Too Many Spam Calls Right Now?
If you're getting multiple spam calls per day and need immediate relief:
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers → ON
- Android: Phone app → Menu → Settings → Spam and Call Screen → Enable
- All Phones: Download your carrier's free spam blocker app (see section 3 below)
This alone stops 80-90% of spam calls immediately. Read the rest to eliminate the remaining 10-20%.
1. Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
The sudden spike in spam calls isn't random. Here's what's happening:
Your Number Is on "Lists"
Data brokers legally buy, sell, and trade phone numbers. Once your number is on these lists, it's sold to hundreds of companies. Common sources:
- Online forms - Contest entries, surveys, insurance quotes
- Data breaches - Facebook (533M), T-Mobile (54M), Equifax (147M)
- Warranty cards - Product registrations
- Political donations - Public records
- Previous phone owner - Recycled numbers from carriers
The "Active Number" Problem: When you answer a spam call—even to yell at them—the system marks your number as "active and answered." This makes your number MORE valuable to scammers, who then sell it to other operations. Every answered spam call leads to 3-5 more.
Predictive Dialers: Robocall operations use automated systems that dial thousands of numbers simultaneously. When you answer, it connects you to a live scammer or plays a recorded message. These systems are cheap to operate and ignore the law.
2. How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone (iOS)
Method 1: Silence Unknown Callers (Built-In iOS Feature)
1
Open Settings App
Find the gray Settings icon on your home screen (looks like a gear).
2
Tap "Phone"
Scroll down until you see the green Phone icon option.
3
Tap "Silence Unknown Callers"
You'll see a description: "Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced..."
4
Toggle the Switch to ON (Green)
Done! All calls from numbers not in your Contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions will go straight to voicemail.
How It Works
When this feature is ON:
- ✅ Contacts: Always ring through
- ✅ Recent Calls: Numbers you've called recently ring through
- ✅ Siri Suggestions: Numbers mentioned in Mail or Messages ring through
- ❌ Unknown Numbers: Go straight to voicemail (silently)
Important: You won't miss important calls. Legitimate callers (doctors, delivery, etc.) will leave voicemail, and you can call them back.
Method 2: Enable Carrier Spam Protection (iPhone)
Your carrier offers free spam blocking. Download their app:
- AT&T: "AT&T ActiveArmor" app
- Verizon: "Verizon Call Filter" app
- T-Mobile: "T-Mobile Scam Shield" app
Once installed, enable spam blocking in the app settings. These apps identify known spam numbers and automatically block or label them.
Method 3: Block Individual Numbers
- Open the Phone app
- Go to "Recents"
- Tap the (i) icon next to the spam number
- Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller"
- Confirm "Block Contact"
3. How to Stop Spam Calls on Android
Method 1: Google Phone App (Pixel & Most Androids)
1
Open Phone App
The app you use to make calls (usually has a phone icon).
2
Tap the Three Dots (Menu)
Located in the top-right corner.
3
Tap "Settings"
Then select "Spam and Call Screen"
4
Enable "Filter Spam Calls"
Toggle ON. Also enable "See caller & spam ID" for maximum protection.
Google Call Screen Feature (Pixel Only)
If you have a Google Pixel phone, you also get "Call Screen" - Google Assistant answers suspected spam calls FOR you and shows you a transcript in real-time. To enable:
- Phone app → Settings → Spam and Call Screen
- Enable "Screen calls automatically"
- Choose "Spam" or "Suspected spam and robocalls"
This is one of the most powerful spam blocking features available.
Method 2: Samsung Smart Call (Samsung Devices)
- Open Phone app
- Tap three dots → Settings
- Tap "Block numbers and spam"
- Enable "Block spam and scam calls"
- Enable "Smart Call" to identify spam callers
All major US carriers offer free spam protection. Here's how to activate yours:
AT&T Users
AT&T ActiveArmor™ (Free for all customers)
- Download "AT&T ActiveArmor" app from App Store or Google Play
- Open app and sign in with AT&T account
- Enable "Spam Call Blocking" in app settings
- Optional: Enable "Fraud Call Blocking" for maximum protection
Blocks known spam numbers and alerts you to potential scams.
Verizon Users
Verizon Call Filter (Free basic, $3-8/mo for premium)
- Download "Verizon Call Filter" from App Store or Google Play
- Open app - it will automatically detect your Verizon number
- Free version: Blocks high-risk spam calls automatically
- Premium version: Custom block lists, spam lookup, personal spam filter
Alternative (Free, No App): Dial *67 to block your number when calling out (one-time), or use online Verizon account to enable spam alerts.
T-Mobile Users
T-Mobile Scam Shield™ (Free for all customers)
- Download "T-Mobile Scam Shield" app
- Open app and enable "Scam Block"
- Enable "Scam ID" to see labels on incoming spam calls
- Optional: Set up custom block/allow lists
Alternative (No App): Dial #662# to turn ON Scam Block, or #632# to check status.
T-Mobile has the most aggressive anti-spam system among US carriers.
