Receiving spam calls that leave unsolicited voicemails can be both frustrating and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are several effective tools and strategies available to help you identify and block these unwanted calls.
What Are Spam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Spam calls are unsolicited communications, often from telemarketers, scammers, or robocallers, that can disrupt your daily life and compromise your privacy. In the United States, millions of spam calls are made daily, leading to increased annoyance and potential security risks.
How Can I Identify Unknown Callers and Block Spam Calls?
To effectively identify and block spam calls, consider the following methods:
1. Utilize Built-in Smartphone Features
iPhone Users:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions, sending them directly to voicemail. To activate:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.
Android Users:
- Google Phone App's Spam Filter: Many Android devices come with a built-in spam filter. To enable:
- Open the Phone app > tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > enable See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.
2. Install Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
Several apps offer advanced features to identify and block spam calls:
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Robokiller: This app uses AI to screen unknown calls and blocks spam calls by answering them with pre-recorded "answer bots," wasting scammers' time. It also blocks spam texts and monitors data breaches without compromising your privacy.
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Truecaller: With a large global database, Truecaller identifies unknown callers and blocks spam calls. It offers features like smart spam blocking and strong caller ID capabilities.
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Hiya: Hiya provides caller ID with context, displays caller names and reasons for calling in real time, and blocks spam calls using advanced algorithms and a vast caller database.
These apps are available for both Android and iOS devices.
3. Leverage Carrier Services
Many mobile carriers offer free or paid services to help block spam calls:
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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 calls by giving a busy signal.
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T-Mobile: Provides Scam ID and Scam Block. Scam ID identifies and tags suspicious calls, while Scam Block blocks calls before they ring.
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Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which detects spam and blocks high-risk calls. A more robust paid version, Call Filter Plus, is also available.
These services can be activated through your carrier's app or website.
How Do These Methods Compare?
While built-in features and carrier services provide a basic level of protection, third-party apps like Robokiller offer more advanced capabilities, such as AI-driven call screening and proactive blocking of spam calls and texts. Robokiller's unique approach of engaging scammers with "answer bots" not only protects you but also wastes the scammers' time, potentially reducing the number of spam calls you receive.
What Are the Costs Involved?
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Robokiller: Offers a free trial, with subscription plans starting at $4.99 per month.
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Truecaller: Free with basic features; premium plans start at $29.90 per year.
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Hiya: Free with basic features; premium plans start at $3.99 per month.
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Carrier Services: Some services are free, while others may require a subscription.
How Can I Protect Myself from Future Spam Calls?
In addition to using these tools, consider the following steps to further protect yourself:
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Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: This federal program allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited marketing calls.
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Be Cautious with Your Phone Number: Limit sharing your number online and with untrusted sources to reduce the likelihood of it being added to spam call lists.
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Report Spam Calls: Reporting unwanted calls to your carrier or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help authorities take action against spammers.
Conclusion
Dealing with spam calls can be challenging, but by utilizing a combination of built-in smartphone features, third-party apps like Robokiller, and carrier services, you can significantly reduce unwanted interruptions and protect your privacy.
Remember to stay vigilant and regularly update your spam-blocking tools to ensure optimal protection.
Highlights:
- Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
- I tried Aura Digital Security and here's what I found, Published on Tuesday, July 01
