In the digital age, spam calls have become a major nuisance. Unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers can disrupt our daily lives and waste our time. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to block these unwanted calls and regain control of your phone’s inbound traffic.
Blocking spam calls requires a combination of built-in phone features, third-party apps, and network-level solutions. In this informatical article, we will explore various options to help you block spam calls on Android and iOS devices. Whether you prefer a DIY approach or rely on carrier-provided services, we’ve got you covered.
Before delving into specific methods, it’s important to understand why spam calls are so prevalent. Understanding the root causes will help us devise more effective strategies for prevention. Once we have a clear picture of the problem, we can move on to exploring the various solutions available and choose the ones that best suit our needs and preferences.
How to Block Spam Calls
Take back control of your phone’s inbound traffic and say goodbye to unwanted calls.
- Enable built-in call blocking features.
- Utilize third-party call blocking apps.
- Register with Do Not Call registries.
- Report spam calls to authorities.
- Block calls from specific numbers.
- Use carrier-provided spam call blocking services.
- Consider using a call blocking device.
- Stay vigilant and educate yourself about new scams.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and enjoy a more peaceful mobile experience.
Enable built-in call blocking features.
Most smartphones come equipped with built-in call blocking features that allow you to block unwanted calls directly from your phone’s settings. These features vary depending on the make and model of your phone, but they typically offer similar functionality.
-
Identify blocked numbers:
You can manually add specific phone numbers to your block list. This is useful for blocking known spam callers or unwanted contacts.
-
Reject calls from unknown numbers:
This feature allows you to automatically reject calls from numbers that are not in your contacts list. This can help reduce the number of spam calls you receive.
-
Silence unknown callers:
Instead of rejecting calls from unknown numbers, you can choose to silence them. This means that your phone will not ring or vibrate when an unknown number calls, but you will still receive a missed call notification.
-
Enable call screening:
Some phones have a call screening feature that allows you to screen calls before answering them. When a call comes in, you can choose to answer it, send it to voicemail, or block it.
To enable these features, open your phone’s settings app and navigate to the “Phone” or “Call blocking” section. The exact steps may vary depending on your phone, but you should be able to find the call blocking settings without too much difficulty. Once you have enabled the desired features, your phone will start blocking spam calls according to your preferences.
Utilize third-party call blocking apps.
Third-party call blocking apps offer a wide range of features and customization options that can help you block spam calls more effectively. These apps typically use a combination of caller ID, spam databases, and user-generated reports to identify and block unwanted calls.
Some popular third-party call blocking apps include:
- Hiya
- Truecaller
- RoboKiller
- Call Control
- Should I Answer?
These apps are available for both Android and iOS devices. Once you have installed a call blocking app, you can typically set it up in a few simple steps:
- Open the app and create an account.
- Grant the app the necessary permissions, such as access to your contacts and call logs.
- Configure the app’s settings to your liking. This may include setting up a block list, enabling call screening, or choosing how you want to handle suspected spam calls.
Once you have configured the app, it will start working in the background to block spam calls. Some apps may also provide additional features, such as caller ID, reverse phone number lookup, and scam alerts.
Third-party call blocking apps can be a powerful tool for blocking spam calls. However, it is important to choose a reputable app and to configure it correctly. Some apps may require a subscription to access all of their features.
Register with Do Not Call registries.
Do Not Call registries are government-maintained lists of phone numbers that telemarketers are prohibited from calling. By registering your phone number with these registries, you can reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive.
In the United States, the National Do Not Call Registry is the primary tool for reducing telemarketing calls. You can register your phone number by:
- Calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register.
- Visiting the National Do Not Call Registry website and submitting your phone number online.
Once your phone number is registered, it will take about 30 days for it to become effective. After that, telemarketers will be prohibited from calling you unless they have a prior business relationship with you.
In addition to the National Do Not Call Registry, there are also state-level Do Not Call registries in many states. You can find a list of state Do Not Call registries on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
Registering with Do Not Call registries is a simple and effective way to reduce the number of unwanted sales calls you receive. However, it is important to note that these registries only apply to telemarketing calls. They do not protect you from spam calls made by scammers or robocallers.
Report spam calls to authorities.
Reporting spam calls to authorities can help law enforcement agencies track down and prosecute the individuals and organizations responsible for making these calls. It can also help government agencies develop new strategies for combating spam calls.
