How to Effectively Prevent Spam Phone Calls?

To effectively prevent spam phone calls, there are several strategies and tools you can utilize, ranging from government registries to built-in phone features and third-party applications.

Registering with the Do Not Call List

One of the first steps you can take is to register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This federal program helps reduce telemarketing calls from legitimate companies, though it may not stop calls from scammers or robocallers who disregard the law. You can register your number at DoNotCall.gov.

Built-in Phone Features

For iPhone Users

1. Block Specific Numbers:

   • Open the Phone app, go to “Recents,” tap the “i” next to the number, and select “Block this Caller.”

2. Silence Unknown Callers:

   • Navigate to Settings > Phone and enable Silence Unknown Callers. This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail.

   

For Android Users

1. Block Specific Numbers:

   • Open the Phone app, tap “Recents,” select the number, and choose “Block” or “Report spam.”

2. Block Unknown Callers:

   • Go to Settings > Phone > Block Numbers and toggle the option to block calls from unknown numbers.

Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps

Several apps can help filter spam calls:

• Hiya
• RoboKiller
• TrueCaller
• Call Control

These apps utilize databases of known spam numbers and user reports to block unwanted calls before they reach you. Some apps are free, while others may require a subscription for advanced features.

Carrier-Specific Solutions

Many mobile carriers offer their own tools to help manage spam calls:

• Verizon: Offers a Call Filter service that detects and blocks spam calls. Users can report numbers as spam, which helps improve the service.

• AT&T: Provides ActiveArmor, which filters out potential fraud and spam calls.

• T-Mobile: Has a similar service that helps identify and block spam calls.

Additional Tips

• Report Spam Calls: If you receive a spam call, report it to the FTC via ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps authorities track down and take action against scammers.

• Use Call-Blocking Devices: For landline users, consider installing a call-blocking device that can filter out unwanted calls based on known spam numbers.

By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and protect yourself from potential scams.

Citations:

1. Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
2. Robocalls
3. Block Robocalls and Spam Calls
4. Apple Support: Block Calls
5. Google Phone App: Block Spam and Robocalls
6. How to Block Unwanted Calls
7. How to Stop Unwanted Calls
8. How to Block Spam Calls