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Spam calls and texts are driving me fing crazy anyone have suggestions? (programming.dev)

submitted 11 months ago by catch22@programming.dev to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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After repeated data breaches that no company really seems to give a s--- about my phone is blowing up with literally hundreds of spam calls and texts month. I get and make MAAAAYBE 2 or 3 important calls per month, 180-200 of the rest are literally all spam. Anyone have any suggestions, apps ect that they have found refuge with? I really don't use SMS that much either, mostly it's via signal, discord whats app, ect...

Just to put it out there I run CalyxOS on a Pixel 5a.

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[–] NABDad@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

This is not advice.

I hated spam calls. Got them constantly.

I decided to just fuck with them mercilessly. I'd answer almost every time. Even if I had to drop whatever I was doing. My single overriding goal was to keep them on the line as long as possible and then, once discovered, piss them off as much as possible.

I've been doing this for years. No YouTube channel or anything. I didn't record the calls. Just a personal hobby of mine.

If I was at work, I'd try to keep them talking while I ignored them and kept working. If I wasn't busy, I'd interact more.

Initially, it seemed to cause a massive increase in spam calls. Like, it seemed fairly obvious to me that I was getting more calls because I was responding. Since I enjoyed fucking with them, I didn't mind getting them any more.

I always figured I was at least tying up one scammer for as long as possible.

After awhile all my calls were hangups. I'd answer, and then they would immediately disconnect. I know that happens sometimes because the robo caller calls multiple lines at once and drops all but the first one that answers, but it started happening every time for me.

A few months ago I read about some scam call networks getting busted. I wondered if it would have any effect.

Seems like it has. I don't even get one call or week anymore.

[–] yesdogishere@kbin.social 4 points 11 months ago

yea i answer and string them along for ages. since i am not well, my voice and tiredness always shows through, but im quite lonely so i quite enjoy these long rambling chats. i always try to be helpful and ask them lots of questions, and always say yes to whatever they want. but i never give out bank account numbers etc. but i always say "yes i will contact my lawyer and they will cut you a cheque,. how much do you need? pls, let me help?" etc etc.