saw the most significant increase were alerts and reminders, which spiked by 31% month-over-month. The metropolitan areas most affected included Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago, with Atlanta receiving an estimated 157 million calls, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous month. As the landscape of robocalls evolves, it is crucial for you to remain vigilant and informed about these developments to safeguard against scams and unwanted disturbances.

A man frustrated by robocalls. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Here are the most targeted cities for robocalls

In September, several metropolitan areas were particularly targeted by robocalls, with the following estimated call volumes and month-over-month changes:

Atlanta: 157,370,200 calls (2% increase)
Dallas: 156,328,600 calls (2% increase)
Chicago: 134,243,600 calls (no change)
Houston: 129,561,600 calls (4% increase)
New York: 123,140,200 calls (3% increase)
Los Angeles: 116,026,400 calls (1% increase)
Baltimore: 79,611,600 calls (no change)
Phoenix: 76,757,700 calls (3% decrease)
Detroit: 64,413,000 calls (1% decrease)
Newark, N.J.: 63,938,900 calls (no change)

These statistics highlight not only the sheer volume of robocalls but also the specific areas where consumers are most frequently targeted. With such high numbers reported in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Dallas, it is clear that robocallers have preferred locations for their unsolicited communications. As this trend continues to rise, understanding these patterns and what’s behind the increase can help you take proactive measures against unwanted calls.

A woman frustrated by robocalls. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How data brokers collect your information

Data brokers collect, aggregate and sell your personal information, including your phone number, with the intent to sell it to interested parties. They can get your information in many ways, by accessing public information like government records or gathering data from loyalty card programs, surveys and social media. Mobile apps can also share your personal information with data brokers. Even your online browsing habits are valuable to data brokers. Your data profile can be sold to many different buyers, including targeted advertising and marketing companies, as well as government agencies.

How a data broker uses your information

Some data brokers offer personal profiles directly to consumers, and you might be surprised by how much information they have about you. Have you ever tried searching for someone on a “people search” website? These sites let you enter a name and find out all sorts of information about that person. Try searching for yourself or someone you know. You might find out who used to live at your current address, how much money you make and who your relatives are.

Where do people search sites get their information?

People search sites get their information from public records like court documents and voter registration forms. They usually offer some basic information for free, but if you want more details, you’ll have to sign up for a free trial. And when you do, they’ll probably ask for even more information about you.

The scary thing is that anyone with a computer can access this information, including identity thieves. With just a few key pieces of information, they can call your bank, reset your passcodes and take over your financial accounts.

Even cyberstalkers and blackmailers can use people search sites to find out more about you. Sure, most sites make users promise not to use the information for illegal purposes, but there’s no real way to enforce that. It’s all based on the honor system.

Taking control: removing your information from data brokers

Don’t worry though; there’s something you can do about it. You can request that data brokers remove your information. But with hundreds of them in the U.S. alone, it can be a daunting task. That’s where removal services come in.

Invest in data removal services

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.

The persistence of robocalls: why are they still a problem?

While it’s important to take steps to protect your personal information, such as removing it from data broker sites, there are still other threats to our privacy and security. For example, despite efforts to crack down on robocalls, scammers are constantly finding new ways to evade detection and continue their operations. Furthermore, as technology improves, robocallers are able to use more sophisticated methods, such as “spoofing” their phone numbers to make it appear as though they are calling from a different location or entity.

Moreover, spam callers are becoming so sophisticated that they have started to add conversational speech to their scripts to further convince their unsuspecting victims to go along with their scams. For instance, the caller may stumble on their words, use “umm” a lot, and sometimes even use slang to signal to the listener that the caller is not a robot but an ordinary person, but beware! While some robocalls can range from harmless reminders, most are malicious scams, leaving many frustrated and vulnerable to fraud. There are steps you can take, however, to put an end to these pesky calls for good.

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How to end robocalls

First, add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. This is a free service that prevents telemarketers from calling you. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers must stop calling you within 31 days.

