Receiving calls from unknown numbers can be both inconvenient and potentially risky. In the United States, millions of spam and robocalls are made daily, making it essential to have effective strategies to manage these calls.
Why Are Unknown Calls a Concern?
Unidentified calls often originate from telemarketers, scammers, or robocallers. These calls can lead to unwanted solicitations, potential scams, and even identity theft. In 2025, Americans received over 52.5 billion robocalls, averaging roughly 13–15 spam calls per person per month. (antivirus.com)
How Can I Block Spam Calls on My Phone?
Built-in Features:
-
iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions.
-
Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Blocked numbers. Here, you can enable options like "Block unknown callers" or "Block calls from unidentified callers."
Carrier Services:
Many US carriers offer free spam protection services:
-
AT&T: ActiveArmor provides spam call blocking and alerts.
-
Verizon: Call Filter offers spam detection and blocking.
-
T-Mobile: Scam Shield identifies and blocks scam calls.
Third-Party Apps:
Several apps can enhance your call-blocking capabilities:
-
Robokiller: Blocks 99% of spam calls and uses AI to waste scammers' time. (robokiller.com)
-
Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls using a vast community-driven database. (famisafe.wondershare.com)
-
Hiya: Provides real-time spam detection and caller ID services. (en.wikipedia.org)
How Do I Report Spam Calls in the US?
Reporting spam calls helps authorities take action against scammers:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint at donotcall.gov.
-
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report unwanted calls at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
What Are the Risks of Answering Unknown Calls?
Answering calls from unknown numbers can expose you to:
-
Scams: Fraudulent schemes aiming to steal personal information or money.
-
Robocalls: Automated calls that may lead to unwanted solicitations.
-
Identity Theft: Sharing personal information with malicious callers can lead to identity theft.
How Can I Protect Myself from Unwanted Calls?
-
Use Call Blocking Features: Utilize your phone's built-in features and carrier services to block unknown calls.
-
Install Trusted Apps: Choose reputable call-blocking apps to enhance protection.
-
Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge about common scams and how to avoid them.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls and protect your privacy.
Highlights:
- Best Robocall & Spam Call Blockers 2026: Free and Paid | Antivirus, Published on Tuesday, March 10
- The Best Call Blocking and Spam Protection Apps for Android and iPhone - YouMail Blog, Published on Tuesday, March 28
- Who is Winning the Fight Against Robocalls? The Best Call-Blocking Apps & Tools in 2025 - YouMail Blog, Published on Thursday, February 13
