Receiving calls from unknown numbers can be both inconvenient and potentially risky. In the United States, where robocalls and spam are prevalent, it's essential to have strategies in place to handle these calls effectively.
What Are the Risks of Unknown Calls?
Unknown calls can range from harmless wrong numbers to fraudulent schemes aiming to steal personal information or money. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to appear as legitimate entities, making it challenging to identify malicious calls. In 2025, Americans received over 52.5 billion robocalls, averaging roughly 13–15 spam calls per person per month. (antivirus.com)
How Can You Block Unknown Calls on Your Phone?
Built-in Features:
-
iPhone: Utilize the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature to automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions. (whocalledus.net)
-
Android: Enable the spam protection feature in your phone's settings to filter suspected spam calls. (whocalledus.net)
Third-Party Apps:
Several apps offer advanced call-blocking capabilities:
-
RoboKiller: Blocks over 99% of spam calls using AI-powered audio fingerprinting technology and features "Answer Bots" that waste scammers' time. (fone.tips)
-
Truecaller: Identifies unknown callers and blocks spam calls using a massive crowdsourced database. (fone.tips)
-
Hiya: Provides real-time caller ID and blocks spam calls using a constantly updated global database. (famisafe.wondershare.com)
Carrier Services:
Many US carriers offer built-in spam protection:
-
AT&T ActiveArmor: Provides automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam call warnings. (techcult.com)
-
T-Mobile Scam Shield: Offers free scam blocking and caller ID features. (whocalledus.net)
How Can You Report Unwanted Calls?
Reporting unwanted calls helps authorities track and combat fraudulent activities:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint with the FTC to report unwanted calls. (whocalledus.net)
-
Carrier Reporting: Some carriers allow users to report spam calls directly through their apps or customer service.
What Are Additional Tips to Reduce Unwanted Calls?
-
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: This free service reduces telemarketing calls but doesn't stop scammers. (whocalledus.net)
-
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal details over the phone, especially with unknown callers.
-
Educate Yourself About Common Scams: Stay informed about prevalent scams to recognize and avoid them.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls and protect yourself from potential scams.
Highlights:
- Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