There are several ways to do this.

You can call the Registry at 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to include in the “do not call” list.
Alternatively, visit donotcall.gov and click the “Register Your Phone” button.

National Do Not Call Registry. (FTC)

Enter the phone number you want to register.

National Do Not Call Registry (FTC)

You can register up to three phone numbers at a time. Be sure to provide your email to acknowledge the confirmation and begin eliminating robocalls. Remember that the Do Not Call Registry does not stop all unwanted calls, such as those from political organizations, charities, and debt collectors.

How to individually block numbers

iPhone

To block numbers directly from your recent calls list on your iPhone, go to your phone app,

Steps to individually block numbers on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to individually block numbers on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tap the “i” icon next to the number and select Block this Caller.

Steps to individually block numbers on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You can also report robocallers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting its website at ftc.gov. Look for the “Report to the FTC” tab.

Steps to report robocalls to FTC (FTC)

Once you click on that, you can select “Report Now.”

Steps to report robocalls to FTC. (FTC)

Then choose “Report an annoying call.”

Steps to report robocalls to FTC. (FTC)

Then, you’ll need to fill out an online form with some basic information about the robocall, like the phone number it came from and when it happened. It’s helpful to provide as much information as possible, like what the robocall said or what they were trying to sell.

Steps to report robocalls to FTC. (FTC)

Once you’ve filled out the form, you can submit it to the FTC. Alternatively, you can also call its toll-free number at 1-888-382-1222 and follow the prompts to report the robocall. This information can help track down and prosecute those annoying and potentially damaging robocalls.

Samsung

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

To block unknown numbers, do the following:

Open your Phone app.
Tap the 3 vertical dots.
Go to Settings and select Blocked Numbers.
Turn on Block calls from unknown numbers.
You can also click Block spam and scam calls row > Toggle “On.“
Then below, turn on “Block spam and scam calls.” This feature uses Hiya to identify spam and scam callers as well as other callers who aren’t in your contacts.

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How to “silence” Robocalls

You can also enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature if you’re still receiving robocalls. This built-in feature on your iPhone allows your device to automatically silence calls from unknown numbers, including robocalls. When this feature is turned on, your phone will only ring for calls from numbers that are in your contacts list or have been recently called or texted. Here’s how to turn on this feature:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on Apps.
Scroll down and tap Phone.
Tap Silence Unknown Callers.
Toggle the switch to turn it on so it turns green.

Steps to “silence” Robocalls on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Once you enable this feature, you should notice a decrease in the number of unwanted calls you receive, including robocalls. However, remember that this feature may also block calls from legitimate sources, such as businesses or people you still need to add to your contacts. So, ensure you still check your voicemail and missed calls regularly.

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Use your wireless carrier’s free spam and robocall-blocking service

Several wireless carriers provide their own free robocall scanning and blocking services. Among them:

AT&T ActiveArmor

iPhone: 4.4 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 2.9 stars (at time of publishing)

AT&T ActiveArmor app. (AT&T)

AT&T ActiveArmor app includes a range of security features, such as fraud call blocking, anti-phishing protection and mobile security software to help protect against malware and viruses. Additionally, ActiveArmor includes identity theft protection and alerts, as well as a secure Wi-Fi VPN service to help keep user data and privacy safe.

Sprint/T-Mobile Scam Shield

iPhone: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 4.6 stars (at time of publishing)

Sprint/T-Mobile Scam Shield app. (Sprint/T-Mobile)

The Scam Shield app labels all potentially dangerous calls as “Scam likely” and opens free controls for several anti-scam protections, including Scam ID, Scam Block and Caller ID. Additionally, the app also provides you with a second phone number for use instead of your private one, ideal for online shopping and helping you avoid calls from scammers as well as telemarketers

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Verizon Call Filter app

iPhone: 4.3 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 4.6 stars (at time of publishing)

Verizon Call Filter app. (Verizon)

The Call Filter app helps protect you from unwanted calls and lets you decide who can reach you. Call Filter also detects spam and blocks high-risk spam calls by forwarding them to voicemail.

