It’s 2022, and not just us not licked the problem of fake phone calls, they actually seem to be gets worse†
But while no call blocking solution is 100% foolproof, doing these three things can do wonders to significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you get.
Best of all, you only need a few minutes to get everything set up: it comes down to downloading an app, putting yourself on a list, and blocking individual numbers that just happen to slip by.
Start with your provider
Each of the three major wireless carriers offers free and paid versions of spam-blocking technology. AT&T’s hot ActiveArmorT-Mobile has ScamShieldand Verizon has Call filter†
These kinds of apps rely on ever-growing lists of known spam callers, with the idea that when a new scam is discovered, related calls are automatically blocked for you.
Try these free apps first as they are your best chance to block the largest number of fake calls.
There are also several third-party spam blocking apps, such as: NoMoRobo† robo-killer, and others. You have to pay for this, so again try your carrier’s free apps first, and if they don’t cut it for you, research some payment options.
Add yourself to the don’t call list
This tactic works pretty well for protecting you from certain unwanted marketing calls, but it relies on who’s making the calls to play by the rules. Visit the FTCs don’t call me register to add your number to the list. You only need to add it once.
If you find yourself getting an unwanted call once you’re on the list, you can: report the number straight to the FTC to try and get it blocked.
Block individual numbers directly from your phone
If all else fails and you have a number that keeps calling you over and over — or you just want to stop someone from calling you for whatever reason — you can manually block numbers from your iPhone or Android device.
For iOS, open the Phone app and next to the number you want to block, tap the little “i” icon next to it and choose “Block this caller” to prevent calls from them in the future.
You can also do this directly from the Contacts app if you’ve had an argument with a former friend, for example. Open the contact, scroll down and tap “Block this caller” at the bottom.
For Android, assuming you’re using Google’s phone app, press and hold the caller in question and choose the “Block/Report Spam” item.
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