Scam calls are a persistent nuisance, with Americans receiving over 52.5 billion robocalls in 2025, averaging 13–15 spam calls per person each month. (antivirus.com) These unwanted calls can range from fraudulent offers to identity theft attempts, making it crucial to implement effective strategies to block them.
What Are Scam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
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. They often impersonate legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies, to gain trust. The prevalence of these calls has increased significantly, leading to financial losses and privacy concerns for many individuals.
How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Phone?
Blocking scam calls involves a combination of built-in phone features, carrier services, and third-party applications. Here's how you can utilize each:
Built-in Phone Features
iPhone Users:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail. To enable it, go to Settings > Phone and toggle on "Silence Unknown Callers."
Android Users:
- Spam Protection: Many Android devices offer built-in spam protection. For instance, Samsung Galaxy S26 users can activate the Call Screening feature by navigating to Call Settings > Call Screening and selecting the desired language and screening method. (tomsguide.com)
Carrier Services
Carriers provide services to help block scam calls:
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AT&T ActiveArmor: Offers spam call blocking and fraud alerts.
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Verizon Call Filter: Identifies and blocks spam calls.
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T-Mobile Scam Shield: Provides scam call protection and caller ID. (consumeraffairs.com)
Third-Party Applications
Several apps are designed to block scam calls effectively:
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Robokiller: Utilizes a vast database to identify and block scam calls and texts. It also features "answer bots" that waste scammers' time. (antivirus.com)
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Truecaller: Offers real-time caller ID and spam blocking by matching incoming calls against a global database. (calilio.com)
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Hiya: Provides spam detection and call blocking with a collaborative database of known spam numbers. (antivirus.com)
How Does Robokiller Compare to Other Call Blocking Apps?
Robokiller stands out due to its unique features:
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Answer Bots: Engages scammers with pre-recorded messages, wasting their time and reducing their capacity to target other users.
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Comprehensive Blocking: Combines blacklisting, whitelisting, and identification methods to prevent robocalls and spam calls.
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Additional Features: Offers call screening, forwarding, and voicemail transcription. (antivirus.com)
While apps like Truecaller and Hiya also provide effective spam blocking, Robokiller's innovative approach with answer bots and its comprehensive feature set make it a compelling choice for users seeking robust protection against scam calls.
Are There Any Free Options Available?
Yes, there are free options:
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Hiya: Offers a free version with basic spam detection and call blocking features. (antivirus.com)
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Truecaller: Provides a free version with ads and basic caller ID features. (calilio.com)
However, free versions may have limitations compared to premium offerings.
How Do I Choose the Right App for Blocking Scam Calls?
When selecting an app to block scam calls, consider the following factors:
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Database Size: A larger database increases the likelihood of identifying and blocking scam numbers.
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Additional Features: Features like call screening, voicemail transcription, and answer bots can enhance protection.
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User Reviews: Check user feedback to assess the app's effectiveness and reliability.
Conclusion
Blocking scam calls is essential for protecting your privacy and peace of mind. Utilizing a combination of built-in phone features, carrier services, and third-party applications like Robokiller can significantly reduce unwanted calls. By staying informed and proactive, you can safeguard yourself against the growing threat of scam calls.
Highlights:
- Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
- Say goodbye to spam calls - NordVPN launches new spam call protection, Published on Tuesday, July 29
- Android now warns before you open banking apps during risky calls, Published on Wednesday, December 03
