How Do I Block Spam Calls and Messages?
Unsolicited calls and messages have now become a growing concern for many people. From an unwanted marketing call to a scam message, these interruptions can be frustrating and alarming. If you are tired of receiving these unsolicited communications, you are not alone. Luckily, there are several ways to block spam calls and messages to take back control of your phone. Here's how you can block them effectively.
1. Use Built-In Features on Your Phone
Most smartphones come with built-in features to help block spam calls and messages.
For Android Users:
- Call Blocking: Many Android phones allow you to block specific numbers manually. You can do this by opening the Phone app, tapping on the number in your call log, and selecting the option to block it.
- Spam Protection: Some Android devices have a built-in spam protection feature that could recognize similar calls as probably spam, and block them. You can activate it under your phone settings in a section named "Call Screen" or "Spam Protection".
For iPhone Users:
- Block Unknown Callers: If you get annoying calls from numbers that are unknown, you can go into your settings and activate the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature in your iPhone. It sends calls from unknown numbers immediately to voicemail.
- Block Specific Numbers: You can block individual phone numbers directly from your call log, just like in Android.
2. Use Third-Party Apps
You can extend the security with third-party applications that enhance your experience of blocking spam. Most of these applications block or flag unwanted calls and messages automatically by referencing a big database of known spam numbers. Some popular apps include:
- Truecaller: This app identifies spam calls, marks them with a red alert, and can automatically block them. It also helps you find out who's calling you, even if the number is not saved in your contacts.
- Hiya: Hiya provides free spam protection by identifying known spam callers and blocking them. It also offers additional features like reverse phone number lookup.
- RoboKiller: This app blocks spam calls, even those from robocalls, and uses artificial intelligence to identify new threats. It also lets you set up personalized spam-blocking features.
3. Register for the Do Not Call List
Many countries have a Do Not Call registry where you can enlist your number so that no telemarketer or other business may be able to contact you. For instance, if one is in the United States, one may also register their number in the National Do Not Call Registry. This may not be the way to avoid spam calls completely, but it will help you limit the volume of telemarketing calls that may reach you.
4. Report Spam Calls and Messages
If you're receiving unwanted calls or texts from numbers that violate the rules in your country, you can report them to the relevant authorities. For example, in the U.S., you can report spam calls to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Similarly, other countries have their own agencies for handling complaints related to unsolicited communications.
5. Be Cautious with Your Number
A disincentive to receiving all those spam calls and messages will entail some element of tact in deciding where and to whom to give out the telephone number, with utmost avoidance of suspicious websites or social media, or generally any organization that would use your data to sell. Share your number if you feel it is necessary, provided you check their privacy policy to make sure they can protect or not misuse it.
Final Thoughts
It requires both a set of proactive measures and awareness to block spam calls and messages. By leveraging your phone's in-built features, third-party apps, and signing up with the national do-not-call list, you will reduce the number of unwanted communications and protect your privacy. Be very cautious where you share your phone number and report any spam/scam call that you get.
Take action today and keep your phone free from the nuisance and even possible dangers of unsolicited communications.
