Unwanted robocalls and scam calls are a persistent nuisance in the United States, often using local area codes to deceive recipients into answering. Fortunately, there are several low-cost and effective solutions available to help block these fraudulent calls.
What Are Fake Local Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Fake local calls, also known as "neighbor spoofing," occur when scammers use local area codes and prefixes to make their calls appear familiar and trustworthy. This tactic increases the likelihood that recipients will answer, leading to potential scams and privacy invasions.
How Can I Block Fake Local Calls Using My Carrier's Services?
Many U.S. carriers offer services designed to identify and block scam calls, including those using local area codes. Here are some options:
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AT&T ActiveArmor: AT&T provides a free version of ActiveArmor that blocks known scam calls and alerts users to potential threats. The premium version, ActiveArmor Advanced, costs $3.99 per month and includes additional features like reverse number lookup and caller ID. (aura.com)
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T-Mobile Scam Shield: T-Mobile's Scam Shield app offers free scam identification and blocking services. Users can activate Scam Block by dialing #ONB# (#662#) and Scam ID by dialing #ONI# (#664#). (aura.com)
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Verizon Call Filter: Verizon's Call Filter service includes a free version that identifies and blocks robocalls. The paid version, Call Filter Plus, costs $3.99 per month and offers additional features like caller ID and a spam risk meter. (aura.com)
What Are the Best Low-Cost Third-Party Apps to Block Fake Local Calls?
Several third-party applications provide robust call-blocking features at affordable prices:
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RoboKiller: RoboKiller uses answer bots to engage and waste scammers' time, effectively reducing the number of scam calls. It costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year. (antivirus.com)
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Hiya: Hiya offers a free version that identifies and blocks spam calls. The premium version, Hiya Premium, costs $3.99 per month and includes automatic spam blocking and personal number lookup. (claritycheck.com)
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Truecaller: Truecaller provides a free version with caller ID and spam blocking features. The premium version, Truecaller Premium, costs $2.99 per month and offers advanced blocking features. (claritycheck.com)
How Can I Use My Smartphone's Built-in Features to Block Fake Local Calls?
Both Android and iOS devices offer built-in features to help block unwanted calls:
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iOS Devices: Users can enable the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature by navigating to Settings > Phone and toggling on "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. (parade.com)
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Android Devices: Many Android phones have a built-in spam detection feature that can be activated in the Phone app settings. The exact steps may vary by device, but generally, users can go to the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam and enable the feature. (techlicious.com)
How Effective Are These Solutions in Blocking Fake Local Calls?
While no solution can guarantee 100% protection against scam calls, combining multiple methods can significantly reduce their frequency:
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Carrier Services: These services are effective at blocking known scam numbers and alerting users to potential threats.
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Third-Party Apps: Apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller have large databases of known spam numbers and offer real-time blocking and identification.
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Built-in Features: Device-specific features like "Silence Unknown Callers" and spam detection can help filter out unwanted calls.
Are There Any Additional Tips to Reduce Fake Local Calls?
Yes, here are some additional steps you can take:
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Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: Adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce unsolicited calls. You can register online at donotcall.gov. (aura.com)
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Be Cautious with Your Phone Number: Avoid sharing your phone number publicly or with untrusted sources to minimize exposure.
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Report Unwanted Calls: Reporting scam calls to your carrier or the Federal Trade Commission can help authorities take action against scammers.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively block fake local calls and protect yourself from potential scams.
