How to Effectively Stop Spam Calls: A Comprehensive Guide

Spam phone calls are a significant nuisance, representing the number one complaint received by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These calls can come from real people or from recorded or autogenerated voice messages known as robocalls. While some calls are legitimate, many are spam calls that try to trick you into giving up money or personal information. According to the FCC, U.S. consumers receive about 4 billion robocalls each month, many of which are spam calls.

So, how do you stop these annoying spam calls? Here are several steps you can take to reduce or eliminate them:

Register With the National Do Not Call Registry

One effective way to curb unwanted calls is to add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry. You can join the registry online or by calling 888-382-1222. This service is free, and you can register both your home and cellphone numbers. Once your number is on the registry, legitimate telemarketers are not supposed to contact you via live calls or robocalls. However, being on the registry doesn’t block all calls, as scammers can still make illegal calls to you.

If you register online, you must provide an email address. The registry system will then send a confirmation to that email address with a link that you must click within 72 hours of receiving the confirmation email. Once you sign up, your phone number should show up in the registry by the following day. Telemarketers must remove your registered phone number from their call lists within 31 days.

Block Spam Numbers on Your Phone

Before resorting to blocking numbers on your phone, make it a practice not to answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If you do answer a call from an unknown number and it turns out to be a spam call, end the call right away.

Aside from not answering calls from unknown numbers, you can block numbers you suspect are generating spam calls in various ways:

• With phone settings: Phone manufacturers generally allow you to adjust settings so you can block certain numbers.
• Through your cell carrier: Many phone service providers let customers block unwanted calls by installing their call-blocking app. Phone companies sometimes proactively block calls from suspicious numbers as well.
• Via an app: Some third-party services can block unwanted calls.

Depending on your service provider, a blocked call may go directly to your voicemail, you might hear a single ring and receive caller ID information for a blocked call, or you might not receive any notification at all.

Silence Unknown/Junk Callers

If you have an Apple iPhone, Samsung Android, or Google Pixel, you can take advantage of free call-blocking features that typically can be accessed through your device’s “Settings” function:

• iPhones: Offer a “Silence Unknown Callers” call-screening and blocking feature.
• Androids: Provide a call-blocking feature called Smart Call to report and block unwanted calls.
• Pixel phones: Offer a “Call Screen” feature that enables users to block or screen calls.

Providers of landline service such as AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum, and Verizon supply similar call-blocking functions.

Screen Spam Calls With Carrier Tools

Providers of wireless service let customers screen calls with various tools that include basic free versions and advanced paid versions. These include:

• AT&T’s ActiveArmor: Among other things, the free version of the app blocks suspected spam calls or sends them to voicemail and adds individual unwanted callers to your own block list.
• T-Mobile’s Scam Shield call-blocking app: Features of the free app include call blocking, caller ID, and the availability of an extra phone number when you don’t want to provide your private phone number.
• Verizon’s Call Filter app: The app’s free version detects and blocks suspected spam calls.

Get a Call-Blocking App

Several businesses other than phone manufacturers and service providers offer call-blocking apps. Among them are:

• Call Control: The company says the app’s CommunityIQ feature blocks thousands of spam and unwanted calls and texts. The feature relies on user reports and Do Not Call complaints. The app’s basic version is free. A one-year subscription for the premium version costs $29.99.
• Robokiller: This app claims to have blocked 600 million spam calls. It also weeds out spam texts, analyzes voicemails, and screens calls. The app offers a seven-day free trial. After that, you pay either $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
• Truecaller: Among other things, this app automatically blocks spam calls and text messages, identifies callers, and records phone calls. The app’s basic version is free. Premium versions range from $9.99 a month to $249 a year.
• YouMail: The company says this app stops spam calls and voicemails. Depending on the features you choose, the monthly cost of the app ranges from $5.99 to $34.99.

Report Phone Numbers from Scammers

You can report any phone numbers from scammers to the FCC and help stop scammers from contacting other people and committing fraud. On the phone form under “Phone Issues,” you’ll need to select “unwanted calls/texts” and then “all other unwanted calls/texts.”

Take Control of Your Personal Information

Experian’s personal privacy scan can show whether your phone number is publicly available on people search sites. This service also checks if other information is exposed, like your age, home address, and email address. If the scan shows that your information is found online, Experian will let you know the next steps you should take to secure your data. You can upgrade to activate recurring scans and get help with removing your data from these sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do if You Answer a Spam Call

If you answer a spam call, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information. If you suspect the call was a scam, report the number to the FCC.

Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?

Spam calls are often generated by automated systems that dial random or sequential phone numbers. Your number may also be on a list that has been sold to scammers. Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry and using call-blocking tools can help reduce the number of spam calls you receive.

What to Do if You Answered “Yes” to a Phone Scammer

If you accidentally provided personal information to a phone scammer, take immediate action to protect your identity. Contact your bank or credit card company to alert them of potential fraud, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.

The Bottom Line

Scam calls and other unwanted calls can be a big pain. But you can ease or even prevent the pain by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry and embracing technology that’s designed to block or limit nuisance calls.

For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. Our team is here to help you with all your mortgage needs, ensuring you get the best service possible.