How to stop spam Text/Calls?

Question

Hi BP,

I have a couple Rentals OOS in Indianapolis.   Over the last year I have seen an increase in people sending me Texts and Calls wanting to buy my properties (maybe some of you nice folks ;) ), but it's becoming a daily thing multiple times a day and such a nuisance.  I really don't know how anyone got my phone number, whih is bothersome.  Can someone please tell me how to get these to stop?

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Nick C. · Answer

If you figure out how to stop the spam you will win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Colleen F. · Answer

I especially like when they call you for houses you don't own and have never owned.  I have no idea how that happens.  You paid for this list?  what a waste of money.

Block them, offer the house at a ridiculous price. texting stop sometimes works but sometimes not because when you get phone calls it sounds like the same person.  I have to remember that idea of getting the name and reporting them.

Ryan Bakerian · Answer

I've noticed this in general as well with my business. I get roughly 10-15 spam texts and calls a day. Most lead generation services. There's an app for iPhone called "True Caller" that I installed that works well. It has knocked some down. There is even a free version you can download.

Pam Brown · Answer

Yeah, but this is rough not to answer unknown calls if you were a real estate broker like I am in Indianapolis.  I get a lot of calls from prospective clients that I don't know.  So it's easier for me to go ahead and answer (and then hang up!) rather than miss calls or have a bunch of VMs.  These Spammers are more crafty now.  They call from the same 317 area code even it they aren't from Indy. 463 is an area code that I get a lot of spams.  But then someone called me last week from a 463 and it was someone that I knew.  UGH!

Hugh S. · Answer

Indianapolis investor owner here; properties all purchased / held in LLCs. Text and spam call tsunamis to me personally, even with different registered agent name, etc. When I felt like playing, the ridiculous price, all cash, no contingencies, may stop the single conversation, but not the tsunami. I value my privacy, so was considering a second LLC layer using Wyoming, but that's a lot of PITA and $ for peace of mind, and would that even be effective? DNC list - hah!

I am experimenting with "accidently" responding to the text with the 4-digit number that reports it as spam to FTC - 7726. It's a clunky process to actually report it to the FTC, and these texts may not meet the legal definition. However, it may cause the sender problems if their numbers are reported to cellphone networks, etc. Such a Mean Girl!

Seriously, if I needed or wanted to sell quickly, I would use MLS or BP marketplace and let the bidding wars begin!

Mark Jones · Answer

Numbers now have to be registered and they are being more regulated, so hopefully that will help in the next 6 months or so.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Wait for the market to turn and they'll go away, but they'll probably be replaced with the next big thing.

Carlton B. · Answer

I hate to be captain obvious but I don't answer calls I don't recognize. Especially on my private number, and my business line (google voice)rarely gets spam. It seems easier to ignore them then fight them kinda like a bully.

Nick Giulioni · Answer

Agreed! If you find a solution that works... please let me know!

How to stop spam Text/Calls?

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