How to Stop Mortgage Calls: A Comprehensive Guide

Mortgage calls can be annoying and time-consuming, especially if you receive them frequently. These calls can come from various sources. Those can be lenders, brokers, or other parties interested in selling their services. While some calls may be legitimate, many are unwanted or fraudulent. Fortunately, there are ways to stop these calls and protect yourself from potential scams.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with practical steps you can take to stop mortgage calls. These include registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, asking the company to put you on their Do Not Call list, and using a call screening app.

In addition, we will tackle considering changing your phone number and reporting violators to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By following these steps, you can regain control of your phone and prevent unwanted interruptions.

Understand the Source of Mortgage Calls

Before taking steps to stop mortgage calls, it’s important to understand where they’re coming from. Mortgage calls can come from various sources, including legitimate mortgage companies, scammers, and telemarketers.

Legitimate mortgage companies may contact you if you’ve expressed interest in their services or if you’ve applied for a mortgage. Scammers may try to trick you into giving them personal or financial information. Also, they may try to sell you fraudulent mortgage services. Telemarketers may be calling on behalf of mortgage companies. Furthermore, they may be calling from lead generation companies that sell mortgage leads to multiple companies.

Knowing the source of the calls can help you determine the best action to stop them. For example, if you’re receiving calls from a legitimate mortgage company you’ve done business with, you may be able to ask them to stop calling you. If you’re receiving calls from scammers, you should report them to the appropriate authorities. If you’re receiving calls from telemarketers, you may need to take additional steps to stop the calls.

Register With the National Do Not Call Registry

One effective way to stop mortgage calls is to register with the National Do Not Call Registry. It is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It allows you to opt out of telemarketing calls from most companies. Once you’ve registered your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, the law will require telemarketers to stop calling your number after 31 days.

To register, visit their website or call their toll-free number. You will need to provide your phone number, email address, and other contact information. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the National Do Not Call Registry.

It’s important to note that not the National Do Not Call Registry does not cover all telemarketing calls. Some calls, such as calls from political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors, are exempt from the registry’s rules. Additionally, companies you’ve done business with may still be allowed to call you.

Ask the Company to Put You on Their Do Not Call List

If you’re receiving mortgage calls from a specific company, ask them to put you on their Do Not Call list. This is a list that companies maintain of people who have asked not to receive telemarketing calls from them. The company is required by law to stop calling you once you’ve made this request.

Alternatively, you can contact the company directly. Look up the company’s contact information online or on their website and call them. Be sure to provide your phone number and ask to be added to their Do Not Call list. It’s a good idea to take notes of the date and time of your request. Also, you must get the name of the person you spoke with.

Remember that while asking a company to put you on their Do Not Call list can be effective, it may not stop all mortgage calls. Some companies may continue to call you despite your request.

Use a Call Screening Service or App

If you’re tired of receiving mortgage calls and want a more proactive solution, consider using a call screening service or app. These services can help you filter out unwanted calls, including telemarketing and spam. There are some popular call screening services and apps that you can use.

Nomorobo is a call screening service. It compares incoming calls to a database of known telemarketers and spammers. If the call is identified as a telemarketer or spammer, it blocks the call before it rings on your phone. Nomorobo is available for both landlines and mobile phones.

Truecaller is a popular call screening app. It works by identifying and blocking unwanted calls. Furthermore, it uses a community-based spam list to identify and block spam calls. Also, the app allows you to block calls from specific numbers and create a personal block list.

RoboKiller is another call-screening app. It uses artificial intelligence to identify and block unwanted calls. Moreover, it includes a feature called Answer Bots. This can waste the time of telemarketers and scammers by providing automated responses to their calls.

Consider Changing Your Phone Number

Changing your phone number may be a viable option if you’ve exhausted all the other methods to stop mortgage calls and you’re still receiving them. While it may seem like a drastic solution, changing your phone number can effectively stop persistent callers.

However, there are some things to keep in mind if you decide to change your phone number. Firstly, you should be careful about who you give your new phone number. Only provide your new number to trusted sources.

Furthermore, only give your number to companies or individuals you know. Additionally, update your phone number with important contacts like friends, family, and financial institutions.

Once you have your new phone number, use call screening and blocking features to avoid unwanted calls. Changing your phone number may not be the most convenient solution, but it can effectively stop persistent mortgage calls.

Report Persistent Violators to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

If you continue to receive mortgage calls even after taking steps to stop them, you may want to report persistent violators to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for enforcing telemarketing regulations and can take action against companies that violate these regulations.

To file a complaint with the FTC, visit their website and select the “File a Complaint” option. You’ll be asked to provide details about the unwanted calls, including the caller’s phone number, the call’s date and time, and any other relevant information. You can also provide information about any company you believe is responsible for the calls.

Once you file a complaint, the FTC will review the information and take appropriate action. This may include issuing warnings to the company, imposing fines, or taking legal action against the company. Filing a complaint with the FTC may not immediately stop unwanted mortgage calls. Still, it can help put pressure on companies to comply with telemarketing regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with persistent mortgage calls can be frustrating, but several effective ways exist to stop them. Some of these methods include registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, using call screening and blocking features on your phone, asking companies to put you on their do not call list, and reporting persistent violators to the Federal Trade Commission.

It’s important to be patient and persistent when dealing with unwanted calls. It may take time for the methods to take effect. Additionally, it’s important to consider changing your phone number. It will help you avoid persistent calls.

By following these tips and being proactive in protecting yourself from unwanted calls, you can help minimize the inconvenience of mortgage calls and focus on the things that matter most in your life.

FAQs:

Q: What is the National Do Not Call Registry?

A: The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of telemarketing calls from most companies.

Q: Can the National Do Not Call Registry stop all telemarketing calls?

A: No, not all telemarketing calls are covered by the National Do Not Call Registry. Some calls, such as calls from political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors, are exempt from the registry’s rules. Additionally, companies you’ve done business with may still be allowed to call you.

Q: What should I do if I suspect a mortgage call is a scam?

A: If you suspect a mortgage call is a scam, it’s important to be cautious and not provide any personal or financial information over the phone. You can report the suspected scam to the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s attorney general’s office.