Getting too many spam calls can be more than just a minor annoyance they can aggressively target you and even lure you into scams. That’s why it’s important to avoid them by identifying and blocking these unwanted calls before they become a bigger problem.
One of the best ways to stop this is by strengthening your defenses with a comprehensive approach. Using an online security app can help, but there are other steps you can take to reduce these calls.
These calls can be extremely frustrating and may put you at risk of hacking or phishing attempts, making it essential to stay informed and stay ahead of scammers.
If you have an Android phone, you already have built-in features that can help combat this issue. You can also use carrier services or third-party apps for extra protection.
Whether you own a budget Android phone or a high-end device, taking the right steps to protect yourself is crucial. Many spam calls come from scammers using software dialers to call as many phone numbers as possible.
Since this practice is highly profitable, it continues to grow, which is tragic in itself. For many people, this means dealing with more spam than actual calls, interrupting their daily lives, especially during work hours.
Unfortunately, this problem is only getting worse over time.
Block Spam Calls On Android
What is a Spam Call?
A spam call is an unwanted call from an unknown source, often targeting a large number of people to trick them into giving away money or information.
These calls come in different types, including telemarketing, robocalls, spoofing, and IRS scams, as well as insurance scams. If you answer, your number might be added to a list of numbers that frequently pick up, making you a target for fraudsters.
They believe such individuals are more likely to share sensitive information, whether accidentally or on purpose. To avoid falling for scams, it’s best to avoid engaging with these calls, as engaging can lead to receiving fewer spam calls over time.
How to Block Spam Calls Once and For All?
Dealing with spam calls can be frustrating, but you can stop them by using call-blocking features on your Android phone. Start by silencing unknown callers, enabling spam-filtering apps, and blocking unwanted calls from scammers.
You can also register your number with the national Do Not Call Registry to reduce robocalls. If spam still gets through, try third-party apps or your carrier’s call-blocking service for extra protection.
Taking these steps will help you avoid scam calls and protect your phone from interruptions.
Is There a Code to Block Spam Calls?
Yes, some phone carriers provide special codes to block spam calls. For example, T-Mobile users can dial #662# to enable Scam Block, while AT&T customers can use *61 to stop unwanted calls.
These quick dialing methods help prevent robocalls without needing extra apps.
Does *61 block Unwanted Calls?
Yes, *61 helps block unwanted calls on certain phone services, including AT&T. If you receive a spam call, simply press *61 followed by the call button to add the number to your blocked call list.
This feature works for digital home phones and can stop repeated robocalls and scam calls. If you want to block private numbers without a caller ID, dialing *77 will reject those calls, and you can unblock them anytime with *87.
How to Block Spam Calls on Android Phones
You can block spam calls on Android phones by using the call blocking feature, marking numbers as spam, or enabling caller ID protection. Many Android devices also let you filter unknown numbers to avoid unwanted calls.
Here’s how you can stop spam calls on Android phones..
Use the Caller ID and Spam Protection Feature
Caller ID and spam protection help you identify unwanted calls before you answer. It warns about potential spam callers and blocks them automatically if enabled. You can control this feature to reduce scam calls and avoid unknown numbers disturbing you.
- Open the Phone app and tap More options (three dots).
- Go to Settings > Spam and Call Screen, then turn on Caller ID and spam protection.
- Tap Block numbers and enable Block spam and scam calls to stop them entirely.
Once activated, these calls won’t show as missed calls but will appear in your Call History or Voicemail if filtered. If you ever need to unblock spam calls on Android, simply slide the toggle off in the last step.
Mark Individual Calls as Spam
You can mark spam calls easily on your Android phone to stop unwanted calls.
- Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
- Find the number you want to block and tap More options (three dots).
- Select Block & report spam, then confirm.
- The number will be blocked, and Android may report it as spam to help others.
Blocking these calls keeps your phone quiet and prevents scam calls from bothering you again.
How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone?
You can block spam calls on your iPhone by using the built-in blocking feature or enabling Silence Unknown Callers to prevent calls from numbers not in your contacts.
If you want more control, use third-party call filtering apps that detect risky spam calls like tech support scams.
While blocking all unknown numbers can stop unwanted calls, it may also prevent legitimate ones. If you expect calls from new numbers, blocking individual callers might be a better choice.
Block Individual Unknown Callers
- Open the Phone app, find the unknown number, and tap the i icon.
- Select Block this Caller and confirm with Block Contact.
- The number is now blocked, preventing future spam calls.
This method helps stop unknown callers from disturbing you while keeping important contacts accessible.
Block all Unknown Callers
- Spam calls can be annoying, and blocking unknown callers helps stop them.
- Go to the Phone app, tap Settings, and enable block unknown numbers.
- This prevents private numbers and those not saved in contacts from reaching you.
