How do I register my phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry?

Visit [DoNotCall.gov](https://www.donotcall.gov/) or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. After registration, it may take up to 31 days for sales calls to decrease.

Effective Strategies to Reduce Telemarketing Calls on Your US Phone Number

Telemarketing calls can be a persistent nuisance, disrupting your daily life and privacy. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies you can employ to reduce or eliminate these unwanted calls.

What Is the National Do Not Call Registry, and How Does It Help?

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited sales calls. By registering your phone number, you signal to legitimate telemarketers that you do not wish to be contacted. While this service can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls, it does not block calls from scammers or certain organizations like charities and political groups. (consumer.ftc.gov)

How Can I Register My Number on the Do Not Call List?

Registering your number is straightforward:

Online Registration: Visit DoNotCall.gov and follow the instructions to add your phone number.
Phone Registration: Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register.

After registration, it may take up to 31 days for sales calls to decrease. Your registration remains active indefinitely unless you request removal or your number is disconnected and reassigned. (consumer.ftc.gov)

What Are Call-Blocking and Call-Labeling Services, and How Do They Work?

Call-blocking and call-labeling services help identify and block unwanted calls:

Carrier Services: Many phone service providers offer built-in features to block or label potential spam calls. For instance, AT&T offers ActiveArmor, and Verizon provides Call Filter. Check with your carrier for available options. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Third-Party Apps: Applications like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller maintain databases of known robocall numbers and can automatically filter or identify spam calls. These apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. (kiplinger.com)

How Can I Block Specific Numbers or Unknown Callers?

To block individual numbers or unknown callers:

Smartphone Features: Both Android and iOS devices allow you to block specific numbers directly from your call history or contacts list.
Carrier Tools: Some carriers offer additional call-blocking features. For example, Frontier provides a call-blocking Feature Pack that includes anonymous call rejection and selective call rejection. (frontier.com)

What Should I Do If I Receive an Unwanted Call?

If you receive an unwanted call:

Do Not Engage: Avoid pressing any keys or responding to prompts, as this may lead to more unwanted calls.
Hang Up: Simply hang up the call.
Report the Call: Report unwanted calls to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov. Provide details such as the date and time of the call, the number that appeared on your caller ID, and any other relevant information. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Are There Additional Steps I Can Take to Reduce Unwanted Calls?

Yes, consider the following:

Be Cautious with Your Number: Limit sharing your phone number and be selective about where you provide it.
Use Voicemail: Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phone scams and how to recognize them. The FTC provides resources to help consumers identify and avoid scams. (consumer.ftc.gov)

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, leading to a more peaceful and secure phone experience.