Spam and robocalls are more than just a nuisance — for small-business owners like Pablo and Vanessa Munoz, they’re a daily disruption that's hurting business.
The couple, who run 239 Nutrition in Naples, say they receive up to 30 spam calls between noon and the following morning. Those calls interrupt customer interactions, which slows service.
"People want things fast, so timing is key in the morning here," Pablo said. "But these calls get in the way."
For five years, the Munozes have built a community around their health-focused smoothie shop, serving protein-packed, low-calorie drinks to regulars and new customers alike. Pablo takes pride in forming personal connections and supporting others on their wellness journeys. But lately, he's been spending more time answering pointless calls than making shakes.
"What’s been getting in our way is the calls," he said. "It’s crazy."
They have blocked more than 100 numbers so far, but new ones keep appearing.
"If you're not answering your personal phone, you're answering the business phone," Vanessa said. "You never know who it is."
The constant interruptions are not only frustrating, they are also potentially harmful to business. Missing a legitimate order could mean losing a customer.
"I don’t want to be disrespectful," Pablo said. "But I’m trying to run a business."
To cope, they have resorted to answering, hanging up, and blocking the number — a short-term fix that has not stopped the flood.
Computer science professor Alex Djahankhah of Florida SouthWestern State College said this locally owned business is not alone.
"Americans have lost a lot of money due to scam calls," he said. "The FCC and carriers are trying to identify these numbers, but they change often."
He warns that many of these calls are scams, some using AI to sound like trusted voices, even celebrities or family members.
"It could be Jay-Z talking to you," Djahankhah said. "Or someone pretending to be your grandson."
He encourages people to report spam calls to carriers and use sites like donotcall.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov to fight back.
His advice: spot the call, stop it, and report it.
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