5. How to Block Spam Calls on Landline
Landlines are targeted heavily by robocallers because they lack modern spam filtering. Solutions:
Option 1: Call Blocking Device (Hardware)
Purchase a physical call blocker that connects between your phone and wall jack:
- CPR Call Blocker V5000 (~$60) - Blocks 5,000 numbers, one-touch blacklist
- Panasonic Call Blocker (~$70) - Blocks up to 250 numbers
- AT&T CRL32102 (~$50) - Blocks robocalls, caller ID display
Option 2: Nomorobo (Service)
Cloud-based robocall blocker for landlines and VoIP:
- Free for VoIP (Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, etc.)
- $19.99/year for traditional landlines
- Setup: Visit nomorobo.com, enter phone number, follow carrier-specific instructions
Nomorobo stops robocalls by letting your phone ring once, then blocking the call if it matches their spam database.
Option 3: Carrier-Specific Tools
- Comcast Xfinity Voice: Enable "Anonymous Call Rejection" - dial
*77
- Cox Digital Telephone: Use "Selective Call Rejection" - dial
*60
- Spectrum Voice: Enable spam blocking via online account
- AT&T Landline: Activate "AT&T Call Protect" via online account
6. National Do Not Call Registry
What It Does
The FTC's National Do Not Call Registry stops LEGAL telemarketers from calling you. It does NOT stop:
- ❌ Scammers (they ignore the law)
- ❌ Political campaigns
- ❌ Charities
- ❌ Surveys
- ❌ Companies you've done business with in last 18 months
Still worth it: It eliminates legitimate telemarketing calls, reducing overall call volume by 30-40%.
How to Register (Free)
- Go to www.donotcall.gov
- Click "Register Your Phone"
- Enter your phone number and email
- Verify via email
- Takes effect in 31 days
Alternative: Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
Important
Registration is permanent - you don't need to re-register. If you change numbers, you must register the new one. If you still get telemarketing calls 31+ days after registering, file a complaint - companies can be fined $43,000 per violation.
7. Best Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
If built-in features aren't enough, these apps offer advanced protection:
🥇 RoboKiller
Price: $4.99/month | Platforms: iOS & Android
Features:
- Blocks 1 million+ spam numbers automatically
- "Answer Bots" waste scammers' time with AI responses
- Blocks neighbor spoofing (numbers similar to yours)
- 7-day free trial
Best for: People getting 10+ spam calls per day
🥈 Truecaller
Price: Free (with ads) | Premium $4/month | Platforms: iOS & Android
Features:
- Identifies unknown callers using crowdsourced database
- Automatic spam call blocking
- Caller ID for unknown numbers
- SMS spam filtering
Best for: Those who want to know WHO is calling before answering
🥉 Hiya
Price: Free | Premium $2.99/month | Platforms: iOS & Android
Features:
- Real-time spam call alerts
- Reverse phone lookup
- Automatic call blocking
- Partnership with AT&T & T-Mobile
Best for: Those wanting a balance of free features and premium options
8. What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)
❌ DON'T Press Any Buttons
Pressing "1 to speak to an agent" or "2 to be removed" confirms your number is active. Hang up instead.
❌ DON'T Answer Unknown Numbers
If it's important, they'll leave voicemail. Every answer = more spam calls.
❌ DON'T Engage with the Caller
Even angrily. This tells scammers your number is "responsive" - making it more valuable to sell.
❌ DON'T Call Back Missed Calls from Unknown Numbers
This is the "One Ring Scam" (Wangiri). You'll be charged premium rates. Google the number first.
9. How to Report Spam Callers
Reporting helps shut down scam operations and protects others:
Report to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
- Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Select "Phone Call" as method
- Enter caller's number, date, and what they said
- Submit report
The FTC uses reports to identify patterns and take legal action against scammers.
Report to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
- Visit consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- Select "Phone" → "Unwanted Calls"
- Select type: Robocall, Spoofed Caller ID, etc.
- Provide details and submit
Report to Your Carrier
- AT&T: Forward the call to
7726 (SPAM)
- Verizon: Forward to
7726
- T-Mobile: Forward to
7726
- Sprint: Forward to
7726
10. Protecting Elderly Parents from Spam Calls
Seniors are disproportionately targeted and lose $3 billion annually to phone scams. Here's how to protect them:
Setup Guide for Caregivers
- Enable "Silence Unknown Callers" on their iPhone (Settings → Phone)
- Install carrier spam app and enable maximum blocking
- Add all important numbers to Contacts (doctors, family, pharmacy) so they still ring through
- Educate them: "If someone calls asking for money, gift cards, or personal info - hang up and call me first"
- Register with Do Not Call at donotcall.gov
- Consider a senior-friendly phone with built-in scam protection (Jitterbug Smart3, Lively Flip)
Red Flags to Teach Seniors
- IRS/Social Security NEVER calls to threaten arrest
- No legitimate company asks for payment in gift cards
- Banks never ask for PINs or passwords over the phone
- "Grandson in jail" scam - always verify with family first
- Tech support will never cold-call about viruses
Final Thoughts: A Multi-Layer Approach Works Best
No single solution stops 100% of spam calls. The most effective strategy combines:
- ✅ Phone settings (Silence Unknown Callers / Call Screening)
- ✅ Carrier protection (AT&T ActiveArmor / T-Mobile Scam Shield)
- ✅ Do Not Call Registry
- ✅ Third-party app (RoboKiller / Truecaller) if needed
- ✅ Never answering unknown numbers
Result: 95%+ reduction in spam calls within the first week.