How can I block spoofed calls on my smartphone?

You can block spoofed calls using built-in features like "Silence Unknown Callers" on iPhone and Google's "Verified Caller" on Android. Additionally, carrier services such as AT&T's Call Protect and T-Mobile's Scam ID and Scam Block offer protection. Third-party apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya also provide effective call-blocking solutions.

How to Protect Yourself from Spoofed Calls: Top Apps for Everyday Users

Spoofed calls, where scammers disguise their numbers to appear legitimate, are a growing concern in the United States. In 2024, Americans received over 50 billion robocalls, many of which were spoofed. (whocalledus.net) To safeguard yourself, consider the following solutions:

What Are Spoofed Calls and Why Are They a Problem?

Spoofed calls involve scammers falsifying their caller ID information to appear as trusted entities, such as banks or government agencies. This tactic is used to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information or making fraudulent payments. The prevalence of such calls has increased significantly, making it essential to implement protective measures.

How Can You Block Spoofed Calls on Your Smartphone?

Built-in Features:

iPhone: 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 remain accessible. (techradar.com)
Android: Google is developing a system-level feature called "Verified Caller," integrated into Android via Google Play Services. This feature aims to identify and block spoofed calls by cross-referencing incoming numbers with a list of known Do-Not-Originate (DNO) numbers. (androidcentral.com)

Carrier Services:

AT&T: Offers Call Protect, which displays a "V" (for verified) on your caller ID for legitimate calls and blocks potentially fraudulent ones by giving a busy signal. (consumerreports.org)
T-Mobile: Provides Scam ID and Scam Block. Scam ID identifies and tags suspicious calls, while Scam Block blocks calls before they ring. (consumerreports.org)

What Are the Best Third-Party Apps to Block Spoofed Calls?

RoboKiller:

RoboKiller uses AI-powered audio fingerprinting technology to identify and block spam calls, even when scammers change their numbers. It also features "Answer Bots" that waste scammers' time, reducing their capacity to make fraudulent calls. (fone.tips)

Truecaller:

Truecaller boasts a large global database of spam numbers, updated daily with community feedback. It identifies unknown callers in real time and automatically blocks spam numbers. (nooranweb.com)

Hiya:

Hiya powers the built-in spam detection on Samsung devices and AT&T phones. As a standalone app, it offers caller ID, spam detection, and call blocking. (claritycheck.com)

How Does RoboKiller Compare to Other Call-Blocking Apps?

RoboKiller stands out by not only blocking spam calls but also engaging scammers with pre-recorded "Answer Bots," wasting their time and reducing their capacity to make fraudulent calls. This unique approach, combined with its AI-powered detection, makes it a robust solution for everyday users. (fone.tips)

Are There Any Free Options Available?

Yes, apps like Truecaller and Hiya offer free versions with basic features, such as spam identification and blocking. However, for advanced features like automatic spam blocking and personal number lookup, premium versions are available. (claritycheck.com)

How Can You Report Spoofed Calls?

In the U.S., you can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the National Do Not Call Registry. While this registry helps reduce unsolicited calls, it may not block all robocalls, especially those from political groups, charities, surveys, and debt collectors. (kiplinger.com)

What Additional Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself?

Do Not Engage: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
Verify Caller Information: If you receive a suspicious call, contact the organization directly using official contact information.
Stay Informed: Regularly update your device and apps to benefit from the latest security features.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to spoofed calls and protect your personal information.