In the United States, you can report spam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can do this by:
- Calling the FTC’s toll-free number: 1-888-382-1222
- Filing a complaint online on the FTC’s website
When you report a spam call to the FTC, you will be asked to provide information about the call, such as the date and time of the call, the phone number that called you, and a brief description of the call.
In addition to the FTC, you can also report spam calls to your state’s attorney general’s office. To find the contact information for your state’s attorney general’s office, you can visit the National Association of Attorneys General website.
Reporting spam calls to authorities is an important step in the fight against these unwanted calls. By reporting these calls, you can help law enforcement agencies and government agencies take action to stop spam callers.
Block calls from specific numbers.
If you know the phone number of a spam caller, you can block that number on your phone. This will prevent the caller from calling you again.
-
On Android:
Open the Phone app and tap on the recent calls list. Find the number you want to block and tap on it. Then, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Block number.” You can also block a number by going to your phone’s settings and navigating to the call blocking section.
-
On iPhone:
Open the Phone app and tap on the recent calls list. Find the number you want to block and tap on it. Then, tap on the “Info” button and select “Block this caller.” You can also block a number by going to your phone’s settings and navigating to the call blocking section.
-
On other phones:
The process for blocking a number may vary depending on the make and model of your phone. However, you can typically block a number by opening the Phone app, finding the number you want to block, and selecting the appropriate option to block the number.
-
Block calls from a range of numbers:
Some phones allow you to block calls from a range of numbers. This can be useful if you are being harassed by a group of spam callers. To block a range of numbers, you will need to contact your phone carrier.
Blocking calls from specific numbers is a simple and effective way to stop spam callers from contacting you. However, it is important to note that spam callers may use different numbers to call you, so you may need to block multiple numbers.
Use carrier-provided spam call blocking services.
Many mobile carriers offer spam call blocking services to their customers. These services typically use a combination of caller ID, spam databases, and user-generated reports to identify and block spam calls.
-
AT&T:
AT&T offers a free spam call blocking service called Call Protect. Call Protect is available to all AT&T postpaid and prepaid customers. To activate Call Protect, you can either dial 6732 (*CSP#) from your phone or visit the AT&T website.
-
Verizon:
Verizon offers a spam call blocking service called Call Filter. Call Filter is available to all Verizon postpaid and prepaid customers. To activate Call Filter, you can either dial *611 from your phone or visit the Verizon website.
-
T-Mobile:
T-Mobile offers a spam call blocking service called Scam Shield. Scam Shield is available to all T-Mobile postpaid and prepaid customers. To activate Scam Shield, you can either dial 611 from your phone or visit the T-Mobile website.
-
Other carriers:
Other mobile carriers may also offer spam call blocking services. To find out if your carrier offers a spam call blocking service, you can visit their website or contact their customer service department.
Carrier-provided spam call blocking services can be a convenient and effective way to block spam calls. However, it is important to note that these services may not be 100% effective. Spam callers may still be able to get through, especially if they are using new or spoofed phone numbers.
Consider using a call blocking device.
Call blocking devices are standalone devices that can be used to block spam calls. These devices typically connect to your home phone line or your internet connection. Once connected, the device will automatically block spam calls based on a variety of criteria, such as caller ID, spam databases, and user-generated reports.
Some popular call blocking devices include:
- Nomorobo
- Hiya Connect
- Robokiller Call Blocker
- Call Control Call Blocker
Call blocking devices can be a convenient and effective way to block spam calls, especially if you receive a high volume of spam calls.
However, it is important to note that call blocking devices can be expensive. Additionally, some call blocking devices may require a subscription fee. Before purchasing a call blocking device, it is important to research the different devices available and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
Stay vigilant and educate yourself about new scams.
Spam callers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into answering their calls. It is important to stay vigilant and educate yourself about new scams so that you can avoid falling victim to them.
Here are some tips for staying vigilant and educating yourself about new scams:
- Be suspicious of unexpected calls. If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, be suspicious. Don’t answer the call unless you are expecting a call from that number.
- Never give out your personal information over the phone. Legitimate businesses will never ask you for your social security number, credit card number, or other sensitive information over the phone.
-
Be aware of common spam call scams. Some common spam call scams include the following:
- The IRS scam: Scammers call people and claim that they owe money to the IRS. They may threaten to arrest the person if they don’t pay immediately.
