Spam calls are not just an annoyance but a potential security risk, with scammers targeting unsuspecting individuals through increasingly sophisticated tactics. According to a report by Hiya, U.S. consumers received an average of eight spam calls per week in 2023. These calls waste your time and could lead to scams costing victims thousands of dollars. But here’s the good news – you don’t have to accept spam calls as part of life. With a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate them altogether.
This article will guide you through effective strategies and tools to stop spam calls in their tracks.
What Are Spam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?
Spam calls are unsolicited calls typically made to sell products, gather personal information, or run scams. These calls often come from robocallers with fake Caller IDs, making it harder to differentiate legitimate calls from fraudulent ones. Beyond interruptions, spam calls pose risks like:
- Loss of money due to scams.
- Privacy invasion through data collection.
- Increased annoyance and stress.
It’s crucial to take measures to block these unwanted calls and protect yourself.
5 Effective Ways to Stop Spam Calls
1. Use Built-In Call-Blocking Features
Modern smartphones come equipped with built-in features designed to block spam calls.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
- Turn on the feature to send all calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
- Alternatively, you can enable Live Voicemail (iOS 17 and later) for real-time transcription.
- On Android:
- Open the Phone app and go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam > Filter Spam Calls.
- Use Google Call Screen to have Google Assistant interact with the caller and identify spam.
These features ensure you’re not disturbed by unknown numbers while still allowing important voicemails to reach you.
2. Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Adding your number ensures telemarketers and legitimate businesses cannot legally contact you.
- Visit donotcall.gov and register your phone number.
- Once registered, it may take up to 31 days to stop receiving unwanted calls.
- While the registry helps, scammers and robocallers who operate illegally may still call. That’s where the other measures come in.
3. Download Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps
Third-party apps utilize advanced algorithms and crowd-sourced databases to block spam calls effectively. Popular options include:
- Hiya: Offers real-time spam detection with frequent updates on scammer numbers.
- Truecaller: Known for a global database of scammers and telemarketers.
- RoboKiller: Goes beyond blocking calls by wasting spammers’ time with pre-recorded bot conversations.
- Nomorobo: Specializes in blocking robocalls and spam texts.
These apps provide customizable settings, allowing you to tailor your spam protection experience.
4. Be Cautious About Sharing Your Phone Number
A proactive approach to reducing spam calls is limiting where you share your phone number:
- Avoid posting your number publicly on platforms like social media or forums.
- Always read the privacy terms before sharing your number with online services or businesses.
- Use a secondary email or phone number for online forms or newsletters to prevent your main number from being sold to spammers.
5. Report Spam Calls to Authorities
Reporting spam calls helps regulatory bodies like the FTC and FCC track down scammers and illegal telemarketers. When you receive a spam call:
- Note down the phone number and details of the call.
- Report it to the FTC via their complaint portal (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
- You can also report texting scams directly to the FTC by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).
Your actions contribute to the larger effort to combat spam calls on a national level.
Bonus Tips to Stay Ahead of Spam Calls
- Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If the number isn’t in your contact list, let the call go to voicemail. Scammers often track active numbers, so answering can lead to more spam.
- Avoid Interacting With Spam Calls: Do not press any buttons or respond to prompts during a suspicious call. This signals the scammer that they have a real person on the line.
The Future of Fighting Spam Calls
Legislation like the FCC’s Stir/Shaken framework holds service providers accountable for verifying Caller ID authenticity. However, regulatory changes take time to implement. Until stronger measures are in place, the tools and tips outlined above remain your best defense.
Take Action Today
Spam calls may feel unavoidable, but by taking control of your phone settings and using advanced tools, you can significantly minimize their impact. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Enable call-blocking features on your smartphone.
- Register your number on the Do Not Call Registry.
- Download call-blocking apps like Hiya or RoboKiller.
- Stay vigilant and report spam calls to the FTC.
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