Scam calls are a pervasive nuisance, with Americans receiving billions of such calls annually. (consumer.ftc.gov) These unsolicited calls can range from fraudulent offers to identity theft schemes. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to block and avoid these unwanted interruptions on your mobile phone.
What Are Scam Calls and Why Are They So Common?
Scam calls include unsolicited promotions, impersonation scams, and robocalls that you didn’t request. Robocalls use automated dialers and recorded messages. Some automated calls are helpful, like school notices or appointment reminders, but many are fraudulent or nuisances. (mcafee.com)
How Can I Block Scam Calls on My iPhone?
Enable Built-in Features:
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Silence Unknown Callers: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (macobserver.com)
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Call Blocking & Identification: Navigate to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification to allow third-party apps to filter calls.
Use Third-Party Apps:
Apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller maintain databases of known scam numbers and can block or identify them. These apps often provide real-time alerts and detailed information about incoming calls. (kiplinger.com)
How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Android Phone?
Enable Built-in Features:
- Caller ID & Spam Protection: Open the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, then enable See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls. (malwarebytes.com)
Use Third-Party Apps:
Similar to iPhone users, Android users can benefit from apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller. These apps offer features such as blocking known scam numbers, identifying potential spam calls, and providing detailed information about incoming calls. (kiplinger.com)
What Services Do Mobile Carriers Offer to Block Scam Calls?
Carrier-Specific Services:
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T-Mobile: Offers Scam Shield, which includes Scam ID and Scam Block features to identify and block scam calls. (t-mobile.com)
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AT&T: Provides ActiveArmor, a service that detects and blocks scam and robocalls.
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Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which identifies and blocks potential spam calls.
Considerations:
While these carrier services can be effective, they may not block all scam calls. Combining carrier services with third-party apps can provide more comprehensive protection.
How Can I Report Scam Calls?
Reporting to Authorities:
Reporting scam calls helps authorities track and take action against scammers. You can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at DoNotCall.gov. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Reporting to Your Carrier:
Many carriers allow you to report scam calls directly through their services or apps. Check with your carrier for specific instructions.
How Can I Protect Myself from Scam Calls?
Be Cautious with Unknown Numbers:
Avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers. If it's important, the caller will leave a voicemail.
Do Not Share Personal Information:
Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you're certain of the caller's identity.
Stay Informed:
Regularly update your phone's software and apps to benefit from the latest security features.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of scam calls you receive and protect your personal information.
Highlights:
- Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
- Android now warns before you open banking apps during risky calls, Published on Wednesday, December 03
- Say goodbye to spam calls - NordVPN launches new spam call protection, Published on Tuesday, July 29
