Preventing spam phone calls
Preventing spam phone calls involves a combination of using built-in features on your device, third-party apps, and services provided by your phone company. Here are some effective methods to block unwanted calls:
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Built-in Features
1. Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone: This feature, available on iOS 13 and later, silences calls from numbers not in your contacts list, sending them to voicemail. To enable it, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers[1][4].
2. Android Built-in Features: Android devices also allow you to block specific numbers directly through the phone app. Open the Phone app, go to Settings, and look for options like Block numbers or Blocked contacts[6].
Third-Party Apps
Several apps are available for both iOS and Android to help block spam calls:
- Hiya: Warns about robocalls and scam calls based on a database of known scammers. It can also detect spoofed calls and automatically allow calls from contacts[5].
- RoboKiller: Offers a database of known spam numbers and can block them automatically[5].
- Truecaller: Identifies unknown numbers and can block spam calls[5].
- Call Control: Allows you to block unwanted calls and customize your block list[5].
Phone Company Services
1. Verizon's Call Filter: Automatically sends potentially fraudulent calls to voicemail. You can also upgrade to Call Filter Plus for more features[6].
2. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint Services: These carriers offer similar call-blocking services. Contact your provider for details.
Do Not Call Registry
Registering your number on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted calls from legitimate telemarketers, though it won't stop all spam calls[3][4].
Landline Solutions
For landlines, consider using a call-blocking device or registering with services like Nomorobo to block unwanted calls[2][6].
By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive.
Citations:
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106
[2] https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-block-unwanted-calls
[3] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts
[4] https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-stop-spam-calls/
[5] https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/block-robocalls-and-spam-calls
[6] https://www.verizon.com/about/account-security/robocalls