To stop spam calls effectively, there are several steps that can be taken depending on the device and phone type:
For Smartphones (Android and iPhone)
- Manual Blocking: Manually block spam numbers from your call history or recent calls list. This can prevent those numbers from calling again.
- Mark as Spam: Report numbers as spam during the blocking process to help improve spam detection.
- Silence Unknown Callers: On iPhone, enable "Silence Unknown Callers" to send calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. Android phones also have options to block or silence unknown/private numbers.
- Caller ID Features: Use caller ID and spam protection features to verify or get feedback on incoming business calls.
- Third-party Spam Blocker Apps: Consider using apps designed to block spam calls.
For Landline Phones
- National Do Not Call Registry: Register your number on the Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls.
- Phone's Call-Blocking Features: Use built-in features to block persistent numbers.
- Robocall Blockers: Use physical or digital robocall blocking devices or services to automatically filter out spam calls.
Additional Tips
- If you answer a spam call, putting the call on mute and waiting for it to disconnect sometimes leads the caller to remove your number from their list.
- Avoid giving out your number on forms unless you want to be contacted.
- Reporting numbers and registering with official services like the Do Not Call Registry provides legal protection and community spam reduction.
These methods combined can substantially reduce the volume of unwanted spam calls received on both mobile and landline phones.
