Sign up for Spam Calls/Text/Email & How to Stop

Scam calls, messages, and mail are a recurring issue that interferes with daily and working activities. They come from telemarketing calls, fraudulent individuals, or programs that call specific telephone numbers or email addresses. This could be due to other people signing others up for spam, or it could simply be by accident, and before one knows it, they are being bombarded with unwanted messages. 

This article aims to explain what spam is and whether it is legal to sign up someone for spam calls, and means of doing so in detail, as well as how one can safeguard against them. To know tips and tricks on how to deal with spam and protect your communication lines. 

What is a Spam Call, Text, & Email

Most people consider spam as uninvited or rather non-consensual communication through telephone calls, messages, or electronic mail. A spam call can be telemarketing, robocalls, scams, and phishing. For example, robocalls employ computer-controlled systems, while phishing calls are to obtain one’s data.  

Spam texts are unwanted messages. They may include fake offers, false alerts, or links to trick you. Spam emails are messages you didn’t ask for. They often have ads, scams, or harmful files.

Some are just advertising, but others are malicious, seeking to get your identity details or harm your computer. Uncovering and removing spam is crucial to communication safety and privacy. 

Is it Illegal to Sign Someone Up for Spam Calls?

Making someone subscribe to a spam call is widely regarded as unlawful in many places. When it comes to harassing or fraudulent communications, most countries, including Malaysia, have put in place laws against spam. 

For example, in the United States, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) bans unwelcome telemarketing and may bring sanctions on violators. However, the question of proving intent in any of the cases cited above is always tricky. 

While there might be a few legal implications with the activity, signing someone up for spam is inapt as it is unethical since it interferes with an individual’s privacy and may cause them excessive discomfort. Always respect other people’s privacy and do not engage in any spam-like activities.

How to Sign up Someone’s Number for Spam Calls

Spam calls are those that commonly convey telemarketing, robocalls, and scam messages to an individual. Most user phone numbers are shared deliberately with such systems through databases, websites, and applications. 

So you might be wondering where you can sign up a number for spam calls? Below are detailed methods used to sign someone up for spam calls.

Use Automatic Number Identification

Automatic number identification systems store and distribute phone numbers to telemarketers. These systems often work with telemarketing databases to flood a number with spam.

Steps:

• Locate a service offering automatic number identification.
• Submit the phone number to their list.
• The number will be shared with telemarketers.

Sign Up for Free Trials

Free trials are often accompanied by the request for a phone number to be added to the trial, this in turn contributes to the creation of spam lists. Getting someone into these trials can also mean receiving unwanted calls on the phone.

Steps:

• Enter the target number and sign up for many free trials.
• Make sure that the services are related to marketing-intensive industries.
• Wait for calls or messages to start.

Sign Up for Telemarketing Calls

Most telemarketing services make the call to numbers that are listed in open databases. Giving someone’s number can make this number available to such marketers.

Steps:

• Surf the internet and look for sites that provide telemarketing services.
• Make The number useful for newsletters or promotional calls.
• Keep track of the number of spam calls that are received.

Register for Specific Websites

Some websites sell user data to advertisers, leading to spam. Registering numbers on such platforms increases their exposure.

Steps:

• Find websites known for selling data.
• Use the target number to sign up.
• Enable consent for promotional messages.

Post Online Advertisements

Posting online advertisements can expose phone numbers to spam and unwanted calls. If you add a phone number to an ad on popular sites, spammers and telemarketers may find it. Hackers can also collect these numbers. This makes the number open to more spam calls and messages.

Steps:

• Create fake ads on platforms like Craigslist.
• Include the number as a contact point.
• Spammers and telemarketers will use it.

Social Media Caution

It is risky to share phone numbers on public forums, in the social media because the numbers are exposed to bots and spammers who are present in such forums. Getting on any post or discussion particularly those which have the phone verification increases the chance of the automatic spam system choosing the number.

Steps:

• Post the number on open profiles or forums.
• Engage in conversations requiring phone verification.
• Wait for automated spam to pick it up.

Put Number on Public Profiles

Sharing a phone number or even adding it to directories and public profiles can lead to its frequent use by spammers. Free business databases or directory services are commonly attacked by telemarketers or spam networks. It increases the risk when visibility settings that make the profiles searchable are applied.

Steps:

• List the number in directories like business listings.
• Enable visibility settings for public access.
• Watch for incoming spam.

Spam Websites for Phone Numbers

Certain websites are sharing phone numbers, making them prone to spam. Below are a few examples:

• EasyPrank.com: It offers ideas for creating lighthearted and harmless pranks to entertain friends and family.
• WackyPrankCalls.com: You can add humor to conversations with pre-recorded prank calls.
• MessageBomber.com: Provides services for sending multiple text messages in bulk, often marketed for pranks or mass communication.

