Scam calls are a pervasive nuisance, with Americans receiving over 52.5 billion robocalls in 2025 alone. (antivirus.com) These unsolicited calls can range from fraudulent IRS threats to deceptive telemarketing pitches, making it essential to equip yourself with effective tools to block them.
What Are Scam Calls and Why Are They So Common?
Scam calls, often referred to as robocalls, are automated phone calls designed to deceive recipients into providing personal information or money. The proliferation of these calls is largely due to the low cost and ease with which scammers can place thousands of calls simultaneously. (whocalledus.net)
How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Phone?
1. Utilize Built-in Features
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iPhone Users: Activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature by navigating to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This will silence calls from numbers not in your contacts, though voicemails and recent call logs will still be accessible. (techradar.com)
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Android Users: Google has introduced an in-call spam protection feature that alerts users about potential spam calls before they answer. Ensure your device is updated to access this feature. (androidcentral.com)
2. Leverage Carrier Services
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AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which displays a "V" (for verified) on your caller ID for legitimate calls and blocks potentially fraudulent ones. (consumerreports.org)
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T-Mobile: Provides Scam ID and Scam Block services. Scam ID identifies and tags suspicious calls, while Scam Block blocks calls before they ring. (consumerreports.org)
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Verizon: Automatically enrolls eligible customers in the free version of Call Filter, which detects spam and blocks high-risk calls. (consumerreports.org)
3. Install Third-Party Apps
Several apps are designed to identify and block scam calls:
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Truecaller: Recognized as a leader in the scam-blocking space, Truecaller offers a free version with caller ID and scam blocking. Premium versions provide additional features like AI-generated "assistants" who answer calls and block scammers for you. (parade.com)
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Hiya: Offers a free version with incoming spam call detection and a premium version that includes automatic blocking of fraud and spam calls, as well as premium caller ID. (verified.org)
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Robokiller: Blocks 99% of robocalls and can even waste scammers' time with AI "Answer Bots". (whocalledus.net)
What Are the Limitations of These Tools?
While these tools are effective, no solution is entirely foolproof. Some legitimate calls might be mistakenly blocked, and scammers continually adapt their tactics. It's essential to stay vigilant and consider combining multiple tools for enhanced protection. (kiplinger.com)
How Else Can I Protect Myself from Scam Calls?
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Register for the National Do Not Call Registry: This free service allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. (whocalledus.net)
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Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share sensitive information over the phone unless you're certain of the recipient's identity.
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Report Scam Calls: If you receive a scam call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help authorities track and combat these activities. (whocalledus.net)
By implementing these strategies and utilizing the recommended tools, you can significantly reduce the number of scam calls you receive and protect your personal information.
Highlights:
- 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
- Tired of Unwanted Calls? Here's How to Help Thwart the Robocaller Invasion, Published on Friday, March 06
