How to Stop Spam Calls for Good
▼ Summary
– Over 40% of US respondents in a YouGov survey never answer calls from unknown numbers, primarily due to spam calls.
– Both Android and iOS devices have built-in settings to block specific numbers or silence all unknown callers.
– Major mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer free apps with spam filtering, and some have paid tiers for advanced features.
– Third-party apps such as Call Control, Hiya, RoboKiller, and Truecaller use databases and crowdsourcing to identify and block spam calls.
– Registering your number on the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry and reporting unwanted calls can help, though it does not stop all scammers.
That familiar ring from an unknown number is a daily nuisance for millions. A recent YouGov survey found over 40% of US respondents never answer calls from numbers they don’t recognize, with another 35% rarely picking up at all. Despite efforts from the FCC and new legislation, spam calls and robocalls remain a pervasive problem. While vigilance is your first defense, modern devices and services offer powerful tools to automatically filter out these intrusions.
Both Android and iOS devices include native features to block specific numbers. If a particular spammer keeps calling, you can typically open your Phone app, find the number in your recent calls or contacts, and select an option to block and report it. For a broader approach, you can often enable settings to silence or send all unknown callers directly to voicemail. On iPhones, the Silence Unknown Callers feature in Settings is a particularly effective, if drastic, measure. Newer iOS versions offer even more granular control, allowing you to screen calls or filter them into separate Spam and Unknown Callers lists.
Your mobile carrier also provides valuable tools, often through dedicated apps. AT&T customers can use the free ActiveArmor app for basic spam filtering, with a paid tier adding a VPN and identity monitoring. Verizon’s Call Filter service offers a free version that detects spam and can block robocalls based on your chosen risk level. T-Mobile subscribers have access to Scam Shield, which provides a verified caller tag and even a free proxy number to help protect your real digits.
For those seeking solutions beyond their carrier, several third-party apps specialize in call blocking. Call Control uses crowdsourced data to identify spammers, while Hiya maintains a vast database of known scam numbers. RoboKiller takes a unique approach by answering spam calls with pre-recorded audio to waste the scammer’s time. Truecaller is another popular option that identifies incoming calls and can automatically block known bad actors. Most of these apps offer free versions with core functionality, plus premium subscriptions for advanced features.
A foundational step everyone should take is registering with the National Do Not Call Registry managed by the FTC. While scammers often ignore it, legitimate telemarketers are required to comply. You can easily register your landline and mobile numbers on the FTC’s website. The same site allows you to report unwanted calls, providing valuable data to help authorities track and combat these operations.
For those still using a landline, options do exist. Check with your telephone service provider to see if they offer any network-level call blocking. Some modern landline phones come with built-in blocking technology, and you can also purchase standalone call-blocking devices that connect to your phone line.
Reducing the flood of spam calls requires patience and a layered strategy. Even after implementing these tools, it may take weeks to notice a significant decline in unwanted calls. To further protect your number, be cautious about where you share it online; consider using a secondary service like Google Voice for forms and registrations. Combining device settings, carrier services, third-party apps, and official registries creates a robust defense, helping you reclaim peace and quiet on your phone line.
(Source: PCMag.com)
