Defending Your Phone How To Block Spam Calls
3 min readIntroduction
Spam calls have become an unwelcome nuisance for many phone users. These unsolicited calls not only waste our time but can also lead to scams and privacy breaches. Fortunately, there are effective ways to block spam calls and regain control over our phones. In this article, we will explore various methods and tools that can help you put an end to those annoying interruptions and safeguard your privacy.
Register Your Number on the Do Not Call List
One of the first steps to combat spam calls is to register your number on the national Do Not Call list. In many countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, government agencies maintain these lists to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls. By adding your number to the list, you inform telemarketers that you do not wish to receive their calls. While this won’t block all spam calls, legitimate telemarketers should respect your preference and refrain from contacting you.
Enable Caller ID and Call Blocking Features
Most modern smartphones come equipped with built-in caller ID and call blocking features. Enabling these features allows you to screen incoming calls and block or send them directly to voicemail. Caller ID helps you identify incoming numbers, making it easier to differentiate between legitimate calls and spam. Take advantage of the call blocking feature by adding known spam numbers to your block list. Some smartphones also offer community-based spam protection, where users report and flag suspicious numbers, providing an added layer of defence against spam calls.
Install Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
If your smartphone’s built-in features are not sufficient, consider installing third-party call blocking apps. These apps offer advanced filtering capabilities and maintain extensive databases of known spam numbers. They can automatically block or divert calls from suspicious or blacklisted numbers. Some apps even provide real-time call analysis, identifying and blocking calls with spam characteristics, such as robocalls or caller ID spoofing. Research and choose reputable apps from trusted sources to ensure your privacy and security.
Use Carrier-Supported Spam Call Protection
Several telecommunications carriers now provide spam call protection services to their customers. These services employ artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyse incoming calls and identify potential spam or fraud patterns. When a call is identified as spam, the carrier can warn you or automatically block it before it reaches your phone. Check with your carrier to see if they offer such services and how to activate them. Carrier-supported solutions can provide an additional line of defence against spam calls, complementing the tools available on your smartphone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I block spam calls in settings?
Open the Phone app. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and tap Settings. Tap Caller ID & Spam in the Assistive section. Toggle on Filter spam calls to start blocking spam calls automatically.
How do I stop spam calls without an app?
Just go to the website donotcall.gov and enter the landline or cellphone number you want on the list. You can also call 1-888-382-1222 from any phone you want on the list.
Conclusion
Spam calls have become a widespread annoyance, but there are effective measures you can take to block them and protect your privacy. By registering your number on the Do Not Call list, enabling caller ID and call blocking features, installing third-party call blocking apps, and leveraging carrier-supported spam call protection, you can significantly reduce the frequency of spam calls and regain control over your phone. Stay vigilant, update your defence mechanisms regularly, and be cautious with your personal information to minimise the risk of falling victim to scams. Remember, taking proactive steps against spam calls will not only save you time and frustration but also safeguard your privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
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