Spam calls are a persistent nuisance for many Americans, disrupting daily life and posing potential security risks. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to reduce these unwanted interruptions. Here's how you can take control and minimize spam calls on your US phone number.
What Are Spam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Spam calls, also known as robocalls, are unsolicited phone calls made by automated systems, often for telemarketing or fraudulent purposes. In 2023, 56.2 million Americans were affected by spam and scam calls, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. (us.norton.com)
How Can I Block Spam Calls on My Smartphone?
For iPhone Users:
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Silence Unknown Callers: Navigate to Settings > Phone and enable "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (mcafee.com)
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Use Built-in Call Blocking: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification to allow trusted apps to filter calls.
For Android Users:
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Enable Spam Protection: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and turn on "Filter spam calls." (mcafee.com)
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Use Built-in Call Blocking: In the Phone app, touch and hold the number you want to block, then select "Block/report spam."
Are There Carrier Services to Help Block Spam Calls?
Yes, major US carriers offer services to help reduce spam calls:
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AT&T ActiveArmor: Provides spam call blocking and fraud risk alerts.
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T-Mobile Scam Shield: Offers scam call blocking and caller ID verification.
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Verizon Call Filter: Identifies and blocks spam calls.
These services often require activation and may have associated fees. (androidauthority.com)
How Do Third-Party Apps Help in Blocking Spam Calls?
Third-party apps can enhance spam call protection by maintaining databases of known spam numbers and providing real-time alerts. Some popular options include:
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RoboKiller: Blocks spam calls and offers a feature to answer spam calls with pre-recorded messages.
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Hiya: Identifies and blocks spam calls, providing caller ID information.
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Truecaller: Offers spam call blocking and a community-based spam list.
These apps often require installation and may offer both free and premium features. (mcafee.com)
What Are the Limitations of Blocking Spam Calls?
While these methods can significantly reduce spam calls, no solution is entirely foolproof. Some robocallers may still find ways to bypass filters, and legitimate calls from unknown numbers might be mistakenly blocked. It's essential to regularly review your blocked calls and adjust settings as needed. (mcafee.com)
How Can I Report Unwanted Calls?
Reporting unwanted calls helps authorities track and combat spam and scam activities. You can report such calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Conclusion
Combining device settings, carrier services, and third-party apps offers a comprehensive approach to reducing spam calls on your US phone number. By proactively implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a more peaceful and secure phone experience.
Highlights:
- New Washington state law should mean fewer spam robocalls, Published on Tuesday, May 16
- Tired of Unwanted Calls? Here's How to Help Thwart the Robocaller Invasion, Published on Friday, March 06
