How To Avoid Spam Calls

Avoiding spam calls can dramatically reduce annoyance and protect your privacy. While it’s hard to eliminate them completely, you can greatly reduce their frequency with the right steps:

📵 1. Use Built-In Phone Features

➤ For iPhone:

Go to: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers
This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail automatically.

➤ For Android:

Go to: Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam
Turn on “Filter spam calls” or “Block numbers not in contacts” (varies by phone brand).

📲 2. Install a Call-Blocking App

These apps identify and block spam callers using crowd-sourced databases:

Truecaller
Hiya
RoboKiller
Nomorobo

Most work on both iOS and Android and update spam lists daily.

📑 3. Register with the Do Not Call List

In the U.S.:
Visit www.donotcall.gov to register your number.
This won’t stop all calls (scammers ignore it), but it reduces legitimate telemarketing.

🚫 4. Don’t Engage with Spam Calls

Don’t answer unknown or suspicious numbers.
Don’t press any numbers (“Press 1 to unsubscribe”)—this confirms your number is active.
Hang up immediately if the call seems off.

🔍 5. Block Specific Numbers

On your call log, tap the number > select Block or Report.
This stops repeat offenders manually.

🔒 6. Protect Your Number

Don’t post your phone number on public websites or social media.
Use a secondary number for online signups or business listings.

🛑 7. Avoid Giving Out Info

Never give personal details (bank, ID, address) over the phone to unknown callers.
If a caller claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the official number instead.

📡 8. Enable Carrier Spam Protection

Most mobile carriers offer built-in spam filters:

Verizon: Call Filter
AT&T: ActiveArmor
T-Mobile: Scam Shield
Google Fi: Automatic spam filtering

Check your carrier’s website or app to enable and customize.