Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?

Updated on April 1, 2025.

Spam calls can come from telemarketers, robocallers or scammers. If you’re receiving more spam calls than usual, your phone number may have been exposed on the dark web, posted on people search sites or leaked in a data breach. Other factors, like previously answering or calling back spam numbers, can contribute to a sudden increase in these calls. Although some spam calls are just unsolicited, scam calls are a more malicious type of spam and can lead to consequences as severe as identity theft.

Keep reading to learn why you might be getting so many spam calls and learn helpful tips to reduce their frequency.

1. Your phone number appeared on the dark web

If you notice you’re receiving more spam calls than normal, one reason could be that your phone number is on the dark web. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen personal information, including credit card information and phone numbers. Once your phone number is exposed on the dark web, it can be purchased and used by scammers with malicious intentions.

To check if your information has been compromised, perform a dark web scan. This will determine if personal information, like your phone number, has been exposed in data breaches and is being sold to cybercriminals on the dark web.

2. You’ve answered a spam number in the past

By answering spam calls in the past, you may have accidentally let spammers and scammers know that your phone number is active. As a result, they will continue targeting you with unwanted calls in the future. Even though most spam calls seem harmless, this is why it’s important not to answer any calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Some of these callers could be scammers trying to convince you to share private information or send money. To protect yourself and your privacy, it’s best to ignore spam calls entirely.

3. Your number appears on people search sites

People search sites collect and sell your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) by finding your data in public records and social media platforms. Sometimes, you can access certain information on people search sites for free. If your phone number is listed in a public record, spammers can easily find it by using a people search site and use it to target you with spam calls.

Once your phone number is exposed, it could lead spammers directly to more sensitive information. Here are some examples of PII that people search sites can uncover:

• Driving records
• Criminal history
• Marriage records
• Professional licenses (PhD, JD, etc.)
• Property records

4. Your phone number was leaked in a public data breach

A data breach occurs when sensitive information is accidentally exposed due to a company’s security vulnerabilities, allowing unauthorized users to steal it. If your phone number was part of a public data breach, it could have been stolen by a cybercriminal and posted for sale on the dark web. This could result in a sudden increase in spam calls, especially if the data breach in which your phone number was leaked occurred recently. Once your phone number is exposed, scammers and telemarketers can target you with persistent calls.

5. You added your phone number to your social media

If you have a public social media profile and have added your phone number to it, you’re at a higher risk of receiving spam calls. This is because anyone can easily find your personal information on your public account and use your phone number. It’s important to avoid oversharing personal information, such as your home address or phone number, on social media since it can be used to steal your identity or more sensitive information.

What you post on social media contributes to your digital footprint, which is a traceable record of your unique online activities. When your phone number is included in your social media profiles, it becomes part of your digital footprint, allowing others to access other personal information about you online. Being cautious about what you share online can protect your privacy and reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

How do I stop getting so many spam calls?

Fortunately, there are ways to limit the number of spam calls. Although these tips can’t prevent all spam calls, you will notice a significant decrease by trying them.

Avoid answering “Spam Likely” calls

Refrain from answering calls labeled as “Spam Likely” or “Potential Spam.” Answering these calls not only lets spammers know that your phone number is active, but it could also open the door to potential scammers. Some scammers may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to record your voice during a scam call and later impersonate you to commit fraud. By not answering these calls, you minimize the risk of speaking with a scammer with malicious intentions.

Ask your mobile carrier if they offer a call-blocking service

Many mobile carriers offer call-blocking services that help stop spam from reaching your phone. Major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and U.S. Cellular have apps and features designed to block unwanted calls. Contact your mobile carrier to ask about what kinds of call-blocking services can be added to your phone plan for free or for a small fee. By adding these features, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

Get a spam-filtering app

For extra protection against spam calls, you can download a spam-filtering app. These apps filter and block spam numbers without changing any parts of your phone plan. Spam-filtering apps rely on databases of known spam numbers, so when a spammer tries to call your phone, the app will intercept the call before it reaches you. Some of these apps use bots that aim to waste spammers’ time and discourage them from calling you again. Using a spam-filtering app can provide an additional layer of security against unwanted calls and help protect your phone number.

Enable settings to silence and block unknown callers

Another great way to decrease spam calls is by silencing and blocking unknown callers in your phone’s settings. For iPhone users, go to Settings, tap Phone, scroll down and toggle on Silence Unknown Callers. This will send every caller who is not in your contacts straight to voicemail. If you’re expecting an important call, like from a job opportunity or medical provider, make sure to leave this feature off so you don’t miss the call.

For Google users, similar settings can be found in the Phone app. Select More > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen. Depending on your phone model, select either Unknown Call Settings or Protection Level to manage spam calls.

Samsung users can stay protected by going to Call Settings, then toggling on Caller ID and spam protection. At the bottom of the screen, you can also toggle on Block spam and scam calls to prevent the same spam numbers from calling you again. This feature ensures your phone stays free from repeat spam calls.

Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry

Reduce the number of spam calls you receive by registering your home and/or cell phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry (DNC Registry). This service allows you to register your phone number(s) for free to block unwanted spam calls from telemarketers. Companies are legally required to respect your registration with the DNC Registry and must refrain from calling your number(s). However, it’s important to note that this service mainly applies to telemarketers, so other kinds of organizations, such as political groups or charities, may still be able to call you.

Reduce the frequency of spam calls

Although there is no way to stop every unwanted call from reaching your phone, you can limit the frequency of spam calls by taking a few simple steps. Do not answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers or any caller ID that says “Spam Likely.” Talk to your mobile carrier to see what call-blocking services they offer, and download a spam-filtering app to be safe. Remember that spam calls can also be from scammers looking for private information or money, so don’t answer spam calls to protect yourself and your privacy.