Residents in Fort Worth and most likely all over the United States are finding themselves bombarded by calls and texts from real estate companies asking if they are interested in selling their homes. This daily harassment can be incredibly frustrating. However, several strategies can help reduce or even eliminate these unwanted contacts.
One of the first steps residents can take is to register their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service is designed to reduce the number of spam calls people receive. To sign up, you can visit the Do Not Call Registry website and enter your phone number. Although it may take up to 31 days to become fully effective, many people report a noticeable decrease in unwanted calls.
Blocking unknown callers is another effective method. Both iPhones and Android phones have features that allow users to send calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail. For iPhone users, this can be done by going to Settings, selecting Phone, and turning on “Silence Unknown Callers.” Android users can go to Settings, select Block Numbers, and turn on “Block Unknown Callers.”
In addition to using the built-in features on smartphones, there are several apps available that can help block spam calls and texts. RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller are among the most popular. These apps can identify and block spam calls, providing an additional layer of protection.
If spam calls persist, it is important to report them. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows consumers to file complaints about unwanted calls. By visiting the FTC website and clicking on “Report a Complaint,” individuals can provide details about the spam calls they receive. This information can help the FTC take action against the companies responsible.
When answering a spam call, one can request to be put on the company’s Do Not Call list. Most companies are legally required to stop calling if this request is made. If they continue to call, reporting them to the FTC can be an effective measure.
Some Fort Worth residents have found creative ways to deal with these persistent calls. For example, giving the caller an outrageously high price for their house can often deter further contact. If a house is worth $300,000, telling the caller it will be sold for $1 million can signal that the homeowner is not genuinely interested in selling.
Humor can also be an effective tool. Some residents respond with funny comments, such as, “I will sell my house if you give me a lifetime supply of chocolate.” This can make the caller laugh and potentially take the homeowner off their call list.
Setting up fake appointments with these companies is another tactic that some people have found useful. By expressing interest in selling and then not showing up for the appointment, homeowners can waste the caller’s time and discourage future calls.
Call screening services offered by phone companies can also be beneficial. These services can block known spam numbers and prevent unwanted calls from reaching the homeowner. Checking with your phone provider to see if they offer call screening can provide additional relief from spam calls.
For those truly fed up with the constant interruptions, keeping a whistle by the phone can be an effective deterrent. Blowing the whistle loudly into the phone can be unpleasant for the caller and may make them think twice before calling again.
By taking these steps, Fort Worth residents can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls and texts from real estate companies, helping to reclaim their peace and privacy.
