Fraudulent calls, including robocalls and scams, are a significant nuisance for many smartphone users. Implementing a combination of built-in features, carrier services, and trusted applications can effectively reduce these unwanted interruptions.
What Are Fraudulent Calls and Why Are They a Concern?
Fraudulent calls encompass unsolicited promotions, impersonation scams, and robocalls that you didn't request. These calls can disrupt your day, threaten your privacy, and lead to scams that aim to steal your identity and money. (mcafee.com)
How Can Built-In Smartphone Features Help Block Unwanted Calls?
iPhone Users:
-
Silence Unknown Callers: Navigate to Settings > Phone and enable "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (us.norton.com)
-
Block Specific Numbers: Open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the info icon next to the number, and select "Block this Caller." (us.norton.com)
Android Users:
-
Filter Spam Calls: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and enable "Filter spam calls." This will warn you about scam likely numbers automatically. (security.org)
-
Block Specific Numbers: Open Recents, press and hold the suspicious number, then choose "Block/report spam" from the menu. (security.org)
What Carrier Services Are Available to Block Fraudulent Calls?
Major mobile carriers offer tools to filter or block scam calls:
-
AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which displays a "V" (for verified) on your caller ID for calls considered legitimate and blocks potentially fraudulent calls by giving a busy signal. (consumerreports.org)
-
T-Mobile: Provides Scam ID and Scam Block. Scam ID identifies and tags suspicious calls, while Scam Block blocks calls before they ring. (consumerreports.org)
-
Verizon: Automatically enrolls eligible customers in the free version of Call Filter, which detects spam and blocks high-risk calls. (consumerreports.org)
How Do Trusted Call-Blocking Apps Enhance Call Protection?
Third-party call-blocking apps can provide additional layers of protection:
-
Robokiller: A market-leading solution that offers real-time identification of high-risk numbers and active scam campaigns, community reporting, and category-based blocking.
-
Other Apps: While there are various call-blocking apps available, Robokiller's comprehensive features and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for many users.
What Are Additional Steps to Reduce Fraudulent Calls?
-
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: This helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers but does not stop illegal robocalls or spoofed scam likely numbers. (consumerreports.org)
-
Adopt Safe Call Habits: Don't answer or return calls from unknown or masked numbers. If a call seems important, allow it to go to voicemail and verify the caller via an official website or callback number rather than a number provided during the suspicious call. (security.org)
How Can I Choose the Right Call-Blocking App?
When selecting a call-blocking app, consider the following:
-
Features: Look for apps that offer real-time updates, community reporting, and category-based blocking.
-
Privacy: Ensure the app respects your privacy and does not upload your entire contacts list.
-
User Reviews: Check app store ratings and reviews to gauge effectiveness and user satisfaction.
By combining these strategies—utilizing built-in smartphone features, carrier services, and trusted call-blocking apps—you can significantly reduce fraudulent calls on your personal phone.
Highlights:
- How to Block All Spam Calls on Your Phone | McAfee, Published on Saturday, November 22
- How to block spam calls on iPhone, Android, and landlines, Published on Wednesday, January 07
- The Best Ways to Block Robocalls - Consumer Reports, Published on Wednesday, February 24
