Spam calls are an annoying reality for most of us today. They’re intrusive, time-consuming, and often come from unknown numbers or sources. Thankfully, there are several ways to stop spam calls and keep your phone secure from unwanted interruptions.
Use Built-In Features to Block Unknown Numbers
Most modern smartphones come with built-in features that can help stop spam calls. For example, both iPhones and Android phones allow you to block numbers that aren’t in your contacts list. This can help reduce the number of unsolicited calls. The feature won’t completely eliminate spam, but it will filter out many of the calls you don’t want. If you’re getting persistent spam calls, enable this feature to give your phone an extra layer of protection.
Download Trusted Call-Blocking Apps
In addition to your phone’s built-in features, you can download trusted call-blocking apps. These apps use databases of known spam numbers and can automatically block or flag them. Some apps even allow you to report spam numbers, contributing to a larger database that helps protect other users. Popular call-blocking apps like Truecaller or Hiya are designed to identify and block spam calls.
Don’t Answer Unknown Calls
One of the simplest ways to stop spam calls is to avoid answering numbers you don’t recognize. If the call is important, the caller will likely leave a voicemail. Many spam callers will not leave messages. By letting these calls go to voicemail, you reduce the chances of engaging with a spammer. Trust your instincts—if the number is unfamiliar, it’s probably best to let it ring.
Enable Call Screening for Additional Protection
Call screening is a feature that can help you stop spam calls before they even reach your phone. With call screening enabled, your phone will ask the caller to state their name before the call goes through. This way, you can determine if the call is legitimate or spam without answering it directly. Google’s Pixel phones, for example, offer this feature, but it’s becoming more widely available on other devices too.
Report Spam Calls to Your Carrier
If you’re getting frequent spam calls, reporting them to your mobile carrier can help. Many carriers have systems in place that can trace and block known spam numbers. Reporting these calls helps your carrier identify and take action against sources of unwanted communication. Some carriers also offer additional services like advanced call blocking and fraud protection to stop spam calls before they reach your device.
Understand How Spammers Get Your Number
To better protect your phone, it helps to understand how spammers often get your number. Sometimes, they buy lists of phone numbers from data brokers. Other times, they use software to randomly generate phone numbers. Avoid posting your phone number publicly online, especially on social media. The more your number is shared, the higher the chances it will end up in a spammer’s database. Protecting your phone number from getting into the wrong hands is an essential part of stopping spam calls.
By following these smart tips, you can take proactive steps to keep your phone secure from spam calls. It might not be possible to completely eliminate them, but with the right tools and techniques, you can significantly reduce their frequency and impact.
