Americans’ Strategies to Avoid Spam Calls and Texts: Balancing Safety and Missed Connections
Recent research from privacy company Cloaked reveals that while Americans are becoming more adept at avoiding unwanted spam calls and texts, this strategy is incurring unforeseen consequences. With cybercrime on the rise, particularly concerning phishing attacks, the practices that people adopt to protect themselves may inadvertently lead to missed important communications.
The survey, which gathered responses from 1,000 participants across the nation, unveils a startling trend: nearly two-thirds of Americans have missed vital phone calls because they chose not to answer unfamiliar numbers. The data highlights that one in three individuals failed to respond to calls from healthcare providers, such as doctors or hospitals, while others reported missing calls from employers, banks, government agencies, and in cases of family emergencies. This awareness of vital communications being overlooked comes at a time when losses due to cybercrime reached unprecedented highs, with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reporting losses of $20.9 billion in 2025—the first instance that annual losses surpassed the $20 billion threshold.
Evolving Avoidance Strategies
The movement toward ignoring unknown calls has become widespread, as illustrated by the survey outcomes. Approximately 80% of respondents indicated that they either rarely or never answer calls or texts from numbers they do not recognize. Alarmingly, over a quarter of those surveyed admitted to never answering unknown calls whatsoever. Instead, many choose to let such calls go to voicemail, assume they are spam, or screen their calls before deciding whether to respond. On average, respondents reported receiving a staggering 16 spam calls and nine spam texts each month.
As a result of these habits, a significant portion of the population is missing authentic calls. About 66% of those surveyed revealed that they had missed an important call due to their decision to ignore calls from unknown numbers. Healthcare professionals were noted as the most frequently missed contacts, followed closely by employers and other essential services.
Perception of Phishing Threats
While robocalls remain notorious for their irritating nature, phishing emails have emerged as the most persuasive form of spam in the eyes of the surveyed Americans. About 40% identified phishing emails as the most convincing type of spam, followed by spam text messages at 21%, social media direct messages at 20%, robocalls at 10%, and messaging app spam at 9%. Furthermore, nearly one-third of respondents believe that emails pose the highest risk for accidental engagement, which highlights a growing concern regarding digital security.
The findings suggest a paradox: while users are becoming increasingly skeptical of unexpected phone calls, their email habits remain susceptible to exploitation. Cybercriminals exploit this vulnerability, highlighting a significant gap in defense strategies against email phishing attacks.
Trust Issues with Data Handlers
Despite a high awareness of potential cybersecurity threats, the research reflects a profound mistrust in organizations that handle personal data. Surprisingly, 42% of respondents voiced that they do not place trust in any of the major phone carriers, technology companies, or government entities surveyed to manage their personal phone information responsibly. Among the few that inspired some confidence, the Do Not Call Registry topped the list, but even this was only trusted by a minor segment of the population.
Divided Opinions on Identity Verification
Interestingly, the survey revealed a division among consumers concerning identity verification measures. Although many expressed privacy concerns, a notable number were open to sharing personal information to reduce spam calls significantly. Notably, 36% indicated that they would be willing to allow their phone carrier to share their identity with a federal database if it would slash spam calls by 80%. Moreover, willingness to share increased when suggested reductions were even more substantial; 42% would consider sharing a government-issued ID if spam could be reduced by 95%. However, a persistent quarter of respondents stated they would refuse to share any personal information, regardless of the proposed efficacy.
Generational differences also surfaced in the responses, highlighting the willingness of Gen Z participants to engage with identity verification programs in contrast to Baby Boomers, who appeared much less inclined to do so.
Changing Behaviors and Strategies
Beyond their responses to spam, Americans are growing increasingly wary about sharing their actual phone numbers. Over half of the respondents stated they refrain from sharing their numbers on social media platforms, while others limit where they disclose their phone numbers during online shopping, dating app registrations, and numerous services, including financial institutions and travel bookings. Some participants, around 11%, disclosed using burner numbers to mitigate spam.
To protect themselves from unwanted communications, many individuals have embraced various countermeasures. Enabling carrier spam filtering emerged as the most common strategy, followed closely by restricting where phone numbers are shared, registering with the Do Not Call Registry, reporting spam, and utilizing call-blocking applications.
Broader Implications of Phishing and Cybersecurity
Katherine Obermeyer, a representative from Cloaked, emphasized that phishing is no longer merely an awareness issue. It has evolved into a complex problem affecting identity and infrastructure. Attackers can now employ artificial intelligence to mimic various communication styles convincingly, making it increasingly difficult for the average individual to discern between legitimate and malicious messages.
She noted that despite understanding the surge in cybercrime, most people’s defenses remain rooted in guesswork and suspicion. With 40% of Americans indicating phishing emails as the most convincing form of spam, and another 32% acknowledging they are likely to engage with them accidentally, it becomes evident that inboxes remain fertile ground for attackers seeking to compromise personal information.
In summary, the ongoing battle against spam and cybercrime is indicative of a rapidly evolving landscape where traditional defense mechanisms may no longer suffice. Organizations must prioritize user education while simultaneously identifying ways to limit the exposure of personal data to reduce the risk of compromise. As the situation progresses, it appears critical for both individuals and entities to adapt to the shifting challenges in cybersecurity.