4A- Forming an Opportunity Belief

       I believe there must be a way to cut down on the constant barrage of scam calls received on cell phones.

       Scam calls have been around for years. Now with advances in technology it is significantly cheaper for criminal to flood our devises in the hopes of getting someone to fall for their scam. Statistically the rates of these calls increase each year especially around tax season. Current ways to combat this issue are to register on The Do Not Call List or download a spam blocker application. These solutions are not significantly effective. I once had a scammer taunt me. Telling me to report the number, they have over a million and nothing will come of it. I would just get another call from another number.  This must be stopped.

 My prototypical customer could be anyone with a cellular devise. 

        Interviews

       David Rails  - Government professional, middle aged male.

1.       Do you receive scam calls on your cellular device?

a.       Absolutely and on a daily basis.

2.       How long have you been receiving scam calls?

a.       I’d have to say I’ve always had spam calls. Originally on my landline. I noticed an uptick of calls on my cellphone in the past five years or so.

3.       How are you currently trying to combat these callers?

a.       I tried ignoring them. I tried asking them to take me off their list. I eventually downloaded an app from AT&T. It’s helping but lot still come though.

4.       Do you believe there is a need waiting to be met when it comes to blocking these types of calls?

a.       Absolutely. I’m not sure what can be done but if someone creates another way to stop it, I’m game.

Gloria Jones – Tourist from Kentucky, middle aged female.

1.       Do you receive scam calls on your cellular device?

a.       (let out a big sigh) Yes!

2.       How long have you been receiving scam calls?

a.       Years and years. I get about fifteen calls a day. No exaggeration.

3.       How are you currently trying to combat these callers?

a.       What can you do? I registered on the do not call list and got even more calls. I try to ignore them. I used to get upset now when I get bored I try to mess with them. Tell them I work for the police department. Some will hang up right away, others go off on me.

4.       Do you believe there is a need waiting to be met when it comes to blocking these types of calls?

a.       Well yeah! Something needs to give. The phone companies need to do something. At least I have and unlimited plan with Sprint and don’t have to pay for the calls. That used to irk me.

Kirsten Applegate- Business owner, mid to late twenties.

1.       Do you receive scam calls on your cellular device?

a.       Yes I do. Who doesn’t?

2.       How long have you been receiving scam calls?

a.       Approximately the past three to five years.

3.       How are you currently trying to combat these callers?

a.       I answer the call. When I realize it’s a scam I block the number. They are getting harder to detect because they look like local cell numbers. I own a business and don’t what to block a potential customer. It not just the 1-800 numbers anymore.

4.       Do you believe there is a need waiting to be met when it comes to blocking these types of calls?

a.       Yes, they are a thorn in my side. I’m always getting someone that wants to fix my credit card debt or sell me a medical brace. I can tell when the call is a scam. Unfortunately, a lot of elderly people are susceptible to these scams. The cell phone companies or congress needs to find a way to stop these scammers.

         I’ve learned that these scam calls are a widespread issue that affect a variety of people. David educated me on the service his cellphone provider offers for these types of calls. I luckily met Gloria from Kentucky at a Starbucks. She gets bombarded with calls. She even received one while I was interviewing her.  It makes me think the issue isn’t regional, it’s across the country. Kirsten brought up a great point. Many elderly people fall victim to these calls. I wonder if an angle can be worked that scammers are targeting a vulnerable class of people?

         After conducting these interviewees, I believe more than ever there is an unmet need in combating scam calls on cell phones. My view has broadened after my interviewees brought up some valid points. I believe entrepreneurs should be able to adapt based on customer feedback. Keep in mind only you know your product and how you want it to make an impact on the world. Others may not be able to grasp the big picture.