I. Introduction
Spam calls have become a growing issue in recent years, with more and more individuals receiving unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers. These calls can be a real nuisance, disrupting our daily lives and even putting us at risk of fraud. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and solutions to help you stop spam calls and enjoy a more relaxed and secure phone experience.
II. Block the Caller
One way to put an end to spam calls is by blocking the caller’s number. Most smartphones today come equipped with this feature, which allows users to prevent certain numbers from calling or texting them. To block a number on your iPhone, for example, go to “Phone” > “Recents” > Select the number you want to block > “Block This Caller.” For Android users, you can do the same by going to “Phone” > “Recent calls” > “Details” > “Block number.”
Another option is to use call blocking apps, such as Truecaller or Hiya, which can be downloaded for free on both the App Store and Google Play. These apps use community-based blocking to filter out spam numbers, identifying them before they even ring your phone.
III. Register for the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a list of numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. By registering your phone number with the registry, you can reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive significantly. To register, go to donotcall.gov and enter your phone number. You’ll receive an email to confirm your registration, and it can take up to 31 days for the registry to take effect. However, note that not all businesses are required to adhere to the registry, so you may still receive calls from political organizations, charities, and surveys.
IV. Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers
Another way to avoid spam calls is to not answer unknown numbers. Instead of answering a call from an unfamiliar number, let it go straight to voicemail. Most spam callers don’t leave a message, so if it’s an important call, the person will likely leave a message. If you do accidentally answer a spam call, don’t engage with the caller, and hang up immediately. Also, be cautious of calls from area codes or numbers that you don’t recognize, as they may be used to disguise spam calls.
V. Use Anti-Spam Apps
Using anti-spam apps is another highly effective way to block unwanted calls. These apps automatically detect and flag suspicious calls, alerting you before you even pick up the phone. Some of the most popular and effective anti-spam apps include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number. You can download these apps for free on the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, these apps will show you real-time information about incoming calls, allowing you to avoid spam calls easily.
VI. Report the Spam Callers
Reporting spam callers is an important step you can take to help stop the spread of unwanted phone calls. The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission both allow consumers to report spam calls. To make a report, visit ftc.gov/complaint or fcc.gov/complaints. In your report, provide as much information as possible, including the number that called you, the time and date of the call, and any other relevant details. After you make a report, you may hear back from the agency with updates on the investigation.
VII. Activate Silence Unknown Callers Feature
Some smartphones also offer a built-in feature called “Silence Unknown Callers,” specifically designed to stop spam calls from reaching your phone. This feature automatically sends unknown calls to voicemail, allowing you to only receive calls from numbers in your contacts. However, it’s important to note that this feature may cause you to miss important calls from people not in your contacts. To activate this feature on an iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Phone” > “Silence Unknown Callers.” Some Android models may also offer this feature under “Settings” > “Sound & vibration” > “Advanced” > “Calls.”
VIII. Conclusion
If you’re fed up with receiving spam calls, there are solutions available to help you put an end to them. By blocking callers, registering for the National Do Not Call Registry, not answering unknown numbers, using anti-spam apps, reporting spam callers, or activating the Silence Unknown Callers feature, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a spam-free phone experience.