Blocking via Google Voice

Google Voice app. (Google)

Google Voice provides another way to block pesky spam calls and prevent them from going to voicemail. The trick is you need to switch to Google Voice as your main number and stop giving out your old carrier number. With Voice, you can block known spam calls in three ways: by sending calls to voicemail, by treating the call as spam (letting the caller leave voicemail but tagged as spam) or by call blocking (in which case the caller will hear a “Number not in service” message and will not be able to leave voice mail).

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The big drawback here is that your Google Voice number now becomes your main number, which you forward to the number from your carrier, and you need to use the Google Voice app as the main calling app on your phone. And there’s still no guarantee that spam callers won’t call your carrier number directly, either because it’s already out there or simply because the robodialers are going through every number combination.

Third-party spam-blocking apps

Several third-party apps can help protect you from scam artists. Among our most recommended include:

RoboKiller

iPhone: 4.5 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 4.3 (at time of publishing)

RoboKiller app (RoboKiller)

RoboKiller is an app that claims to reduce 99% of unwanted calls or texts. The app is not free for iPhone and Android users. However, it comes with a 7-day free trial, which might be worth checking out before investing.

Call Control

iPhone: 4.4 stars (at time of publishing)

Android:4.3 stars (at time of publishing)

Call Control app. (Call Control)

Call Control is an app available to Android and iPhone users. The app provides users with tools to block unwanted calls, identify and screen incoming calls, and manage call settings such as call forwarding and voicemail. The app helps you filter out unwanted callers by manually adding them to a blacklist.

Nomorobo

iPhone: 4.5 stars (at time of publishing)

Android: 2.2 stars (at time of publishing)

Nomorobo is a spam call blocker and robocall blocker app designed to protect you from unwanted calls. It uses a powerful algorithm that analyzes incoming calls and compares them to a constantly updated database of known spam numbers. If a call is flagged as spam or robocall, Nomorobo will automatically block it before it reaches your phone.

Pro tip: Do not answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize, especially if they’re from out-of-state or foreign countries. If you answer a robocall, don’t engage with the caller or press any buttons, which may lead to more calls.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As we navigate the persistent issue of robocalls, it’s clear that awareness and proactive measures are essential. With nearly 4.5 billion robocalls made in September alone, the challenge is not just about annoyance but also about safeguarding ourselves from potential scams. By understanding how robocalls operate and the tactics used by scammers, we can better equip ourselves to combat this growing problem.

How do you feel about the current measures in place by our government to combat robocalls? Do you think more should be done? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Star Wars Outlaws’ first expansion brings Lando into the game

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Star Wars Outlaws’ first expansion brings Lando into the game

A few months after it first launched, Star Wars Outlaws is getting some major updates. First up is the game’s first batch of downloadable content, which adds a new storyline involving Lando Calrissian and what appears to be a very dangerous game of Sabacc. The new expansion is called Wild Card and will be followed by a second DLC update next spring called A Pirate’s Fortune.

Perhaps more significant, today, Outlaws is also getting a major update to address some of the game’s technical and design issues. Ubisoft describes it as the game’s “biggest patch yet.” Most notable, it seems, is that the stealth sections — a major point of frustration for many players — have been toned down.

Ubisoft says that the update includes “updates to stealth and combat that allow players greater choice, including using stealth or reaching for their blaster, even in syndicate territories in cities.” Similarly, there are “enemy AI and detection improvements, with players being notified when they’re being detected and can choose to escalate or change tactics to remain in stealth.”

Our first step in expanding player choice is removing forced stealth from almost all quest objectives. This doesn’t mean that sneaking is no longer a viable or even preferable option in some cases. Rather, if you’re caught while sneaking, the objective won’t fail and reset you to the last checkpoint. Instead, you’ll seamlessly transition into combat.

