How do spam callers get your number in the first place?

Spam calls and texts can come from random robocaller dialling, data breaches, public records or information sold by data brokers. The article says understanding these routes can help people limit how widely their number spreads, although some sources are beyond their control.

Numbers may be resold after people sign up for accounts, loyalty schemes or competitions, sometimes after agreeing to confusing terms. Phishing sites and fake apps can also collect details; the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry limits most telemarketing but does not cover some groups, including charities and political parties. The article suggests hiding numbers on public profiles, checking sites before signing up, searching for breaches through Have I Been Pwned and looking up the number online.