Blocking unknown callers ensures legit calls from saved contacts come through while stopping spoofed numbers.
Many Android phones also allow filtering through third-party apps, offering better control over call blocking.
Alternative Ways to Stop spam Calls
Blocking spam calls isn’t just about built-in settings. Third-party apps can filter unwanted calls, while your phone carrier’s service may provide extra protection. You can also add your number to the national registry to reduce spam.
Using these methods helps keep your phone free from annoying interruptions. Whether you use an iPhone or Android, combining multiple solutions ensures better protection against spam calls.
Here’s how you can stop spam calls using these simple methods.
Register your Number on the Do Not Call Registry
Many telemarketers use a public contact list to call people, but you can remove your number from this list by signing up for the Do Not Call Registry.
This method helps reduce unwanted calls, though you may still receive calls from politicians, charities, or debt collectors.
You can register your number for free by calling the provided voice or TTY numbers or doing it online through the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry.
- Visit the National Do Not Call Registry website and click Register.
- Enter your phone number (up to three numbers) without hyphens and add your email address for confirmation.
- Open the confirmation email within 72 hours after submission.
- Follow the steps in the email to complete the process and block spam callers.
By taking these steps, you can stop telemarketing calls and reduce spam calls on your Android phone.
Use your Cell Phone Carrier’s Spam-Blocking Tools
Most phone carriers use machine learning to detect suspicious calls and label them as spam risk or scam likely before you pick up.
If you see this warning, it’s best to ignore or block the call. On Android, you can block these calls just like any other unwanted number. Some carriers also offer additional spam-blocking mechanisms to help reduce robocalls and spam calls.
For example, AT&T provides the ActiveArmor app, which is free to install and has an upgrade option for advanced features.
Verizon offers Call Filter, a basic free tool with a pay option for extra protection. Check with your provider to see if they have a similar feature to help stop spam calls.
How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone and Android Using Third-Party Apps
Getting too many spam calls? You can use Truecaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller to block them easily. These apps help you detect and stop suspicious numbers before they reach you.
- Truecaller is free and well-reviewed but requires access to contacts to build a phone directory.
- Hiya is also free and may already be installed on Android. It helps block unwanted calls.
- RoboKiller offers a free trial but requires a monthly subscription starting at $2/month.
Some major phone carriers also offer spam detection apps to increase protection from unwanted calls. These services often allow blocking spam calls, texts, and routing them to voicemail.
- AT&T ActiveArmor has a free plan for basic blocking, while its Premium plan ($3.99/month) offers reverse number lookup and caller ID.
- T-Mobile Scam Shield blocks spam on a free plan but provides specific call filters for $4/month.
- Verizon Call Filter filters spam calls for free, but upgrading allows a personal spam list for $3.99/month.
If you’re using an iPhone, installing a spam-blocking app is not enough. You must enable call blocking and allow apps permission to block phone calls for full protection.
Why Am I Getting so Many Spam Calls?
Getting spam calls can be frustrating, and they usually happen because your phone number has been exposed.
Scammers and fraudsters use different tricks to get your personal information and make unwanted calls.
If you pick up a scam call, you may receive even more. These calls may appear as unknown callers or use caller ID spoofing to look real.
- Your phone number might be part of a data breach, making it easy for scammers to find.
- Some companies sell your contact list, leading to unsolicited calls from telemarketers and robocalls.
- Cybercriminals use social engineering tricks to make you believe they are someone you know.
- Answering scam likely or spam risk calls alerts fraudsters that your number is active.
- Publicly available personal information on social media makes it easier for unknown callers to target you.
Blocking unwanted calls is necessary to protect yourself. Many phone carriers offer call blocking tools, and you can register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Be cautious when sharing your phone number and avoid answering spam calls to reduce the risk of identity theft and privacy protection concerns.
How Spammers Get your Phone Number
Spammers use different tricks to get your phone number. They create fake charities, offer giveaways, or run contests to collect data.
Some buy lists from third-party data providers, while others get numbers from businesses that display caller ID. Telemarketers often purchase these lists for cold calling and sales. If your number is leaked in a data breach, it might end up in the hands of scammers.
You should also watch out for robocalls and fake bank representatives asking for credit card details. Some pose as computer experts, tricking you into sharing sensitive data.
Scammers use spoofing to make a fake number appear real. Be careful where you share your number to avoid identity theft and security risks.
How to Block Spam Calls Using the Google Phone app
- Open the Phone app and tap the overflow menu (three dots).
- Go to Settings and select Caller ID & spam in the Assistive section.
- Toggle on Filter spam calls to block numbers automatically.
- If it blocks important calls, enable See caller and Spam ID instead.
