How to Stop Unwanted Mortgage Calls

Unwanted mortgage calls can be irritating, disrupting daily life. They often stem from various sources, making them challenging to manage. Understanding these calls and implementing countermeasures can significantly reduce their volume. This article provides strategies to gain control over these unwanted communications.

Utilizing Official Registries

Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry is a primary method for curbing unwanted telemarketing calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and state officials manage and enforce this registry to limit unsolicited sales calls. To register a phone number, visit DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from that phone. Online registration requires an email confirmation clicked within 72 hours.

Once a number is registered, it appears on the registry the following day, but it can take up to 31 days for sales calls from legitimate telemarketers to cease. The registration remains permanent unless the phone number is disconnected and reassigned, or the consumer chooses to remove it. The registry does not block calls from political organizations, charities, or companies with whom an individual has an existing business relationship. Telemarketers are legally obligated to check the registry at least once every 31 days and remove registered numbers from their calling lists.

Direct Communication and Blocking

Beyond official registries, individuals can take direct action to stop unwanted calls from specific companies. Consumers have the right to request that a company, including mortgage lenders or loan servicers, cease calling them, even if an established business relationship exists. For calls related to debt collection, which may include some mortgage-related communications, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) allows consumers to send a written cease and desist letter, instructing the collector to stop further contact. Companies are required to honor such direct requests.

Smartphones can block individual numbers for immediate relief from persistent callers. Most smartphones, whether Apple or Android, offer built-in settings to block specific contacts, sending calls directly to voicemail. Some devices also feature “Silence Unknown Callers” or similar functions, routing calls from unknown numbers to voicemail. Various call-blocking applications can also filter and detect spam calls, providing another layer of defense. While effective for individual numbers, these blocking methods are temporary and not a comprehensive solution for all unsolicited calls.

Reporting Persistent Calls

When unwanted mortgage calls continue despite efforts to register with the Do Not Call Registry or direct company requests, further action is possible. If a phone number has been on the National Do Not Call Registry for at least 31 days and a telemarketing call is received in violation, individuals can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Complaints can be submitted online at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Providing specific details such as the date and time of the call, the company’s name, and the phone number from which the call originated is important for the FTC’s investigation.

The FTC utilizes these reports to identify patterns and take enforcement actions against violators, which can result in significant fines, potentially up to $50,120 per illegal call. If the persistent calls are suspected scams, especially if money was lost or personal information was disclosed, report them to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For robocalls, which are pre-recorded messages, complaints can be filed regardless of Do Not Call Registry status. Avoid interacting with illegal robocalls, such as pressing numbers to be removed from a list, as this can inadvertently signal an active line and lead to more calls.

Protecting Your Information

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of receiving unwanted mortgage calls in the future by limiting how personal information is shared. Exercising caution when completing online forms, particularly those offering quotes or information related to financial services, is important as these often involve sharing data with third parties. Carefully review such forms for pre-checked boxes that grant permission for third-party communications and uncheck them if unwanted.

Understanding how companies handle personal data is important, as outlined in their privacy policies. These policies detail what information, such as contact details or online activity, may be collected, used, and shared with other entities. They also categorize the types of third parties that may receive data, providing insight into potential data flows.

Data brokers, companies that compile and sell personal information obtained from various sources, contribute to the proliferation of unsolicited calls. While removing information from these brokers can be time-consuming, many offer opt-out processes on their websites, typically found under sections like “remove my information” or “privacy requests”. Although some personal information, like mortgage filings, is part of public records and accessible to marketers, managing one’s digital footprint and actively opting out from data brokers can help limit new exposures.