- The tech support scam: Scammers call people and claim that their computer is infected with a virus. They may try to sell the person a fake antivirus program.
- The warranty scam: Scammers call people and claim that their car warranty is about to expire. They may try to sell the person a new warranty.
- Report spam calls to the authorities. If you receive a spam call, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general’s office.
By staying vigilant and educating yourself about new scams, you can help protect yourself from spam calls and other unwanted solicitations.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to block spam calls:
Question 1: How can I enable built-in call blocking features on my phone?
Answer 1: The steps to enable built-in call blocking features vary depending on your phone’s make and model. Generally, you can find these features in your phone’s settings, under the “Phone” or “Call blocking” section.
Question 2: Which third-party call blocking apps are recommended?
Answer 2: Some popular and reputable third-party call blocking apps include Hiya, Truecaller, RoboKiller, Call Control, and Should I Answer? These apps offer a range of features to help you block spam calls, including caller ID, spam databases, and user-generated reports.
Question 3: How do I register my phone number with Do Not Call registries?
Answer 3: In the United States, you can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 or visiting their website. You can also find state-level Do Not Call registries by visiting the National Association of Attorneys General website.
Question 4: How can I report spam calls to authorities?
Answer 4: You can report spam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-888-382-1222 or filing a complaint online on their website. You can also report spam calls to your state’s attorney general’s office.
Question 5: How do I block calls from specific numbers?
Answer 5: The process for blocking calls from specific numbers varies depending on your phone’s make and model. Generally, you can block a number by opening the Phone app, finding the number you want to block, and selecting the appropriate option to block the number.
Question 6: Can I use carrier-provided spam call blocking services?
Answer 6: Many mobile carriers offer spam call blocking services to their customers. To find out if your carrier offers a spam call blocking service, you can visit their website or contact their customer service department.
Question 7: Should I consider using a call blocking device?
Answer 7: Call blocking devices can be a convenient and effective way to block spam calls, especially if you receive a high volume of spam calls. However, call blocking devices can be expensive and may require a subscription fee. Before purchasing a call blocking device, it is important to research the different devices available and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
Question 8: How can I stay vigilant and educate myself about new scams?
Answer 8: To stay vigilant and educated about new scams, you should be suspicious of unexpected calls, never give out your personal information over the phone, be aware of common spam call scams, and report spam calls to the authorities.
By following these tips and using the various methods discussed in this article, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and enjoy a more peaceful mobile experience.
In addition to the information provided in this FAQ section, here are some additional tips to help you block spam calls:
Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you block spam calls and protect your privacy:
Tip 1: Keep your phone number private.
Avoid sharing your phone number on public websites or social media platforms. Only give your phone number to people and businesses that you trust.
Tip 2: Use a strong password for your voicemail.
Spammers can sometimes access your voicemail if you have a weak password. Choose a strong password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Tip 3: Be careful about clicking on links in text messages.
Spammers often send text messages with links that can lead to malicious websites. These websites can install malware on your phone or trick you into giving up your personal information. If you receive a text message from an unknown number, be careful about clicking on any links in the message.
Tip 4: Be aware of new scam tactics.
Spammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into answering their calls or giving up their personal information. Stay informed about new scam tactics by reading reputable news sources and following cybersecurity experts on social media.
By following these tips, you can make it more difficult for spammers to contact you and protect your privacy.
Remember, the most important thing you can do to block spam calls is to be vigilant and aware of potential scams. If you receive a suspicious call, don’t answer it. If you’re not sure whether a call is legitimate, you can always hang up and call the number back yourself.
Conclusion
Spam calls are a nuisance and a security risk. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and protect your privacy.
Here are the main points to remember:
- Enable built-in call blocking features on your phone.
- Utilize third-party call blocking apps.
- Register with Do Not Call registries.
- Report spam calls to authorities.
- Block calls from specific numbers.
- Use carrier-provided spam call blocking services.
- Consider using a call blocking device.
- Stay vigilant and educate yourself about new scams.
By taking these steps, you can take control of your phone’s inbound traffic and enjoy a more peaceful mobile experience.
Remember, the most important thing you can do to block spam calls is to be vigilant and aware of potential scams. If you receive a suspicious call, don’t answer it. If you’re not sure whether a call is legitimate, you can always hang up and call the number back yourself.
By working together, we can fight back against spam callers and protect our privacy.
