Spam phone calls can be incredibly disruptive and frustrating. Finding effective ways to reduce these unwanted interruptions helps reclaim peace and privacy. Implementing simple strategies to block or filter spam calls can make a significant difference in daily life.
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry is a crucial first step in reducing spam calls. Within 72 hours, you get an email containing a link that you must click in order to finish the registration. This free service adds phone numbers to a database that legitimate telemarketers must respect. While it does not stop all unwanted calls, it significantly reduces their frequency. This registry helps protect consumers from persistent marketing attempts.
Block Specific Numbers
In the U.S., people receive approximately 2 billion spam calls a month. Blocking specific numbers is an effective way to prevent repeat offenders from calling. Users may block certain numbers using the built-in features of the majority of today’s smartphones. This method is particularly useful for persistent spammers who use the same numbers repeatedly. Blocked callers are typically sent straight to voicemail, reducing interruptions.
Report Spam Numbers
With an increase of spam calls by over 15%, reporting such numbers to relevant authorities helps combat the issue on a larger scale. Many phone carriers and government agencies have systems in place for reporting spam calls. This collective effort helps identify and shut down large-scale spam operations. Reporting also improves the accuracy of spam-blocking databases.
Opt-Out of Telemarketing Lists
Proactively opting out of telemarketing lists can significantly reduce wanted calls. Many companies maintain their call lists separate from the National Do Not Call Registry. Contacting companies directly to request removal from their lists reduces the overall volume of marketing calls received. It is also helpful to review privacy policies when making purchases or signing up for services. This is because many companies include opt-out options for making communications. Regularly checking and updating opt-out preferences can help maintain a spam-free phone experience.
Use Call Blocking Apps
There are more than 10 call-blocking apps in the market. These apps offer advanced features to combat spam calls. These applications use large databases of known spam numbers and can automatically block or flag suspicious calls. Some of the popular call-blocking apps in America include RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya. Several applications let users report new and spam numbers and even respond to spam calls with pre-recorded messages. It helps in creating a community-driven defense against unwanted calls.
Enable Built-in Phone Features
Modern smartphones come with built-in features to combat spam calls. These may include options to silence unknown callers or filter suspected spam. Enabling these features can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls reaching you. They often work in conjunction with the phone’s contact list for more accurate filtering.
Do Not Engage with Spam Calls
Americans have lost over $25 billion due to telephonic scams in 2023. Engaging with span callers or telling them to stop calling can be counterproductive. Any interaction signals that the number is active and can potentially lead to more calls. The best approach is to hand up immediately, or better yet, not answer at all. The lack of engagement discourages spammers from calling again and again.
Ask Your Carrier for Help
Phone carriers often offer services to reduce spam calls. These may include call filtering, blocking, or identification features. These filters recognize and stop possible spam calls before reaching users using complex algorithms. Some carriers provide these services for free, while others may charge a small fee. Utilizing carrier-provided tools can be particularly effective as they operate at the network level.
Use Google Voice
Google Voice offers a free virtual phone number that can be used as a buffer. This service includes customizable call screening and blocking features. Users can give out their Google Voice number instead of their number. This adds an extra layer of protection against spam calls. Google Voice also transcribes voicemails, making it easier to quickly identify important messages. The service can be set up to forward calls to multiple devices. It ensures users never miss important calls while screening out spam.
Regularly Update Call Blocking Lists
Keeping call-blocking lists up-to-date is crucial for the effective prevention of spam. Spammers frequently change their numbers to bypass blocks. Regularly reviewing and updating blocked number lists ensures continued protection. This practice also helps identify any legitimate numbers you may have accidentally blocked.
Be Cautious with Your Number
Being cautious about sharing phone numbers can prevent them from ending up on spam lists. Avoid providing your number of public websites or forms unless necessary. When required, consider using a secondary number. This cautious approach reduces the chances of your primary number being targeted by spammers.
Use Voicemail Greeting
80% of individuals make use of their voicemail greeting. A strategic greeting can deter spam callers. Some users find success with greetings that mimic disconnected numbers. Alternatively, a greeting stating that only messages from known contacts will be returned can discourage spammers. This process leverages psychology to reduce unwanted calls. Consider recording a greeting in multiple languages to deter international spam callers. Regular updating the greeting can also help scammers guess and potentially remove your number from their active calls list.
Set Up a Secondary Number
You may safeguard your primary phone number by using a backup number for non-essential conversations. Services like Google Voice or other virtual number providers offer this functionality. This allows users to compartmentalize their communications. You can keep your primary number private and less likely to be targeted by spammers. Secondary numbers can be easily deactivated if they become compromised by spam callers.
Educate Friends and Family
Informing friends and family about spam call prevention methods can create a wider defense network. Many spam calls come from compromised contact lists resulting in 77% of individuals losing money. By encouraging loved ones to protect their numbers and contact lists, you can reduce the overall vulnerability of their social circle to spam calls. Organize a family or friend group chat to share tips and alert others about new spam tactics. You can set up a system to verify unexpected calls from family members to prevent scammers from exploiting family connections.