If you're an AT&T customer dealing with an endless stream of spam calls, you're not alone. One subscriber recently shared their nightmare scenario: receiving over 230 spam calls in just one month, with an additional 35 flagged as potential spam. Out of 437 total calls analyzed, more than half were unwanted junk.
According to PhoneArena, the frustrated customer posted their experience on Reddit, and other AT&T users quickly chimed in with similar stories. Some reported getting five or six spam calls every single day, often from numbers that look like they're coming from their own neighborhood.
Here's what's happening: scammers are using a trick called "local area code farming" where they fake their caller ID to match your area code or prefix. The idea is simple – you're more likely to pick up if the number looks familiar. Once you answer, they either try to scam you on the spot or just confirm your number is active so they can target you again or sell your number to other spammers.
So what can you do about it? One clever solution that's been working for some people is setting up a Google Voice number and using that exclusively for signing up on websites and online services. Keep your real phone number private and only give it out to people and businesses you absolutely trust. One Reddit user said they've barely gotten any spam calls in the last four years using this method.
Of course, this workaround isn't perfect. If you're a business owner with your number listed online, or if you've posted your number on job sites, you might still get hit. But for everyday web browsing and online shopping, a throwaway number can be a lifesaver.
The bottom line: carriers like AT&T need to step up their game when it comes to blocking these nuisance calls. Until they do, protecting your real number and being selective about where you share it remains your best defense.
Source: PhoneArena
