To stop getting spam calls, you can take several effective steps:
- Register on the National Do Not Call List to reduce telemarketing calls. Legitimate telemarketers check this list to avoid calling registered numbers
- Use built-in phone features such as "Silence Unknown Callers" on iPhones, which sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail without ringing
. Android users can block private numbers or use "Do Not Disturb" mode configured to allow calls only from contacts
- Download call-blocking apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, or carrier-specific apps (e.g., T-Mobile's ScamShield, Verizon Call Filter) that identify and block spam or scam calls before they reach you
- Block and report spam calls manually on your phone by using the phone app’s blocking and reporting features
- Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers ; if you do answer, hang up immediately and never press buttons or provide personal information, as scammers use this to confirm active numbers
- Set a voicemail password to prevent hackers from accessing your voicemail if they spoof your number
- Consider call-blocking devices for landlines, which can block known spam numbers and send unwanted calls to voicemail or a recording
- Use the "mute and wait" trick : answer suspected spam calls, mute your phone, and wait for the caller to hang up. This may cause autodialers to remove your number from their lists
- For nuisance texts , reply "STOP" only if the sender identifies themselves; otherwise, do not respond to avoid confirming your number is active
By combining these methods-registering on do-not-call lists, using phone and carrier blocking tools, employing third-party apps, and practicing cautious call handling-you can significantly reduce spam calls
