How to Separate Real Calls from Spam on Your US Phone Number

Spam calls are a pervasive nuisance in the United States, with millions of Americans affected annually. These unsolicited calls can range from telemarketing pitches to fraudulent schemes. Fortunately, there are several methods to help you identify and block these unwanted calls, ensuring that only legitimate calls reach you.

What Are Spam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?

Spam calls, also known as robocalls, are unsolicited calls made by automated systems or individuals aiming to promote products, services, or scams. They often use tactics like caller ID spoofing to appear as local or trusted numbers, making it challenging to distinguish them from legitimate calls. This not only disrupts daily life but also poses risks such as identity theft and financial loss.

How Can I Block Spam Calls on My iPhone?

iPhone users have several built-in features to combat spam calls:

• Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail without ringing. To enable it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

• Call Blocking & Identification: This allows third-party apps to filter and block spam calls. To set it up:

1. Download a reputable spam call blocking app from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable the app under Allow These Apps to Block Calls and Provide Caller ID.

For a visual guide on blocking spam calls on iPhone, you can watch the following video:

How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone with Settings (Best Method)

How Can I Block Spam Calls on My Android Phone?

Android devices offer various methods to block spam calls:

• Google Phone App: If you use the Google Phone app, you can enable features like Caller ID & Spam and Call Screen:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Enable Caller ID & Spam to identify and block spam calls.
4. Enable Call Screen to automatically screen calls from unknown numbers.

• Third-Party Apps: Apps like Truecaller and Hiya maintain databases of known spam numbers and can block them automatically. To use them:

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Follow the in-app instructions to set up call blocking.

For a step-by-step tutorial on blocking spam calls on Android, you can refer to this video:

How to Block Spam Calls on Your Android Phone

Are There Carrier Services to Block Spam Calls?

Yes, many US carriers offer services to help block spam calls:

• AT&T: Provides Call Protect, which automatically blocks calls from known scammers and labels suspected spam calls. To activate:

1. Sign in to your AT&T account.
2. Navigate to Features and select Call Protect.
3. Follow the prompts to enable the service.

• Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which identifies and blocks spam calls. To use:

1. Download the Call Filter app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Follow the setup instructions within the app.

• T-Mobile: Provides Scam Shield, which includes features like scam call blocking and caller ID. To activate:

1. Download the Scam Shield app.
2. Follow the in-app instructions to set up the service.

These carrier services can be effective in reducing spam calls, but they may not block all unwanted calls. Combining them with device settings and third-party apps can offer more comprehensive protection.

How Can I Report Spam Calls?

Reporting spam calls helps authorities track and take action against scammers:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can report unwanted calls to the FTC through their website.

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC also accepts complaints about unwanted calls.

By reporting these calls, you contribute to efforts aimed at reducing spam and protecting consumers.

What Are Some Additional Tips to Avoid Spam Calls?

• Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.

• Don't Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you're certain of the caller's identity.

• Use a Call Blocking App: Apps like RoboKiller and Truecaller can help identify and block spam calls.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and ensure that legitimate calls reach you without interference.