The spam filtering feature in Google’s dialer helps avoid unwanted calls, but it can be oversensitive and sometimes block calls from services like Amazon delivery executives.
If this happens, you can turn off filtering while keeping caller ID warnings to still get alerts for suspected spam numbers before answering.
How to Stop Spam Calls on Your Landline
1. Register your number with the Do Not Call Registry.
2. Use a call blocker device to filter unwanted calls.
3. Enable caller ID and avoid answering unknown numbers.
4. Contact your phone service provider for spam protection.
5. Set up call screening for better control over calls.
6. Report persistent spam calls to the FTC.
Even with these steps, some spammers still find ways to reach you. A landline may not have as many protection options as a mobile phone, but combining these methods helps reduce unwanted calls.
Manually Block Spam Calls (The Least Effective Option)
- Open the Phone app.
- Long press the spam number.
- Tap Block/report junk from the drop-down menu.
- Select Block to stop future calls.
This method is straightforward but not ideal since spam calls come from random phone numbers. You might even accidentally block a friend or colleague.
Let Google Assistant Do the Talking
Tired of spam calls? If you own a Google Pixel, you can let Google Assistant handle them for you. The Call Screen feature answers incoming calls, asks why they’re calling, and helps filter out unwanted numbers. Here’s how to turn it on:
- Open the Phone app and tap the three dots in the top-right.
- Go to Settings and select Spam and Call Screen.
- Tap Call Screen and adjust settings for Spam, Possibly faked numbers, and First-time callers.
- Choose Automatically screen to block suspicious numbers.
- Enable Decline robocalls to stop spam before it reaches you.
This exclusive feature is useful but has a major shortcoming it’s only available in 10 countries. If your Pixel device isn’t supported, Google is working on expanding access to other regions. Until then, other methods can help block spam calls on Android.
Spam Calls are Increasing, And So are the Ways to Stop Them
Spam calls are more frequent than ever, but there are many ways to stop them. Using call blocking tools, enabling spam filters, and activating Google Assistant features can help.
Avoid answering unknown numbers to reduce phone scams. Stay alert and use the best spam protection methods to keep your phone safe.
Other Ways to Stop Spam Calls
Unwanted calls can be frustrating, but there are ways to stop them. Spam calls often use tricks like neighbor spoofing to make you answer. Using call blocking tools can help you avoid these interruptions.
1. Use Your Phone’s Built-in Features
Most Android phones have options to block spam calls directly. You can enable call screening on Google Pixel or turn on filter spam in Google Voice settings.
2. Carrier-Based Blocking Services
Mobile carriers like AT&T ActiveArmor, T-Mobile Scam Shield, and Verizon Call Filter provide spam detection services. These apps let you block numbers and stop unwanted calls from reaching you.
Always hang up (Even Though Messing With People is Fun)
Getting a spam call can be annoying, but engaging with the caller only makes things worse. Autodialers track active numbers, so if you respond, they know your phone number is real. This can lead to more robocalls in the future.
Instead of talking, simply hang up to avoid confirming your number. Ignoring unwanted calls helps in reducing suspicious numbers from targeting you again. Many spam blocking apps can also help filter these calls before they reach you.
If the same scam calls keep coming, consider enabling caller identification on your Android phone to detect threats early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting so many spam calls?
Your phone number might be shared with scammers, telemarketing companies, or added to a spam list. Some robocalls use caller ID tricks to look real, but call screening and call blocking can help reduce them.
How to use *77 to block calls?
1. Dial *77 on your phone to activate Anonymous Call Block, stopping calls from unknown numbers. If you’re using rotary or pulse-dialing phones, dial 1177 and wait for the confirmation tone.
2. To turn off this feature, dial *87 or 1187 for rotary phones, and listen for the recording confirming the deactivation. This helps reduce unwanted calls from telemarketers and robocalls effectively.
Is it better to decline or ignore spam calls?
It’s smarter to ignore spam calls instead of declining them. When you decline, it signals to scammers and telemarketers that your phone number is active, leading to even more unwanted calls. A call-blocking tool with caller ID helps you avoid answering calls labeled as spam.
What’s the code to block all spam calls?
You can use *star code 60 to stop spam calls by blocking the most recent number or any specific number. Some network providers also support *star code 77, which automatically rejects unidentified numbers. Always check with your provider to see if they offer this service and how to activate it.
How do I stop spam calls without an app?
You can add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry to stop sales calls from real companies. It’s free to register your mobile phone or home phone and reduce unwanted calls.
Final Remarks
Blocking spam calls on Android helps you avoid unwanted interruptions. Use built-in features like call blocking, caller ID, and call screening to filter out robocalls. Registering with the Do Not Call Registry and using star codes can further reduce spam. Staying cautious and not answering unknown numbers keeps your phone safer.
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