These platforms may unintentionally expose phone numbers to telemarketers or spammers.

How to Sign Up for Spam Texts

Signing up for spam texts means receiving unwanted messages on your phone. These messages often include fake offers, urgent alerts, or harmful links. Many come from telemarketers or automated systems sending messages to many people at once. Spam texts can fill your inbox and may even carry risks like viruses.

Telemarketing Agencies

There are many companies that have promotional services for sending messages in large quantities. By registering for those services, the target number is guaranteed to receive spam messages.

Steps:

• Search for bulk SMS services online.
• Register the number on their platform.
• Opt-in for promotional texts.

Use Auto-senders

Auto-senders are automated tools that pre-programmed text messages to specific numbers. These systems are commonly used for bulk messaging, reminders, or, in some cases, pranks.

Steps:

• Use an auto-sender app or service.
• Enter the target number and message template.
• Activate the system for continuous texts.

How to Sign Up for Spam Emails

Subscribing to spam emails means receiving individual messages that are unwanted in your personal inbox. These emails usually contain adverts, bogus links, or malware. This usually happens when an email is registered on promotional sites or the spam lists.

Register for Email Campaigns

Email marketing campaigns are always sending multiple messages to the users. Using someone’s email address when subscribing him or her informs them of spam. 

Steps:

• Visit promotional websites with mailing lists.
• Use the target email to subscribe.
• Confirm the email subscription to activate the spam stream.

Use Spam Generators

Spam generators automatically forward junk emails to specific addresses.

Steps:

• Use services like Mailbait to bombard the inbox.
• Enter the email address and activate the service.
• Let the system send bulk messages.

How to Protect Yourself from Spam Calls

When dealing with spam calls a number of technology, precaution, and preventive measures are needed. Here are some effective strategies:

• Use Call-Blocking Apps

If you are getting unnecessarily lots of spam calls, you should download call filter apps such as Truecaller, Hiya and Nomorobo. These applications have functions that will detect spam numbers and stop their calls without much interference from the user.

• Enable Do Not Disturb (DND)

Sign up for the Do Not Disturb list of your particular country to block telemarketing calls. Activating this service works to prevent annoying promo calls but permits critical calls in most of the countries.

• Avoid Sharing Your Number

Do not share your phone number too often and only for purposes that are necessary. Do not include it in sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other directories or fill forms when it is not necessary. Your number becomes exposed to spammers when shared in unsecure platforms.

• Be Wary of Free Trials

Most free trial services ask for phone numbers which the marketers can easily obtain. Be careful when you are subscribing and do not give your number to different sites and platforms.

• Use Temporary Numbers

For online registrations or free trials, opt for disposable or virtual numbers from services like Google Voice or Burner. These numbers provide an added layer of privacy.

• Reverse Phone Lookup Tool

Platforms like LocatePhone offer a reliable way to discover details about unknown callers. This tool uses advanced data mining and public database access to provide accurate information, including the caller’s name, address, location, and even associated social media accounts.

• Report Spam Calls

If you receive spam calls, report them to relevant authorities or your telecom provider. Many call-blocking apps also allow users to report spam, improving their database for others.

By combining these techniques, you can minimize spam calls and maintain better control over your communication.

What to Do if Scammers Have Your Virtual Phone Number?

If scammers target your virtual number, immediately block their contacts. Use call-blocking apps to prevent further harassment. Report the incident to the virtual number provider, requesting enhanced security.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts tied to the number. Monitor account activity to ensure no unauthorized access. Lastly, consider switching to a new virtual number to avoid continued misuse.

FAQs

How can I add a phone number to a spam list?

Adding a phone number to spam lists involves submitting it to public directories, telemarketing databases, or bulk messaging platforms. These services are often used by marketers and scammers, inadvertently exposing the number to spam. However, intentionally doing this is unethical and, in many countries, illegal. It violates privacy laws and may cause significant inconvenience or distress to the target. Respect privacy and avoid participating in such malicious activities.

Can spam calls use real numbers?

Yes, spam calls often use real numbers through a method called number spoofing. This technique manipulates caller ID to display legitimate-looking numbers, such as those from local areas or trusted organizations, tricking recipients into answering. The real owner of the number is usually unaware and uninvolved, making it difficult to trace the spammer. This deceptive practice is common and can lead to confusion or misuse of unsuspecting individuals’ numbers.

Conclusion

Spam calls, texts, and emails are disruptive but manageable with proper tools and precautions. Whether combating spam or safeguarding your number, understanding how spam works is crucial. Utilize tools like LocatePhone for reverse lookups and to stay vigilant. Always respect privacy laws and ethical considerations while handling personal information to ensure communication channels remain secure and spam-free.