How to Stop Spam Calls
A spam call is a phone call that’s meant to sell you something or get you to give a donation. It could also be a sales pitch for some other type of product or service, like an extended warranty on your car, or even just a company trying to get you to switch your internet provider.
Spam calls are usually made by telemarketers working on behalf of shady companies that want to sell products they don’t need at inflated prices. These types of salespeople have been known to use aggressive tactics like bait-and-switch scams and fake prizes in order to try and convince people to buy things from them.
Your first line of defense is to learn how to stop incoming spam calls in the first place.
The easiest way to do this is by blocking them on your phone. You can block specific numbers or entire area codes. Below are some ways to block spam calls. If you’re worried about missing important calls, consider setting up a separate line for receiving SMS messages from numbers that aren’t registered as spam or set up as blocked.
Block Spam Calls on an iPhone
To stop spam calls and robocalls on your iPhone, you can use the Do Not Disturb feature. This feature blocks incoming calls and texts when you’re sleeping or busy (like during a meeting).
When Do Not Disturb is on, your device won’t ring or vibrate when someone tries to reach you. Instead, they’ll get a voicemail message saying that the number they called isn’t accepting calls right now — and they can leave a message if they want. The caller will also see an alert that says “This phone number is not available.”
Block Spam Calls on an Android
If you’ve been getting calls from one or two specific numbers, it’s easy to block them directly from your phone. This can be done by opening the Phone app, tapping “Dialed,” and then selecting the number you want to block. You’ll see a message asking whether you want to block this person’s calls; press “Block” if so, or choose Cancel if not.
You can also block numbers from the Contacts app. To do this, tap on the contact whose phone number(s) you wish to block and select “Add as Existing” (if they are already saved). Then tap on “Edit” followed by “Block Number.” This option is available in both Android P and older versions of Android as well.
On newer versions of Android, there are three options for blocking spam calls: Blocked numbers, Contacts with blocked numbers, Recent calls with blocked numbers. You’ll need to open up either Messages or Phone app depending on which option suits your needs best!
In Messages: Tap Options > Settings > Calls > Block List
If this feature isn’t available yet try enabling Developer Mode instead!
In Phone: Tap More > Settings > Calls > Block List
Block Spam Calls on a landline
A call blocker device is the easiest and most effective way to block spam calls on a landline. These devices use caller ID technology to identify unwanted calls, then block them before they reach your phone. Most of these devices will notify you when a call is blocked so that you know who was trying to reach you.
Call blockers can be found at most electronics stores, and there are many different kinds to choose from. Before you buy, do your research! Some devices require a monthly subscription fee, while others have one time fees or are free (but may still have some limitations).
Most of these devices are very easy to install, and many come with free shipping. Some of them are also very inexpensive, which makes it all the more tempting to try one out for yourself!
Block Calls With Your Carrier
Some carriers offer a free service where they’ll block all spam calls and texts.
On AT&T, you can text “STOP” or “HELP” to 7726 (for free) to sign up for the service. The carrier has its own app called AT&T Call Protect to detect and block spam calls.
Verizon offers two options: one that lets you add up to 10 numbers that are allowed through no matter what (the exceptions will be marked with a star), and another that blocks all incoming calls except those from people who’ve saved your number as an exception in their contacts list. The carrier also has its own app called Verizon Call Filter to help stop spam calls.
T-Mobile’s Scam ID service lets users create rules for identifying spam callers, so that their phones aren’t disturbed by them anymore. The carrier also has its own app called T-Mobile Scam Shield, which identifies unknown numbers before allowing them through — a useful tool if someone is trying to pose as someone else by pretending they’re calling from the same area code as you!
Register on the Do Not Call List
The Do Not Call Registry is a free service maintained by the United States federal government, listing the telephone numbers of individuals and families who have requested that telemarketers not contact them, so you can get on the other side of the spam call list.
To register on the do not call list:
#1. Go to the official Do Not Call Registry website
#2. Click on the Register Your Phone Number button
#3. Enter your phone number in the box provided and click Continue button
#4. Fill out all required fields with your contact information and complete captcha validation.
#5. Click Submit Registration
Use a third-party call blocker app.
Another option is using a third-party call blocker app like Truecaller and Hiya on your smartphone, which will block any incoming number from making its way through your phone’s signal. If you’re not tech savvy, this is probably the best option for you if you want to stop spam calls right now.
