In recent years, residents of Spain have increasingly faced phone spam. Automated calls from unknown numbers have become so common that most people don’t even consider how their reaction might influence the number of such contacts they receive in the future. The usual desire to quickly get rid of an intrusive call can actually work against the user.
Many people, upon seeing an unfamiliar number, immediately hang up without answering. However, cybersecurity experts warn that this approach only confirms that your number is active and in use. For automated systems that make mass calls, a brief hang-up tone signals that the line is working and worth calling again—maybe at a different time or from a different number.
How the algorithms work
Modern spam services rarely use live operators. Instead, artificial intelligence algorithms handle the job, analyzing every action the call recipient takes. If a person instantly ends the call, the system registers it as ‘line busy’ or ‘subscriber unavailable.’ As a result, the number is flagged for repeated attempts and sometimes even passed on to other companies engaged in telephone marketing.
Even the shortest duration of a call becomes useful information for the algorithm. Based on this data, the system selects the optimal time for the next call to catch the phone owner at a more convenient moment. As a result, the phone becomes a constant target for new waves of spam.
What experts recommend
To avoid falling into this vicious circle, experts advise not to stay silent or immediately hang up. A brief phrase like “Thank you, not interested” or “Please do not call again” is often more effective. After such a response, numbers are usually removed from the call lists, as the system registers a clear refusal.
At the same time, it’s important to remember: never share personal data, bank details, or other sensitive information over the phone. Even if it sounds like you’re speaking to a real person, it could be a recording or a scammer using social engineering. The main goal is to politely but firmly refuse further communication without revealing any personal details.
Technology against spam
Today, mobile devices are equipped with a range of tools to combat phone spam. Built-in filters, call-blocking features, and third-party apps like Truecaller or Hiya can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls. Users should regularly check their privacy settings and pay close attention to the permissions they grant to websites and apps during registration.
Often, people agree to share their contact information with third parties without reading the terms. This paves the way for new waves of spam. To minimize risks, avoid providing your number on unreliable sites and in forms where you can’t be sure your data will be safe.
Changing habits
While it’s not yet possible to fully eliminate phone spam, modifying certain daily habits can help bring the situation under control. There’s no need to respond to every unknown number in the same way—sometimes it’s better to answer and immediately make it clear you’re not interested. Using modern filters and managing your personal data online responsibly also significantly reduces the number of unwanted calls.
If you weren’t aware, the Truecaller app is one of the most popular services worldwide for identifying and blocking spam calls. It allows users to flag suspicious numbers, share information about spam, and automatically filter unwanted calls. Hiya is another platform widely used in Spain, which integrates with mobile operators’ systems to help protect subscribers from scammers. Both services are free to use but offer additional features via subscription.
Earlier, we covered this topic in the article “How to Get Rid of Phone Spam in Spain — Police Advice and New Rules”. The article explained in detail how new services and police recommendations help manage marketing calls and block spam. It also discussed ways to quickly restore peace of mind in your communications and protect your personal data from misuse.