You can check out the full patch notes right here, and get an overview in the video below.

Also notable: while Outlaws has been on PC since launch, it was only available through the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect. Today, it’s out on Steam as well.

Technology

How to protect your deliveries from getting stolen by porch pirates

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

How to protect your deliveries from getting stolen by porch pirates

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving can quickly turn into anxiety over package theft. With porch pirates on the prowl, your carefully delivered gifts can vanish right from your doorstep. In 2023 alone, a staggering 119 million packages were reported stolen, meaning one in every 180 deliveries disappeared into thin air.

Cities like Seattle, Memphis and San Diego have become hot spots for these unfortunate heists.

If you’ve ever found yourself racing home to rescue a package, asking neighbors to keep an eye out or, worst of all, falling victim to these sneaky thieves, you’re not alone. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips that could save you from the holiday headache of package theft. Let’s dive in.

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Alleged porch pirate taking packages from property (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 1: Get security cameras

First things first, consider installing security cameras around your home. Having a good camera system can really make a difference when it comes to deterring those sneaky thieves. Depending upon how well your police department responds to porch pirate package theft, position your video doorbell to capture the face of the pirate and your package deliveries. A Video Doorbell can push notifications to get a phone alert whenever anyone or anything approaches your door, even if they don’t ring the doorbell.

Also, you might want to consider adding a couple of nearly invisible wireless cameras on tree limbs near the street at your house. We did it in hopes of being able to record a license plate if ever needed for police. I can set them to send a notification when the camera detects a person or car.

When you’re shopping for cameras, look for high-resolution video so you can see everything clearly, even at night, with night vision capabilities. Motion detection is a must. It’ll alert you if someone gets too close to your front door. Plus, two-way audio lets you talk to anyone at your door, whether it’s a delivery person or someone who shouldn’t be there. And don’t forget about cloud storage. This way, you can easily access footage whenever you need it. Check out my top picks for the six best outdoor security cameras.

Pro tip: If your camera has the feature, set your video camera to notify you when it identifies packages within view.

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Image of a doorbell camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 2: Use tracking apps

Next up, make sure you’re using tracking apps for your deliveries. Most shipping companies offer tracking services that let you follow your package from the moment it leaves the warehouse until it arrives at your home.

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If you sign up for USPS Informed Delivery, you’ll get digital previews of what’s coming to your mailbox, which is super handy. You can set up email or text alerts for delivery updates so you’re always in the loop about when your packages are arriving. Some retailers even send you photos once your package has been delivered, giving you extra reassurance that it made it safely.

A woman using a tracking app on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 3: Make sure someone is home

Now, let’s talk about timing. It’s important to have someone around to receive packages as soon as they arrive. This can be tricky since many deliveries happen during work hours. If you can swing it, try working from home on days when important packages are expected. If that’s not possible, coordinate with friends, family members or roommates so someone is always there to grab the delivery right away.

A woman receiving packages at home (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 4: Coordinate with your neighbors

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Teaming up with your neighbors can be a game-changer in preventing package theft. Sign up for neighborhood porch pirate alerts from popular local networks like Neighbors and Nextdoor apps. This is where people often post when they’ve had a package stolen and sometimes upload videos or images of the suspected porch pirates. Plus, making an agreement with trusted neighbors to watch each other’s packages can really enhance security; there’s strength in numbers.

A person picking up packages for their neighbor (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 5: Have the package delivered somewhere else

If home delivery feels too risky, consider alternative delivery options that offer more security. Many people choose to have their packages sent to their workplace if allowed; this way, they’re less likely to be stolen than sitting on a porch all day. Retailers often provide secure pickup points where you can collect your packages at your convenience. Renting a P.O. Box or using services that hold packages for pickup at local shipping facilities are also great options for those valuable items.

