Shield Yourself: Effective Methods to Block Spam Calls
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Time to read 2 min
Spam calls have become an increasingly frustrating and invasive issue in our daily lives. However, there are steps you can take to regain control over your phone and protect yourself from these unwanted interruptions. In this article, we will explore effective methods to block spam calls, empowering you to reclaim your peace of mind and enjoy uninterrupted communication.
Steps
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Register with the National Do Not Call Registry:
Start by registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry in the United States. This free service allows you to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses. Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register to add your number to the list.
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Take Advantage of Call Blocking Apps:
Leverage the power of call blocking apps to filter and block spam calls automatically. Numerous apps, such as Truecaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo, are available for both Android and iOS devices. These apps use crowd-sourced databases and algorithms to identify and block known spam numbers, providing an additional layer of protection.
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Enable Built-in Call Blocking Features:
Most smartphones come with built-in call blocking features that allow you to block specific numbers or all calls from unknown callers. Explore your device's settings to locate these features and activate them as per your preferences. By utilizing this built-in functionality, you can effectively block spam calls without the need for additional apps.
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Screen Calls with Caller ID Services:
Caller ID services, such as Google's Call Screen (available on Pixel devices) and Apple's Silence Unknown Callers feature (available on iOS devices), can help filter out unwanted calls. These services automatically screen calls from unknown numbers, allowing you to decide whether to answer or send the call to voicemail.
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Be Cautious with Call Answering:
Avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will often leave a message, enabling you to determine if the call is important or spam. If in doubt, you can always return the call later after verifying its authenticity.
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Report and Block Spam Numbers:
When you encounter spam calls, make sure to report them to the appropriate authorities. You can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. Additionally, take advantage of call blocking features on your device or call blocking apps to manually block specific spam numbers from reaching your phone.
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Stay Informed and Educate Others:
Keep yourself updated about the latest spam call trends and scams. Stay informed about common tactics used by spammers and fraudsters, such as spoofing and phishing attempts. Educate your family, friends, and colleagues about these scams to create awareness and help them protect themselves from falling victim to spam calls.
While spam calls may seem relentless, there are effective strategies to combat them and regain control over your phone. By registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, using call blocking apps, enabling built-in call blocking features, screening calls with caller ID services, being cautious with call answering, reporting and blocking spam numbers, and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the annoyance and disruption caused by spam calls. Implement these measures, stay vigilant, and reclaim your communication channels from unwanted intrusions.
