Robocalls and spam calls are annoying and intrusive, and they can be hard to stop. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the number of robocalls and spam you receive.
First, it’s important to understand what a robocall is and how it works. A robocall is an automated phone call that delivers a pre-recorded message. Robocalls are often used for marketing or political messages. Spam calls are similar to robocalls, but they’re usually unsolicited and the caller is not identified.
Now that you know what robocalls and spam calls are, here are some tips on how to block them:
Register Your Phone Number on the Do Not Call Registry
The Do Not Call Registry is a national database of phone numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. By registering your phone number, you can reduce the number of robocalls and spam calls you receive. It’s free and easy to do—simply visit the Do Not Call Registry website and enter your phone number.
Block Numbers Manually
Many phone services allow you to block specific numbers from calling you. This is especially useful if you know the phone number of the caller who’s been bothering you. Most phones also allow you to block unknown numbers from calling you.
Use Call Blocking Apps
There are several apps available that can help you block robocalls and spam calls. These apps can be downloaded to your phone, and they allow you to block specific numbers or unknown numbers. Some of the more popular call blocking apps include Truecaller, Nomorobo, Hiya, and RoboKiller.
Ask Your Phone Carrier for Help
If you’re still receiving a lot of robocalls and spam calls, you can contact your phone carrier and ask for help. Many phone carriers offer call blocking services that can help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
Report Robocalls and Spam Calls
If you’re receiving unwanted calls, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission. By reporting these calls, you can help the FTC track down and prosecute the perpetrators behind the calls.
How do caller ID and call-blocking apps help block robocalls and spam calls?
Caller ID and call-blocking apps help block robocalls and spam calls by allowing users to identify the incoming calls and block them before they reach their phones. Caller ID apps can identify the caller’s name and number, enabling users to decide whether or not to answer the call. Call-blocking apps can automatically block incoming calls from numbers identified as spam or robocallers. Some apps even offer reverse phone number lookup so users can find out who owns a particular number.
What are the most effective methods for blocking robocalls and spam calls?
The most effective methods for blocking robocalls and spam calls are through the use of call-blocking applications, caller identification services, and the Do Not Call Registry.
Call-blocking applications are software that are installed on smartphones and mobile devices that allow users to block certain numbers from calling their phones. They usually work by allowing users to block calls from numbers that match certain criteria, such as those that are unrecognized or are on a blacklist. These applications can be installed for free on most smartphones, and offer a relatively convenient way to block robocalls and spam calls.
The Do Not Call Registry is a list of phone numbers that have opted-out of receiving telemarketing calls. This list is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is available for users to access. Companies are not allowed to call a number that is on the Do Not Call Registry, and users can add their own number to the list if they wish. Additionally, many telecom providers offer their own caller identification services that allow users to see who is calling them before they pick up the phone. This can be a great way to block calls from spammers and robocallers, as users can quickly identify and reject any unwanted callers.