How to Identify Spam Calls on Your Mobile Phone

Spam calls are a pervasive nuisance, often leading to scams and unwanted solicitations. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to identify and block these calls on your mobile phone.

What Are Spam Calls?

Spam calls are unsolicited phone calls intended to deceive recipients into providing personal information or money. They often involve robocalls or spoofed numbers that appear legitimate. (usa.kaspersky.com)

How Do Phones Identify Spam Calls?

Modern smartphones utilize machine learning algorithms to detect potential spam calls. These systems analyze call patterns, audio traits, and user reports to flag suspicious numbers. For instance, major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile employ such technologies to identify and label spam calls. (builtin.com)

Built-in Features to Block Spam Calls

iPhone

iPhone users can activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature, which sends calls from unrecognized numbers directly to voicemail. To enable this:

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

This feature helps prevent spam calls from disturbing you. (usa.kaspersky.com)

Android

Android devices offer several methods to block spam calls:

• Caller ID and Spam Protection: Many Android phones have built-in features to identify and block spam calls. To enable this:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
3. Tap Caller ID & Spam.
4. Toggle on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls.

• Manual Blocking: You can block individual numbers by:

1. Opening the Phone app.
2. Navigating to the Recents tab.
3. Tapping the number you wish to block.
4. Selecting Block/report spam. (usa.kaspersky.com)

Carrier Services for Spam Call Identification

Major U.S. carriers provide services to help identify and block spam calls:

• AT&T: Offers ActiveArmor, which includes spam call blocking and labeling features. (verizon.com)

• Verizon: Provides Call Filter, which identifies and blocks spam calls. (verizon.com)

• T-Mobile: Features Scam Shield, which labels potential spam calls as "Scam Likely." (callcontrol.com)

Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Spam Call Detection

For more robust protection, consider third-party apps that specialize in spam call detection:

• Robokiller: Uses advanced algorithms and a vast database to identify and block spam calls effectively. (usa.kaspersky.com)

• RealCall: An AI-powered app that detects and blocks spam calls and messages. (en.wikipedia.org)

Additional Tips to Avoid Spam Calls

• Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial details over the phone unless you're certain of the caller's identity.

• Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: This free service allows you to opt out of receiving unsolicited calls. (consumer.ftc.gov)

• Be Cautious with Unknown Numbers: If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, let it go to voicemail. If it's important, the caller will leave a message.

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

Highlights:

• How to Stop Spam Calls | Kaspersky
• How Phones Identify Spam Calls with Machine Leaning | Built In, Published on Sunday, July 13
• How To Block Unwanted Calls | Consumer Advice