Is your phone buzzing with more unwanted calls than those from your actual contacts? You're not alone in this. Spam calls have emerged as a modern-day nuisance, interrupting our daily routine with needless disruptions. But don't worry because there are ways to tackle this issue and regain control over your phone. In this article, you'll learn how to block spam calls with a few simple and effective strategies.
Since spam calls come in different disguises, it helps to understand them to devise the best strategy to block them. Here’s a rundown:
First up, we have spoofing. It's a growing epidemic where scammers disguise their caller ID to make it seem like they're calling from a different number — often a local one. This technique can make spam calls appear legit, but don't be fooled!
Next, we have political calls and texts. These are calls made by political organizations to sway your vote. While they might ‘technically’ be legal, they can still be annoying.
Telemarketing calls come from companies trying to sell their products or services. Some are legit, but others can cross the line into spam territory.
Robocalls are automated calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. They're often used for scams but can also be employed for legitimate purposes like appointment reminders.
Finally, scam calls are what we consider the most dangerous type of spam call. These are calls made with the sole intention of deceiving and stealing from you. To learn more about these types of calls, check out this comprehensive article we wrote about them.
Now that we understand the different types of spam calls and their risks, it's time to take action. Let's delve into the practical side of things, exploring various tactics you can use to stop spam calls on your Android phone. But remember, no solution is one-size-fits-all, and the effectiveness can vary depending on your phone model and Android version. Yet, there's always a dedicated tool like RoboKiller to ease the process and fortify your defenses.
Both iPhone and Android devices come with built-in features to screen and silence unknown callers. This way, if a number isn’t in your contacts, it goes straight to voicemail. This feature might be a bit heavy-handed if you're waiting for a call from an unknown number, but it's worth considering if you're dealing with a flood of spam calls.
For landline users, call-blocking devices can be a lifesaver. These devices intercept incoming calls and block those identified as spam.
Both Android and iPhone devices come with built-in call-blocking features. The downside is, these often require you to block numbers individually. That can be time-consuming if you're dealing with a high volume of spam calls. Check out our guides on how to block spam calls on Android phones and how to block spam calls on iPhone for step-by-step instructions.
There are a lot of third-party apps that can block spam calls. They have algorithms that identify spam numbers and block known spam numbers. That said, some are better than others. Robokiller is rated best for blocking spam calls and texts.
Several phone carriers offer network-level services that can help in blocking spam calls. They use network data to identify and filter out spam calls before they ever reach your phone.
Now that you're armed with the technical tools to block spam calls, here are some habits you can practice to protect yourself further.
Every piece of information you share online can be a potential entry point for spammers and fraudsters. Ensure you distribute personal data - be it your email address, physical location, or financial details - only when necessary and only to trusted individuals or reputable organizations. Be cautious of seemingly harmless surveys, sign-ups, or competitions that demand too much information. They might be traps set up by spammers.
Think of your phone number as a secret code — the fewer people who know it, the safer you are. If your number is listed publicly online, it becomes a target for spammers. Make an effort to ensure your number remains as private as possible. If you need to provide a contact number online, consider using a secondary number or Google Voice number
Online forms are often necessary but can be potential traps for information harvesting. Before sharing your number, ensure you're dealing with a reputable entity. Examine the website's privacy policy to understand how your data will be used, and leave the phone number field blank whenever possible.
Registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry helps cut down on legitimate telemarketing calls. However, be aware that some law-defying spammers might still get through. Despite this, it's a beneficial step towards minimizing the influx of unsolicited calls.
If you're under the onslaught of spam calls, don't suffer in silence. Report these incidents to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC uses this data to track down and take action against these digital invaders.
One of the simplest yet most effective tactics is not to answer calls from numbers you don't recognize. Most important callers will leave a voicemail if they can't reach you. If an unknown number calls you repeatedly without leaving a message, it's likely to be a spammer.
In addition to spam calls, spam text messages have become a growing concern. Here are some tips to defend yourself against this type of digital nuisance.
Just as with calls, you should be wary of text messages from numbers you don't recognize. Spammers often use texts to send phishing links or to try and get you to share personal information.
If you receive a text from an unknown number asking for personal details or containing suspicious links, don’t respond. Replying can signal to the spammer that your number is active, which could lead to more spam texts.
Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block specific numbers. This can be a handy tool if you're receiving spam texts from a particular number. You can usually find this feature in the settings section of your messaging app.
Most carriers allow you to report spam texts by forwarding the message to SPAM (7726). This helps your carrier and authorities track and tackle the sources of these unwanted messages.
While these services can be legitimate, they often result in a slew of spam texts. If you do choose to participate, consider using a secondary number.
Several messaging apps and phones come with spam protection features. These can automatically identify and filter out potential spam texts.
If you're still plagued by unwanted calls even after trying these tips, consider investing in a specialized call- and text-blocking app. They utilize user-reported spam numbers and predictive algorithms to stop spam calls before they reach you. RoboKiller, for example, goes a step further by using Answer Bots to keep spammers engaged, wasting their time and resources — how’s that for fighting back?
For more information, check out this review of the number-one-rated spam-blocking app.
Many government bodies have taken the initiative to reduce spam calls. Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have set rules and regulations to protect consumers from unwanted calls. They have also levied hefty fines against companies that violate these rules.
And as mentioned earlier, the National Do Not Call Registry allows consumers to opt out of telemarketing calls. However, it's worth noting that this service is not foolproof, and some spam calls may still slip through the cracks.
With RoboKiller, you can say goodbye to the frustration of unwanted calls. Offering an unmatched level of protection, RoboKiller blocks over 99% of spam calls using predictive call-blocking technology. Plus, RoboKiller's unique Answer Bots keep spammers busy, turning the tables on these intrusive callers.
Take a look at RoboKiller's innovative features to discover how it can make spam calls a thing of the past — finally!
Do you still have a question about tackling those annoying spam calls? Or do you need a quick reminder on what to be on the lookout for? No problem. We've gathered some of the most common questions about how to block spam calls. Let’s keep your phone conversations as spam-free as possible.
You can block spam calls on your phone by using built-in features, third-party apps, and network-level services. For more advanced protection, consider a specialized app like RoboKiller.
Common scam calls include tax scams, tech support scams, prize scams, and charity scams. Always be wary of calls asking for personal information or immediate payment.
You may receive unwanted calls because your phone number has ended up on a list sold to spammers. This can happen if you've given your number out on online forms or if your number is publicly listed.
While several apps can block unwanted calls, RoboKiller offers advanced features such as predictive call-blocking and Answer Bots. These make it a top choice for blocking unwanted calls.
We know dealing with spam calls can be frustrating, but there are solutions! By using a combination of technical tools, adopting smart habits, and staying informed about the types of spam calls out there, you can take back control of your phone. Happy spam-blocking!
*The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, the information made available on this site is for general informational purposes only. Please refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from legal counsel.
