Dealing with spam callers can be incredibly annoying. The constant ringing from unknown numbers trying to sell you something or scam you is frustrating. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to block spam callers on both iPhones and Android devices.
What is a Spam Caller?
A spam caller is someone who repeatedly calls your phone number without your consent. They often use auto-dialers to make a high volume of calls simultaneously. Spam callers may be telemarketers trying to sell you something, scammers trying to get personal information from you, or robocalls playing a pre-recorded message.
Common Types of Spam Calls
- Sales calls trying to sell products, services, or subscriptions
- “Rachel from cardholder services” calls about your credit card interest rate
- Calls claiming to be from the IRS threatening legal action
- Calls pretending to be tech support offering to fix device issues
- Calls about health insurance, car warranties, or mortgage rates
Red Flags of Spam Calls
- Caller ID shows a number you don’t recognize
- Number has a different area code than your own
- Call originates from another state or country
- Caller asks for personal information like social security #
- Call offers a deal that sounds too good to be true
How Spam Callers Get Your Number
Spam callers get ahold of cell phone numbers in a few different ways:
- Buying lead lists – Caller information is sold to telemarketers looking for potential targets
- Random number dialing – Auto-dialers randomly generate numbers and call them
- Scraping websites – Bots scrape publicly listed phone numbers from sites
- Caller ID spoofing – Scammers fake a local number to get you to answer
Should I Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers?
It’s usually best not to answer calls from phone numbers you don’t recognize. Here’s why:
- It signals your number is active, resulting in more calls
- Answering gives scammers a chance to engage you
- Pressing buttons on robocalls confirms it’s a working number
- You’re unlikely to want what random callers are selling
Of course, sometimes a call from an unknown number is legitimate, like a doctor’s office or school calling from a new number. But it’s better to let these calls go to voicemail and screen them rather than answer spam calls.
How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone
The iPhone has great built-in tools for blocking unwanted calls and reducing spam.
Use the Silence Unknown Callers Feature
This feature automatically silences calls from any number not in your contacts, voicemail, or Siri suggestions. To enable it:
- Open Settings > Phone
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers
Now spam calls will go straight to voicemail. Legitimate callers can leave a message.
Block Specific Numbers
You can block individual spam numbers that make it through:
- Open Phone app > Recents tab
- Tap the (i) icon next to a spam number
- Select Block this Caller
This prevents that number from calling you again.
Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
The iPhone App Store has great call blocking apps like Nomorobo, Truecaller, RoboKiller, and Hiya. These can:
- Identify spam numbers
- Automatically block robocalls
- Block calls from certain regions
- Reverse lookup unknown numbers
- Keep blacklist of spam numbers
How to Block Spam Calls on Android
There are also various ways to block spam callers on Android devices.
Block Numbers in Phone App
To block a number on an Android phone:
- Open the Phone app > Recents tab
- Tap the number you want to block
- Tap Block number > Block
This prevents calls and messages from that number.
Enable Caller ID and Spam Protection
Some Android phones have built-in spam call protection features, like Caller ID and spam protection on Pixels. Turn these on in Settings to automatically filter spam.
Try Third-Party Call Blockers
Install a call blocking app from the Play Store. Top options include Truecaller, Mr. Number, WhosCall Call Blocker, CPR Call Blocker, and Hiya. These apps make it easy to identify, stop, and report spam calls.
Use Your Wireless Carrier’s Tools
Most phone carriers offer optional call blocking features you can enable for free or a small monthly fee. For example:
- AT&T Call Protect – Automatically blocks fraud calls
- T-Mobile Scam Block – Identifies and blocks likely scams
- Verizon Call Filter – Filters out spam before your phone rings
Check with your carrier to see if they have a call blocking service and how to set it up.
List Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry
You can reduce telemarketing calls by listing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov. Once registered, telemarketers have 31 days to stop calling you.
How to Report Spam Phone Numbers
After blocking spam callers, you can report them to help prevent others from being targeted.
Report on iPhone
- Open Phone app > Recents
- Tap (i) icon next to number
- Scroll down and tap Report Junk Caller
Report on Android
- Open Phone app > Recents
- Long press the number
- Tap Block/report spam
FTC Do Not Call Registry Complaints
You can report violations of the National Do Not Call Registry by filing a complaint at www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.
Report IRS Imposter Scams
Report IRS scam calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml.
Other Ways to Reduce Spam Calls
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers
- Don’t give out your number online unless required
- Ask companies not to share your number when possible
- Set your caller ID to anonymous
- Disable voicemail if possible to avoid callbacks
- Consider using a call screening app like YouMail
Conclusion
Dealing with constant spam calls can be extremely frustrating. Thankfully, every smartphone has ways to block and report unwanted callers. Make sure to enable call blocking features, download third party apps, and report spam numbers to protect yourself from harassment and potential scams.
With the right tools, you can take back control of your phone and greatly reduce annoying spam calls. Don’t hesitate to make use of call blocking and reporting options so you can stop spam callers in their tracks.