Are you tired of getting spam calls on your phone? You’re not alone. Unsolicited calls are a big problem for many. But, there are ways to stop these annoying calls.
In this article, I’ll show you the best apps and settings to block spam calls. This will help you enjoy peace and quiet again, without interruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Android and iOS devices have built-in features to block specific phone numbers
- Third-party apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Call Control can help block telemarketing calls
- Registering your number with the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry may not stop all spam calls
- Carrier-provided tools like AT&T’s ActiveArmor, T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, and Verizon’s Call Filter offer advanced spam blocking
- Reporting spam calls to the FTC can help combat the problem and protect other consumers
Understanding Spam Calls and Their Risks
Spam calls are a big problem for many of us. They can be annoying and even dangerous. Knowing what spam calls are and how to protect ourselves is key.
What Are Spam Calls?
Spam calls, or robocalls, are automated calls with pre-recorded messages. They often come from unknown numbers. Spammers use these calls to sell things, ask for donations, or get your personal info.
How Spammers Obtain Your Phone Number
Spammers get your number in many ways. They might set up fake charities or sponsor contests. They can also buy data from businesses or scrape numbers from the internet.
Types of Spam Calls and Their Tactics
- Telemarketing calls: Spammers try to sell you stuff.
- Robocalls: Automated calls about debt relief, medical services, or financial scams.
- Spoofing: Spammers fake caller ID to look like a bank or government agency.
- Scam calls: Pretend to be tech support or government agencies to get your info.
It’s important not to answer these calls. Doing so can make you a target for more calls. Knowing the risks and tactics helps us stay safe from spam calls.
Blocking Spam Calls on Your iPhone
If you use an iPhone, you can block spam calls easily. You can block individual unknown callers. Just open the Phone app, tap the Info icon next to the number, and choose “Block this Caller.” This stops that number from calling you again.
To block more calls, you can silence all unknown callers. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on. This sends calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail, cutting down on spam.
Blocking Individual Unknown Callers
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Info icon (i) next to the number you want to block.
- Select “Block this Caller” from the options.
Silencing All Unknown Callers
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Tap on “Silence Unknown Callers” and turn the feature on.
- This will send calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.
Using these iPhone features, you can block spam calls on your iPhone. You can block unknown callers and silence them too. This helps keep your privacy and keeps you productive.
Blocking spam calls is key to avoiding scams and unwanted calls. Use these iPhone features to control your calls and enjoy a quieter digital life.
Stopping Spam Calls on Android Devices
Android users face a lot of spam calls. Luckily, our devices have built-in tools to fight these calls. The Google Phone app, found on most Android phones, has a strong spam filter. It can block numbers it thinks are spam.
Using the Google Phone App’s Spam Filtering
To use the Google Phone app’s spam filter, open the app. Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings > Caller ID & spam. There, you can turn on “Filter spam calls” to block suspected spammers.
This feature can really cut down on spam calls. But, it might block some good calls too. To avoid this, you can change the settings to show caller info instead of blocking calls. This lets you choose whether to answer or send to voicemail.
There are also many third-party apps on the Google Play Store to help block spam calls. These apps use smart algorithms and community data to spot and block spam calls well.
It’s important to stay alert and active against spam calls. By using your Android’s tools and features, you can take back your phone. And you can get your peace of mind back.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Google Phone App Spam Filtering | Automatically blocks suspected spam calls on Android devices. |
| Caller ID and Display Options | Allows users to choose between blocking suspected spam or displaying caller information to decide whether to answer. |
| Third-Party Spam Blocking Apps | Offer advanced algorithms and community-driven databases to identify and block spam calls with high accuracy. |
How to Block Spam Calls on Your Smartphone: Best Apps and Settings
Your smartphone has many tools to fight off spam calls. You can use your phone’s built-in features and apps to block unwanted calls. This way, you can cut down on the number of spam calls that bother you.
Carrier-Provided Spam Call Blocking Tools
Many wireless providers offer special services to block spam calls. For instance, AT&T’s ActiveArmor, T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, and Verizon’s Call Filter use smart algorithms to block spam calls. They help keep your phone free from unwanted calls.
Third-Party Spam Call Blocking Apps
There are also many third-party apps to help block spam calls. Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller use big databases to spot and block spam calls. They make sure you don’t get bothered by unwanted calls.
Smartphone Call Blocker Settings
Your smartphone also has its own call blocking features. On iPhones, you can block specific numbers or turn on “Silence Unknown Callers” to block unknown calls. Android users can use caller ID and spam protection to block spam calls.
