How to Stop Spam Calls on Any Platform

Americans collectively receive an estimated 2 billion unwanted calls per month, making it more imperative than ever to understand how to stop spam calls. 

Spam calls have become an all-too-common nuisance that not only disrupts our peace but also threatens our privacy and security. In this guide, we'll explore practical steps you can take to stop such calls and safeguard your privacy on both landline and mobile phones.

Without mobile apps and inbuilt features, dealing with spam calls on landlines can be more challenging. However, here are some tips on how to stop such calls on landlines:

Spam calls are not limited to landlines; they also target mobile phones. Here's how you can mitigate spam calls on your mobile device:

iPhone users can employ specific features to mitigate spam calls effectively:

Silence the Unknown: In your iPhone settings, activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature. This automatically sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail, sparing you from potential spam calls.

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
   

2. Scroll down and tap on "Phone."
   

3. Locate and toggle the switch for "Silence Unknown Callers" to the on position.
   

Block with Precision: Utilize the built-in blocking tools on your iPhone to block specific numbers associated with spam calls. This proactive approach adds an extra layer of protection to your phone experience. Here’s how to block recent contacts:

1. Open the "Phone" app and navigate to the "Recents" tab.
   

2. Find the spam call in your call history and tap on the "i" icon next to it.
   

3. Scroll down and select "Block this Caller" to prevent future calls from that number.
   

Turn on Call Identification: Enable the "Turn on Call Identification" feature to leverage Apple's robust call screening capabilities. This helps identify and label incoming calls, allowing you to distinguish between legitimate contacts and potential spam callers.

1. In the "Phone" settings, tap on "Call Blocking & Identification."
   

2. Ensure that "Turn on Call Identification" is enabled.
   

Android users can adopt the following measures to combat spam calls:

Leverage Caller ID & Spam Protection: By default, Caller ID and spam protection are enabled on your Android device. However, you have the option to turn them off if desired.

1. Open the Phone app on your device.
   

2. Tap "More options" (usually represented by three dots) and then select "Settings," followed by "Spam and Call Screen."
   

3. Toggle the "See caller & spam ID" option to turn it on or off according to your preference.
   

4. To further block spam calls, you can activate "Filter spam calls." Note that this setting may affect missed call or voicemail notifications, but filtered calls will still be recorded in your call history.
   

Activate Caller ID Announcement: To have your device announce the caller's name or number, enable Caller ID announcement.

1. Open the Phone app.
   

2. Tap "More options," then "Settings," then "Caller ID announcement," and select "Announce caller ID."
   

3. Choose from options such as "Always," "Only when using a headset," or "Never" based on your preference.
   

Mark Calls as Spam: If you receive a spam call and want to prevent further calls from that number while reporting it as spam, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app and navigate to the "Recents" tab.
   

2. Tap on the spam call you wish to report.
   

3. Select "Block" or "Report spam" to mark the call and prevent future calls from the same number.
   

Verify or Share Caller ID Information:

You have the option to verify or suggest new caller ID information for businesses or organizations.

1. Open the Phone app and go to the "Recents" tab.
   

2. Tap on "Was this a business?" or "Caller ID feedback" for the call in question and follow the prompts to submit feedback.
   

3. Your feedback can help improve caller ID accuracy and provide valuable information to other users.
   

In addition to technological solutions, here are some practical tips for consumers to minimize the impact of spam calls:

Take proactive steps by registering your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This registry serves as a fundamental tool in reducing unwanted telemarketing calls. Here’s a quick step by step guide on how to register:

1. Visit the Website: Go to www.donotcall.gov, the official National Do Not Call Registry website.

2. Register Your Number: Click "Register Your Phone" and enter your phone number without spaces or dashes.

3. Verify Registration: Complete any verification steps required, such as confirming via email or text.

4. Confirmation and Effective Date: Receive confirmation of registration, usually effective within 31 days.

5. File Complaints: Report unwanted calls and violations on the website with caller details and timestamps.

By implementing these proactive measures, including leveraging technology, exercising caution, and reporting instances of spam calls, you can significantly diminish the frequency and impact of spam calls on your daily communications. Safeguarding your privacy and security is crucial, and these strategies empower you to reclaim control over your phone's integrity and functionality.