The Future of Jobs Report 2020 from the World Economic Forum highlights a growing trend among businesses. Organizations are accelerating their adoption of AI and automation in the wake of the pandemic. Alongside this progress, there is a concurrent rise in cybersecurity challenges and advancements occurring on a daily basis.
While the notion of AI domination has been a recurring theme in countless narratives, my apprehensions lie more with the impact of simpler, less advanced technologies, rather than highly sophisticated generative artificial intelligence.
Every day, unsuspecting individuals fall victim to robocalls and text scams, losing hard-earned money.
According to Robokiller, this year alone, Americans have suffered losses of $14 billion from robotexts and $34 billion from robocalls. The report warns that scammers are relentlessly honing their tactics to pilfer money. Their projection suggests that by year-end, the total losses to phone scams could escalate to a staggering $90 billion for Americans.
What are Robocalls?
Robocalls refer to automated phone calls made by a computerized system, typically using a pre-recorded message. These calls are often sent out in large volumes to reach a wide audience. They can be used for various purposes, including telemarketing, political campaigning, and scamming.
Robocalls can be intrusive and annoying for recipients, especially when they are unsolicited or used for fraudulent activities. Many countries have implemented regulations and measures to combat unwanted robocalls and protect consumers from scams.
According to Robokiller's estimates, an astounding 78 billion robotexts and 31 billion robocalls inundated phone lines between January and June. This marks an 18% surge compared to the corresponding period last year.
Identifying a scam robocall or text can be tricky. Protecting oneself from robocalls involves a combination of awareness and proactive measures.
Here are steps that individuals can take to identify and protect themselves from robocalls:
1. Screening Calls: Give priority to known contacts and let unfamiliar numbers go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will often leave a message.
2. Policy of Non-Engagement: Steer clear of interactions with suspicious calls. Refrain from pressing any buttons or engaging with automated systems, as this could validate the activity of your number.
3. Make Use of Call-Blocking Features: Most modern smartphones come equipped with call-blocking capabilities designed to sift through potential spam calls. Ensure you activate this feature and routinely refresh your block list.
4. Install Robocall-Blocking Applications: Explore trusted apps such as Robokiller, Nomorobo, or Hiya. These applications leverage sophisticated algorithms to detect and screen out robocalls effectively.
5. Stay Informed: Stay in the loop with the latest news and updates regarding emerging robocall scams. Familiarity with their common tactics equips you to recognize and steer clear of potential threats.
6. Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call from an organization or government agency that raises suspicion, disconnect the call and independently confirm their contact information through official and reliable channels.
By implementing these steps, individuals can significantly reduce their exposure to robocalls and safeguard themselves from potential scams.