By using your carrier’s services, your phone’s settings, and third-party apps, you can fight spam calls effectively. This multi-layered approach helps you take back control of your phone. You’ll enjoy a more peaceful and uninterrupted experience.
Carrier-Provided Spam Call Blocking Tools
Many mobile carriers are fighting spam calls with their own tools. These solutions help block unwanted calls from reaching your phone. They offer features to identify and filter out spam calls.
AT&T ActiveArmor
AT&T’s ActiveArmor app is available for iOS and Android. It filters out fraud and spam calls, marking them as “nuisance calls” and sending them to voicemail. The Premium version costs $3.99 a month and includes extra features like a VPN and identity monitoring.
T-Mobile Scam Shield
T-Mobile’s Scam Shield is for T-Mobile and Metro customers. It identifies and blocks scam calls. It also provides caller ID and a proxy number for privacy.
Verizon Call Filter
Verizon’s Call Filter is free for compatible devices. It detects and filters spam calls, alerts you to scams, and lets you report suspicious numbers to the carrier.
These tools add a layer of protection against scammers and spammers. They use the data and resources of major providers. This helps keep your phone safe and your inbox free from unwanted calls.
Third-Party Spam Call Blocking Apps
Dealing with spam calls can be really frustrating. Luckily, there are many third-party apps that can block these calls. Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller are great at stopping spam calls. They help you take back control of your phone.
Hiya Spam Call Blocker
Hiya is a top-rated app for both iOS and Android. It’s called the “world’s most powerful and intuitive telephone firewall app.” Over 500,000 users worldwide trust it, giving it a 4.5-star rating from 13,500 reviews. It blocks spam calls and offers features like reverse phone lookup and SMS blocking.
RoboKiller Spam Call Blocker
RoboKiller is available for both iOS and Android. It blocks spam calls and even tries to confuse spammers with nonsense. It has different plans, with the Lite version at $3.99 a month or $29.99 a year. Users say it’s great at blocking spam calls and has a useful feature for keeping elderly relatives safe from scams.
Truecaller Spam Call Blocker
Truecaller is a well-known app for blocking spam calls on iOS and Android. It identifies calls, blocks unwanted numbers, and lets you check out suspicious callers. The Premium version costs $1.99 a month or $17.99 a year. While these apps are helpful, it’s key to check their privacy policies, as some may share user data.
Spam calls can really disrupt your day and even pose security risks. These third-party apps can fight back by blocking unwanted calls. They help you take back control of your phone and keep your privacy safe.
Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry
Are you fed up with unwanted telemarketing calls? The National Do Not Call Registry can help. It’s a free service run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It lets you register your phone numbers to block sales calls to your home and mobile devices.
To sign up, visit the FTC’s website at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from your registered number. Remember, it might take up to 31 days for calls to stop after you register.
Registering your number on the National do not call registry can cut down on spam calls. Companies that break the rules face big fines. The FTC has collected over $290 million in judgments against violators.
But, the Registry doesn’t block all calls. Political, charitable, debt collection, informational, and survey calls are still okay. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a cell or landline – once listed, they’re treated the same.
If you’re still getting calls after registering, report them to the FTC and your carrier. Together, we can fight against national do not call registry spam and scams.
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Time for sales calls to stop after registration | Up to 31 days |
| Maximum fine for illegal calls | $50,120 per call |
| Total judgments paid by telemarketers | Over $290 million |
| Average monthly spam calls in the U.S. | 2.5 billion |
Reporting Spam Calls to the FTC
Even with call blocking, you might still get spam calls. It’s key to report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can do this on the FTC’s website. Share details like the call type, its purpose, and when it happened.
These reports aid the FTC in fighting fraud. This helps keep you and others safe from spam calls.
The FTC wants you to report unwanted calls at DoNotCall.gov for non-monetary issues. For financial losses, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This data helps the FTC target scammers by sharing reported numbers daily.
A YouMail report shows over 50 billion robocalls in 2021. Not all are illegal, but the FTC aims to stop scams. By filing a complaint about spam calls, you help the FTC protect consumers.
Reporting spam calls to the FTC is a crucial step. It helps fight unwanted and harmful calls. Always report spam calls to the FTC when you get them. Your efforts can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Spam calls can be really annoying. But, you can cut down on them by using the call blocking tools and strategies in this article. You can use built-in features on your phone, services from your carrier, or third-party apps to fight spam calls.
Don’t forget to sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry and tell the FTC about any suspicious calls. These steps can help you take back control of your phone. You’ll enjoy a quieter, spam-free experience.
It’s important to stay alert and use the tools at your disposal to fight spam calls. By using a mix of built-in features, carrier services, and apps, you can block unwanted calls. This way, you can focus on the calls that really matter to you.
