To stop spam calls, you can take several effective steps:
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
- Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls. Legitimate telemarketers check this list to avoid calling registered numbers
Use Phone and Carrier Call-Blocking Features
- Contact your phone company to learn about call blocking and labeling services they offer, such as blocking suspicious calls or labeling calls as "spam" or "scam likely" on caller ID
- Many carriers provide apps or built-in services to block or filter unwanted calls (e.g., AT&T’s ActiveArmor, T-Mobile’s ScamShield, Verizon’s Call Filter)
- On iPhones, turn on the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature to send calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail without ringing
Download and Use Call-Blocking Apps
- Install reputable call-blocking apps from your phone’s app store. These apps use data from users and authorities to predict and block scam or spam calls before they reach you
- Apps often allow you to block calls by number, area code, or known scam lists, and some let you send prewritten texts or report spam calls to authorities
Practical Tips to Avoid Engagement
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers; if you do, hang up immediately
- Never press buttons or respond to prompts in robocalls, as this can confirm your number is active to scammers
- Avoid giving out personal information over the phone unless you have verified the caller’s identity independently
- Set a password on your voicemail to prevent unauthorized access
Additional Strategy
- Some people find success in answering suspected spam calls, muting the phone, and waiting for the caller to hang up. This may cause autodialers to remove your number from their lists
By combining these methods-registering on the Do Not Call list, using carrier and phone blocking features, installing call-blocking apps, and practicing cautious phone habits-you can significantly reduce spam calls
