Are you tired of your phone constantly ringing with unwanted calls? In today’s world, spam calls are a pervasive nuisance, reaching both cell phones and home lines. Being on the National Do Not Call Registry offers little protection against these relentless interruptions. Fortunately, effective strategies exist to combat this issue. Your primary defenses are call blocking and call labeling, powerful tools to regain control of your phone and peace of mind. This guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of How To Block Spam Calls across various phone types and services, ensuring you can effectively filter out unwanted solicitations and potential scams.
Understanding Call Blocking and Call Labeling
Call blocking and call labeling are two distinct yet complementary approaches to managing unwanted calls. Call blocking is a proactive measure that prevents spam calls from ever reaching you. Utilizing software or dedicated devices, call blocking intercepts and stops a significant portion of unwanted calls, including illegal robocalls and scam attempts, before your phone even rings. This service is available for cell phones, internet-based home phones (VoIP), and traditional landlines, although it’s important to note that call blocking might inadvertently filter some calls you actually want to receive.
Call labeling, on the other hand, is an informative approach. Instead of blocking calls outright, call labeling services identify and flag suspicious calls as “spam” or “scam likely” directly on your caller ID display. This allows these calls to still come through, but equips you with the information needed to make an informed decision about answering. You retain control, choosing whether to engage with calls identified as potentially unwanted.
How to Block Spam Calls on Your Cell Phone
Watch this video on how to stop spam calls on your cell phone
Leveraging Call-Blocking Apps
One of the most effective methods for blocking spam calls on your cell phone is through the use of call-blocking applications. These apps function as sophisticated filters, utilizing vast databases of call data, user reports, and information from sources like the FTC to identify and predict likely scam or illegal calls. The app then intercepts these calls before they can disturb you. A wide variety of call-blocking apps are available, with options ranging from free services to subscription-based premium features.
To acquire a call-blocking app:
- Visit your phone’s app store: Navigate to the online app store for your mobile operating system (such as the App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android). Search for “call blocking app” and carefully review user ratings and reviews to gauge the effectiveness and user satisfaction of different apps.
- Seek expert reviews online: Conduct online searches for expert reviews of call-blocking apps. Tech websites and blogs often perform comparative analyses and recommend top-performing apps based on features, accuracy, and user experience.
- Consult CTIA resources: Explore the list of apps provided by ctia.org, the website of the wireless communications industry association. This site curates lists of call-blocking apps specifically for Android, iOS (Apple), and other platforms.
Call-blocking apps typically offer customizable options for handling calls identified as potential scams. Common actions include:
- Directly blocking calls: Preventing the call from reaching your phone at all.
- Silencing calls: Allowing the call to come through but preventing your phone from ringing, sending it silently to voicemail.
- Routing to voicemail: Automatically sending flagged calls directly to your voicemail without ringing your phone.
Furthermore, many apps offer advanced features such as:
- Geographic blocking: Blocking calls originating from specific geographic locations or area codes.
- Custom blocklists and allowlists: Creating personalized lists of numbers to block or allow through.
- Automated text replies: Sending pre-written text messages to blocked callers.
- Direct reporting: Facilitating easy reporting of spam calls to the FTC through links to DoNotCall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if you have experienced financial loss due to a scam.
Be mindful that some call-blocking apps may request access to your contact list. Review the app’s privacy policy to understand how it handles and utilizes your personal information before installation.
Utilizing Built-In Phone Features
Many modern cell phones come equipped with built-in call blocking functionalities. These features often allow you to manually block calls from specific numbers directly through your phone’s settings. While there might be a limit to the number of contacts you can block, this is a readily available and free option. Additionally, explore features like “Do Not Disturb,” which allows you to schedule periods when all incoming calls are automatically routed to voicemail, providing respite from interruptions during specific times.
Exploring Services from Your Phone Provider
Contact your cell phone provider or visit their website to investigate the call-blocking or call-labeling services they offer. Many providers now offer free or subscription-based services designed to combat spam calls. These services may include network-level call blocking, spam call identification, and tools to manage unwanted calls.
For direct links to information from specific phone companies regarding their call blocking resources, refer to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Call Blocking Resources.
How to Block Spam Calls on a Home Phone That Uses the Internet
Determining if You Have Internet-Based Phone Service
Your home phone might be operating on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. VoIP technology transmits calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. If you are uncertain about your phone service type, contact your provider to confirm. If you receive your phone service through a cable company or as part of a bundled internet/phone/cable package, it’s highly likely you have VoIP service. If you determine you do not have internet-based service, refer to the section on blocking calls on traditional landlines.
Researching Internet-Based Call-Blocking Services
Internet-based call-blocking services are specifically designed to filter unwanted calls on phones utilizing internet connections (VoIP). While your phone provider may suggest a particular service, it’s advisable to research and compare multiple services through online expert reviews. Some services are available for free, while others operate on a monthly subscription basis.
