Blocking 100% of calls is impossible, but combining these methods can eliminate most spam.
Besides the frustration, spam calls can be used to steal your identity and money.
This means blocking spam calls will keep you safer.
Ill cover all the ways to block spamand explain the pitfalls of each while providing general security tips.
Heres what you should probably do:
This method is reactive rather than proactive.
Unfortunately, this method isnt very practical since scammers can quickly generate new numbers.
Still, it doesnt hurt to block spam callers.
However, theyll still show up on your recent calls list.
Just know that this method has some serious downsides.
This option might not be available for all iOS users.
Turning these on can reduce daily frustrations from multiple spam calls.
Heres how to enable it.
Your options may differ depending on your Android machine model, carrier, region, and Android version.
Fortunately, its still possible in most cases.
However, these solutions arent as effective since spammers constantly change and rotate phone numbers to bypass such blocks.
They can also generate new numbers instantly, bypassing manual blocks and lists of spam numbers.
Most of these apply regardless of whether you have an Android, iPhone, or landline.
Contact Your Carrier
Some carriers have dedicated methods to help you fight spam calls on their networks.
Contact them to discuss the problem and how they can help.
If your phone company offers one, simply download it from your app store and provide your account information.
Many carriers also provide shortcodes that you’ve got the option to use to fight spam callers.
you could also use *61 to block the most recent caller.
Check whether your carrier offers shortcodes or other tools that can help you block spam.
The best spam call blocking and filtering apps use regularly updated databases of scam numbers.
Once a number is flagged as spam, calls from that spammer wont reach other users devices anymore.
Just know that some of these apps raise privacy concerns.
For instance, you have to give these apps access to your contacts and calls for them to work.
Note that these apps can only be added to smartphones.
Personally, I didnt notice an increase after signing up.
The Do Not Call list is only enforceable in the USA.
Similar lists in any other country will also only be binding within that country.
Therefore, you cant get rid of international spammers this way.
And in any case, criminal spammers arent likely to follow this law.
Install an Antivirus App
Some antiviruses offer practical tools for reducing spam calls.
For example,Nortons360 DeluxeandLifeLockplans offer a data broker removal service to users in the US.
I used its Privacy Monitor feature to get several data brokers to stop selling my phone number to spammers.
Instead of using a dedicated spam-blocking app, you could opt for an antivirus with a spam call-blocking feature.
Many of thebest antivirus programsalso offer dark web monitoring.
Also of note are antiviruses that offer anti-phishing protections.
This wont protect you from spam calls but can keep you safe from dangerous links in spam text messages.
Changing your number doesnt guarantee you wont get any more spam calls.
However, this might be the best solution if nuisance calls are inundating you.
Just hope that whatever new number youre assigned isnt already included in spammer databases.
This advice also applies when your number has been affected by a data breach.
Youll need to contact your carrier to change your number and ask how to migrate to another number.
Neighborhood spoofing entails calling you with a number with the same area code as yours.
This tricks you into believing it may be someone you know or in your locale.
Thankfully, services like T-Mobile offer neighborhood filters to silence and filter such spam calls.
Still, this solution will likely catch legitimate calls with the same area code as youve filtered.
So, add your friends and family to an exception list to ensure their calls always come through.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
Spammers may simply call your number by chance, but in all likelihood, theres another reason.
Shady sites will routinely sell user info (names and phone numbers included) to spammers.
That said, even using legitimate websites can lead to spam.
Another reason could be that you have had your number posted online.
In line with this, you might also have been doxed.
are maliciously exposed online.
Finally, illegitimate telemarketers may keep calling you even though youre on the Do Not Call list.
The same applies to marketers outside your country since theyre not bound by local law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What code can I use to block spam calls?
The correct code to block callersdepends on your carrier and equipment punch in.
Will 662 block spam calls?
The #662# code will block spam calls on iOS and Android devices on the T-Mobile connection.
Therefore, combine this technique withother spam call-blocking strategiesfor the best result.
Can you block spam calls for free?
However, no spam blocking method is 100% effective, except blocking all calls from unsaved numbers.
Can mobile apps block spam calls?
Somemobile appsclaim to block spam calls and a few actually work!
These can be single-purpose spam-blocking apps like RoboKiller or fully featuredantivirus apps.
