How does our cell number get out into the wild?
In the modern age of technology and the constant push for innovation and a seamless user experience, companies are ignoring a real world consequence when it comes to our personal data and how it is being used. It’s wild to remember that before the 1990s, cell phones really were among a slim fraction of Americans. Today, they’re as ubiquitous as cars on the road or a Starbucks. Everyone has a cell phone, and your device now is almost as much a part of your identity as your personal name is. Companies now are dialing our numbers systematically so it’s time to learn how to block unknown numbers and get back a bit of sanity.
Our cell numbers, as well as other data, are being sold to online data brokers, credit card companies (think Equifax, Experian), other social media companies, online public directories, and other places within the Deep/Dark web that most users have no idea exist. Any time you fill out an online inquiry for some type of service, be it plumbing, healthcare or some other service, when you input your cell number it is being harvested and sold elsewhere.
This is why we get those really annoying calls with regards to winning a free cruise, or from the Affordable Care Act, or even other religious charities. Humans are also curious, and we cannot help but want to know who is calling, no matter if we know it’s a stupid robo-call on the other end. After all, a ringing phone has to be answered.
An app to block them all...
Queue up a little app that does the trick, called Calls Blacklist. What’s lovely about this little app is that you can block ALL NUMBERS, specific numbers, unknown numbers, private numbers and even text messages from unknown contacts. This app is handy as it takes the guesswork out of wondering whether or not you should pick up that unknown number. What the app does is it automatically sends the call to Voicemail for you to listen to it later and determine if it is a person you should get back to or not. This app does the next best thing to what the National Do-Not-Call List should be doing, stopping robo and anonymous callers in their tracks.
There are a ton of features that also come with the free version of the app such blocking certain number prefixes (202, 840, etc) and Black/Whitelisting certain numbers. The Pro version only costs $1.99, and this gives you the option to Password Protect the app in case you want to avoid someone tampering with your app settings. Click below to see the full features of the app.
- Block calls and SMS using blacklist.
- Block unknown numbers.
- Block private/hidden numbers.
- Block a range of numbers using the “Begins with” option.
- Block SMS from alphanumeric numbers.
- Block SMS by text.
- Block all numbers.
- Block all calls while audio chat or VoIP call is established.
- Use “Whitelist” to prevent block of certain people.
- Icon in the status bar can be turned off.
- Get notifications of blocking or turn them off.
- “Schedule”: specify time to block calls or messages.
- “Log” of blocking.
- Save/load blacklist.
- Turn on/off blacklist.
- Robust call blocker and SMS blocker.
- Password protection.
- Schedule by days of the week.
- Blocking method selection (required Android 7 or higher).
- No ads.
- Pay once and use forever.
Stick it to the data harvesters who harass you or call and waste your time. No need to deal with their shenanigans anymore. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, this app is a must have in your arsenal to free up your time and cut that list down of things to worry and think about. Download the app today on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play store (Android) and give it a whirl!