How to Avoid Answering Scam Calls on Your US Phone Number

Scam calls are a pervasive nuisance, with millions of Americans affected each year. In 2023, over 56 million people were impacted by spam and scam calls. (us.norton.com) These unsolicited calls can range from fraudulent offers to identity theft schemes. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to help you avoid answering scam calls on your US phone number.

What Are Scam Calls and Why Are They So Common?

Scam calls, also known as robocalls or spam calls, are unsolicited phone calls made by automated systems or individuals aiming to deceive recipients into providing personal information, money, or access to their devices. The rise of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has made it easier and cheaper for scammers to place large volumes of calls, contributing to the increase in such calls. (whocalledus.net)

How Can I Block Scam Calls on My iPhone?

iPhone users have several built-in features to help block scam calls:

• Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

• Call Blocking & Identification: This allows third-party apps to identify and block spam calls. To set it up:

1. Download a reputable call-blocking app from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable the app under Allow These Apps to Block Calls and Provide Caller ID.

For a visual guide on blocking unknown numbers on your iPhone, you can watch the following video:

Avoid spam calls on your iPhone easily! 2024 | Block unknown numbers

How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Android Phone?

Android users can utilize the following methods:

• Built-in Call Blocking: Most Android phones allow you to block individual numbers:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to Recents or Call History.
3. Tap the number you want to block.
4. Select Block or Block/Report Spam.

• Caller ID & Spam Protection: To enable spam protection:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Go to Caller ID & Spam.
4. Toggle on Caller ID & Spam.

Are There Third-Party Apps to Block Scam Calls?

Yes, several third-party apps can help identify and block scam calls:

• RoboKiller: This app uses advanced algorithms to block spam calls and provides a database of known scam numbers. (kiplinger.com)

• Hiya: Offers real-time spam detection and blocking features. (kiplinger.com)

• Truecaller: Identifies unknown calls and blocks spam calls. (kiplinger.com)

These apps often require access to your contacts and call logs to function effectively. Be sure to review their privacy policies before installation.

How Can I Report Scam Calls?

Reporting scam calls helps authorities track and take action against scammers:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

• National Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at DoNotCall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls. Note that this may not stop all scam calls. (usa.gov)

What Are the Limitations of Blocking and Reporting Scam Calls?

While these methods can significantly reduce scam calls, they may not eliminate them entirely. Scammers continually adapt their tactics, including using spoofed numbers and international calling methods, making it challenging to block all unwanted calls. (kiplinger.com)

How Can I Stay Safe from Scam Calls?

• Be Skeptical: Avoid sharing personal information over the phone, especially with unsolicited callers.

• Verify: If a call claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call back using a verified number from their official website.

• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of scam calls you receive and protect your personal information.