Spam Calls Flooding Myrtle Beach Residents
Myrtle Beach has been dealing with a bit of a nuisance lately: a wave of spam calls that just won’t let up! One local lady, Ruby Carrillo, has been caught in the thick of it, experiencing countless calls that have taken over her daily life. Imagine trying to take a relaxing shower, only to be interrupted by clamoring phones!
A Call About a “Great Deal”
Recently, Ruby received a barrage of calls from someone claiming to be from Spectrum, offering a tempting deal of 50% off on internet and phone bills. Who wouldn’t want that, right? But, being smart and cautious, Ruby decided to take action. She contacted Spectrum to bring these calls to their attention. During her conversation, she was given an email for follow-up, where she learned they were actually quite pleased that consumers were reporting these issues. According to Ruby, the rep said, “This is a wonderful thing that we are doing, educate the public and do not fall victim to them.”
Scam Alert!
In light of Ruby’s experience, it’s important to note that if you’re facing similar annoying calls, you’re definitely not alone. Another Myrtle Beach local, Barbra Shubrick, has also been on the receiving end of these deceitful calls, stating, “I’ve gotten calls from somebody talking about my Spectrum bill, but it’s not coming up as Spectrum and so I’m like ‘no.’” It’s a great idea to listen to that gut feeling when something feels off!
So, if you get a call that looks suspicious or sounds too good to be true, here are a few tips directly from the experts at Spectrum. First and foremost, always block these numbers. You can also report any messages as spam.
Wise Practices to Keep You Safe
Their website highlights some handy tips on keeping yourself safe from falling into these traps. Here’s what they recommend:
- Don’t answer or engage with numbers you don’t recognize.
- If you see links in messages or voicemails, don’t click on them!
- Be suspicious of calls asking you to donate to charities or answer questions about your personal information. These are major red flags!
If you think the offer could be real, contact the service directly through official channels just to double-check. Just as a reminder, reputable companies like Spectrum will never ask for gift cards as a form of payment.
Taking Control of Your Phone
Ruby has found a little relief with an app on her phone that helps identify spam, although it doesn’t catch every pesky caller. “That’s all you can do is block them,” she said. The truth is, it can feel like a full-time job just dealing with these calls, but being proactive can definitely help lighten the burden.
To everyone here in Myrtle Beach, stay vigilant! Even though these scammers can be annoying and overwhelming, with the right strategies in place, you can navigate this rocky terrain. Remember, knowledge is power – the more you know about potential scams, the better you can protect yourself. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and consider blocking that number or reporting it.
Let’s keep our gorgeous beach town free of these disruptive calls and enjoy the beautiful sunny days coming our way! 🌞
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