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A woman receiving packages at her workplace (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 6: Request a signature confirmation

Another way to prevent package theft is to request a signature confirmation for your deliveries. This means that the delivery person will not leave the package at your door unless someone signs for it. You can request a signature confirmation from most delivery services, such as FedEx, UPS, USPS and DHL. This option may cost extra, but it can give you peace of mind that your package will not be stolen.

Tip 7: Send to remote pick-up locations

Did you know that most delivery services now offer remote pick-up locations? These can be secure lockers, post offices or retail counters. Amazon has hundreds of Amazon Lockers and pick-up counters across the country, which are free for Prime members. See how far away the nearest Amazon Locker is located from your home.

When you’re checking out, just click on Change next to your shipping address, then select Find a pickup location near you to see your options. Once your package is delivered, you’ll get a notification or email with a code to retrieve it from the locker or pick-up point. Some items can even be returned at these locations.

A person picking up a package from a locker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 8: Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

We added a strong deadbolt to the door leading into the house from the garage before signing up. Now, when we are not home, an Amazon delivery can be placed securely inside our garage using the free service called Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. The addition of a smart garage controller is the first step. Once you’ve signed up for Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, pick Key Delivery when checking out on Amazon to have your packages securely put in the garage. I really like that you can block access to your garage any time you want. The driver never needs your garage code, and access only works for their one-time delivery.

A delivery being made using Amazon Key-In-Garage Delivery (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 9: Provide a delivery box

Another great option is to invest in a delivery box that allows packages to be securely dropped off and stored discreetly. Just remember that you’ll need to inform delivery personnel about using the box and how it works.

Package being placed in a delivery box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 10: Sign up for delivery notifications

You can get an alert each time a package arrives at your doorstep. Both FedEx and UPS will send a text when you’ve just received a delivery. Amazon will also send you a shipment text letting you know a package has just been delivered.

To set up Amazon delivery notifications, follow these quick steps.

Log on to the Amazon site
Go to Your Account section
Scroll down to the Communication and Content section
Tap Shipment Updates via Text
Follow the on-screen instructions, tap Subscribe

Kurt’s key takeaways

Remember, simple actions like installing security cameras, using tracking apps and coordinating with neighbors can go a long way in protecting your packages. So, as you prepare for the holiday season, take these tips to heart and enjoy a worry-free gift-giving experience. Let’s keep those porch pirates at bay and ensure that every package arrives safely at your doorstep.

Have you ever had a package stolen? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what lessons did you learn? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Technology

This digital D&D watch lets you roll a fireball from your wrist

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

This digital D&D watch lets you roll a fireball from your wrist

Dice hoarding is a common hobby among Dungeons and Dragons players, but I’m betting most won’t have a digital watch in their collection. Alongside displaying the time, day, and date, the Timestop D-20 includes all the dice-rolling features you need to play tabletop roleplaying games directly from your wrist at the push of a button.

The watch allows the wearer to digitally roll a 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 20-, or 100-sided dice, alongside “Advanced Combat” features such as rolling up to 12 dice at once, and D20s with advantage or disadvantage (a fancy way of rolling two dice and taking either the higher or lower results). It’ll also display specific icons when a D20 rolls a 1 or a 20 — known as a “critical failure” or “critical success” respectively in D&D.

“We wanted a fun animation while rolling, but also an overall subdued look so you could ‘take the game with you’ and even wear the watch at the office,” Timestop says in its blog describing the design process. “We included day and date complications with a perpetual calendar so it was still a practical timepiece.”

Pricing starts at $99 and is available in three colors: black, orange, and stainless steel. Shipping starts next year, with stock available for delivery in either January or February.

One feature you won’t find on the Timestop D-20 is an alarm, because alarms “aren’t fun,” according to its creator. Otherwise, it’s water-resistant, features a backlit LCD display, and uses a replaceable coin cell battery that can last up to three years with “typical use.” I’m not sure how many fireball spells would be considered typical, but it certainly offers a more unique way to play than traditional dice or digital dice-rolling apps.