Scam calls, often labeled as "Scam Likely," are a persistent nuisance for many families. These fraudulent calls can range from telemarketing pitches to more malicious scams aiming to steal personal information. Fortunately, there are several strategies and applications available to help block these unwanted calls.
What Are Scam Likely Calls?
"Scam Likely" is a label displayed on your phone when a call is suspected to be fraudulent. Telecommunications companies and third-party apps use various methods to identify these calls, including analyzing call patterns, comparing numbers to known scam databases, and monitoring user reports. While these systems are effective, they are not foolproof, and some scam calls may still slip through.
How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Family's Phone?
Blocking scam calls involves a combination of built-in phone features, carrier services, and third-party applications. Here's how you can implement each:
Built-in Phone Features
iPhone:
- Silence Unknown Callers: Go to Settings > Phone and toggle on "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail.
Android:
- Caller ID & Spam Protection: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and enable "Caller ID & Spam." This feature warns you about potential spam calls.
Carrier Services
Many carriers offer services to help block scam calls:
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AT&T Call Protect: Automatically blocks suspected spam calls and provides a spam risk indicator.
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T-Mobile Scam Shield: Includes Scam ID to identify suspicious calls and Scam Block to prevent them from ringing through.
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Verizon Call Filter: Detects spam and blocks high-risk calls.
These services are often free but may offer premium features for a fee. (consumerreports.org)
Third-Party Applications
For enhanced protection, consider third-party apps that specialize in blocking scam calls:
Robokiller:
Robokiller uses advanced algorithms and a vast database to identify and block scam calls. It also features answer bots that engage scammers, wasting their time and deterring future calls. Robokiller is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Hiya:
Hiya offers a comprehensive spam call blocking service with a large database of known spammers. It provides real-time alerts and automatic blocking of scam calls. Hiya is available for iOS and Android devices. (parade.com)
Truecaller:
Truecaller identifies unknown callers and blocks spam calls using a vast community-driven database. It also offers features like call recording and flash messaging. Truecaller is available for iOS and Android devices. (parade.com)
How Do These Apps Compare?
When choosing an app to block scam calls, consider the following factors:
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Database Size: A larger database increases the accuracy of identifying scam calls.
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User Reviews: Positive feedback indicates reliability and effectiveness.
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Additional Features: Some apps offer extra functionalities like call recording or flash messaging.
Robokiller stands out by not only blocking scam calls but also engaging scammers with answer bots, providing a unique approach to deterring unwanted calls.
Are There Any Free Options?
Yes, some apps offer free versions with basic features:
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Hiya: Provides spam call detection and caller ID for free.
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Truecaller: Offers basic spam blocking and caller ID features at no cost.
However, free versions may have limitations compared to premium versions.
How Do I Set Up These Services?
Robokiller:
- Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to grant necessary permissions.
- Customize your settings, such as enabling answer bots and adjusting blocking preferences.
Hiya:
- Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and grant the required permissions.
- Configure your preferences for spam detection and blocking.
Truecaller:
- Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and sign up using your phone number.
- Set up your profile and adjust spam blocking settings.
Conclusion
Blocking scam calls is essential for protecting your family's privacy and peace of mind. While built-in features and carrier services offer basic protection, third-party apps like Robokiller provide advanced solutions to effectively block and deter scam calls. By implementing these tools, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls your family receives.
Highlights:
- Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
- Say goodbye to spam calls - NordVPN launches new spam call protection, Published on Tuesday, July 29
- Android now warns before you open banking apps during risky calls, Published on Wednesday, December 03
