My Phone Won’t Stop Ringing: The Spam Call Problem Is Getting Worse In Texas

There was a time when my phone would ring, and I'd think, "Well, somebody must actually need something." These days? If my phone lights up, there's a better chance it's a spammer than a rainstorm in a Texas drought.

Lenders, fake package delivery alerts, insurance offers, "urgent" financial opportunities, you name it. Lately, I've been getting close to 15 spam calls and text messages a day. No joke. I've blocked numbers, reported spam, and I'm even on the National Do Not Call Registry. Yet somehow these calls keep multiplying faster than rabbits on a West Texas ranch.

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Texans Have Been Dealing With This For Years

Photo: Chaz

If this sounds familiar, it's because I've written about scam calls before. Unfortunately, things don't seem to be getting any better. As you can see in the photo above, it's still happening...and maybe worse.

The frustrating part is that the Do Not Call Registry only works on legitimate businesses. Scammers don't exactly care about following federal rules. Many use spoofed numbers that make it look like they're calling from Texas when they're actually somewhere else entirely.

Who's To Blame For All These Spam Calls?

That's the million-dollar question. Part of the problem comes from data brokers selling personal information. Some websites and online forms collect phone numbers that eventually find their way onto marketing lists. Add in overseas scammers and robocall technology, and you've got a recipe for nonstop annoyance.

Is There Any Way To Stop Them?

Honestly, not completely.

Use your phone's spam filter, avoid clicking suspicious links in text messages, and don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize.

At this point, if my phone says "Potential Spam," I believe it faster than I believe most politicians. Tell me I'm not alone. How many spam calls and texts are you getting every day in Texas?