Similar to cell phone apps, internet-based call-blocking services and phone apps may route all calls through their system. You often have choices regarding how these services handle suspected spam calls, including options to block calls, silence ringing, or send calls directly to voicemail.
For links to company-specific information about blocking calls for internet-based phones, consult the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.
How to Block Spam Calls on a Traditional Landline
Watch this video on how to stop spam calls on your home phone
Installing a Call-Blocking Device
If your home phone is a traditional landline that does not rely on internet service (non-VoIP), consider purchasing and installing a dedicated call-blocking device. These devices are typically small, physical boxes that connect directly to your phone line.
Call-blocking devices operate using various methods. Some utilize pre-loaded databases of known spam numbers, while also allowing you to manually add numbers to your personal blocklist. Other devices depend entirely on user-created blocklists.
Functionalities of call-blocking devices vary, but common actions include:
- Blocking unwanted calls: Preventing the call from ringing through.
- Routing to voicemail: Sending unwanted calls directly to voicemail.
- Visual alerts: Displaying a blinking light to indicate an incoming blocked call.
- Call screening: Connecting callers to a recorded message that prompts them to press a number to proceed, effectively filtering out automated robocalls while allowing legitimate callers to get through.
Some devices incorporate “allowlists” of approved numbers, giving you greater control over incoming calls. This feature can be used to limit incoming calls to only known contacts or to set up “do not disturb” periods where calls are automatically sent to voicemail. Certain devices also attempt to filter out robocalls by playing a message asking callers to press a number to continue the call, a step robocallers typically cannot complete.
Checking with Your Phone Provider
Inquire with your landline phone provider about any call-blocking services they may offer. Some providers offer free basic call blocking, while more advanced features may be available for a fee.
For links to company-specific information on blocking calls for landlines, refer to the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.
Understanding Robocalls
A robocall is defined as any call where you answer and hear a pre-recorded message instead of a live person. It’s crucial to understand that robocalls attempting to sell you something are illegal unless the company has obtained your explicit written permission to contact you in this manner. This permission must be directly obtained from you, and the company must clearly disclose that they are seeking permission to contact you via robocalls. Furthermore, companies cannot mandate that you agree to receive robocalls as a condition of purchasing a product or service.
If you are receiving robocalls without prior written consent, it is highly likely to be a scam. Call blocking is a valuable tool in preventing robocalls from scammers, but some may still get through. If you receive an illegal robocall, immediately hang up and do not call back. Avoid pressing any numbers, as this could lead to an increase in future robocalls. Report illegal robocalls to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov.
Learn more about robocalls at ftc.gov/robocalls.
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Fake Numbers and Caller ID Spoofing
Call blocking technology can sometimes prevent calls from scammers who employ fake caller ID information. While caller ID labeling is helpful in identifying potential scams, it is not foolproof. Scammers frequently utilize “spoofed” or fake names and numbers to manipulate caller ID, often making calls appear to originate from legitimate entities like government agencies such as the Social Security Administration or the IRS. These scammers may attempt to pressure you into providing personal information or making payments under false pretenses, threatening negative consequences or promising fictitious government benefits. This is a common scam tactic. Educate yourself further about common phone scams.
“Neighbor spoofing” is another deceptive tactic where scammers use caller ID numbers that share your area code and often the first six digits of your phone number. The intention is to make the call appear local, increasing the likelihood you will answer. Often, the spoofed name and number belong to an unsuspecting real person whose information is being misused without their knowledge.
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The Limitations of the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is designed to reduce sales calls, whether live or robocalls, from legitimate companies that adhere to the law. The Registry functions as a list informing registered telemarketers which numbers they should not call. However, it is important to understand that the Registry will not stop illegal calls from scammers.
Despite its limitations in preventing all unwanted calls, being on the Do Not Call Registry can still be beneficial. It should reduce the overall volume of telemarketing calls you receive, making it easier to identify potentially fraudulent calls. Remember, if you receive a robocall and have not provided written permission to the caller, the call is illegal, regardless of your registration status on the Do Not Call Registry.
How to Report Unwanted Calls
To report a spam call without financial loss, visit DoNotCall.gov and complete the online reporting form.
If you have experienced financial loss due to a phone scam or possess information about the calling company or scammer, report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
When reporting, provide the phone number that received the call, the number displayed on caller ID (even if suspected as fake), and any callback numbers provided. Include the date and time of the call if possible. The FTC analyzes complaint data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns. Additional details you provide, such as names or callback numbers, assist in tracking down scammers.
The FTC shares reported illegal caller phone numbers publicly each business day. This information aids phone companies and other entities working on call-blocking and call-labeling solutions. Your reports also contribute to law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute individuals behind illegal calls.
