Spam calls and texts have increased exponentially since switching to Verizon

[MxChris]

A couple months ago I switched from Sprint to Verizon and immediately the amount of spam calls and texts increased exponentially. I ported my number over so it's not a new phone number.

This is unacceptable. I never received spam texts with nefarious links while on Sprint, I get them every other day now. Spam calls were multiple times a day but seem to have. This is 100% due to using a new carrier as I am diligent about preventing spam on my end, nothing has changed other than going to a new carrier.

I don't give out my cell number to anyone but friends. Instead, I have a Google Voice number I give when a business requires one and then I check the messages on that and call back as I see fit. Voicemails are transcribed and I just read them as a text.

I know you sell a product to block spam but I shouldn't need it especially in my scenario unless Verizon sells the numbers of it's customers to spam call lists so in turn people buy your anti-spam product.

[MxChris]

Edit as I didn't finish a sentence:

Spam calls were multiple times a day but seem to have slowed since I implemented my own spam filter app.

[vzw_customer_support]

MxChris, thank you for coming over to Verizon. We want to ensure that you have a good experience. I have received these types of calls and unwanted calls can be a huge annoyance these days. We are here to help provide all the available options to block these types of calls. 

The first recommendation is to ensure your phone number is registered on the FCC’s do not call list at www.donotcall.gov. You can block numbers for free in your online account by selecting “Block Calls & messages” on the following web page
https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/block-numbers/.

Then Verizon offers an additional service titled Verizon Call Filter that can detect spam calls and prevent the completion of the calls. Please click on the following web page https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/call-filter/ for the details. Does this help?  

DavidC_VZW

[MxChris]

I've been on the Do Not Call list since 2007.

I have the Verizon Call Filter app installed.

I still get a lot of spam calls and texts.

[vzw_customer_support]

MxChris,

Those are definitely great steps to take. When you get a spam call you can report it through the call filter app which will help us to do more to block these calls in the future. You can also forward any spam texts to #SPAM (#7726). This will help us work to prevent those as well.

AndrewT_VZW

[MxChris]

I don't need help blocking the calls, I have that handled.

I want to know why I got an exponential increase in spam calls and texts days after joining your network.

As I said earlier, the only thing that changed was the company serving me cell service. I've had the same number for 20 years

[vzw_customer_support]

MxChris, we are glad to hear that you are taking the necessary steps to help reduce these calls. While we cannot say why there has been an increase that seems to have stemmed at that time, we can say that there have been dramatic increases over the past two years with all carriers. This is something that carriers are working on with the FCC to find ways to legally prevent these random calls.  LorenB_VZW If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[MeganTa7]

The reason they won't prevent the amount of spam coming to our phones is so we will get fed up and have to sign up for the services to have our information kept private. At some point this will be legal action because what this phone company is doing is wrong. It has increased ten fold since the pandemic alone, Verizon has done absolutely nothing in response.

[9wood]

Translation of there reply not our problem don't bother us the FTC do not call is not a call filter and there call filter from what I seen doesn't do much the free version doesn't do much if anything

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello MeganTa7. We never want you to have to pay for something if you don't want too. We have partnered with the FCC and all carriers to investigate these spam calls and calls from numbers that are not theirs. If you keep getting harassed, we can change your number free of charge. See how here: https://www.verizon.com/support/change-mobile-number-faqs/