Stop the Ringing: A Simple Guide on How to Block Scam Calls
It seems to happen every time you sit down to relax. Your mobile phone rings. You look at the screen, hoping it is a friend or a family member, but it is an unknown number. You answer, and a robotic voice tells you that your car warranty is expiring or your internet is going to be disconnected. You hang up in frustration, but a few hours later, the phone rings again.
If you are tired of being interrupted by criminals, you are not alone. You are likely wondering how to block scam calls effectively. The good news is that you do not need to be a technology expert to stop the ringing. With a few simple settings on your phone, you can regain control of your peace and quiet.
Why Am I Getting So Many Scam Calls?
People often ask, how do scammers get your number? The truth is, they probably did not target you personally. Scammers use powerful computers to automatically dial every single phone number combination in a specific area code. If you answer the phone—even just to yell "stop calling me!"—the computer logs your number as "active." They then sell your active number to other scam networks, leading to a massive increase in calls.
3 Ways to Stop Scam Calls
You can drastically reduce the number of scam calls reaching your device by following these three steps.
1. Turn on "Silence Unknown Callers"
This is the most powerful tool on your smartphone. Both iPhones and Androids have a setting that will automatically send any phone number that is not saved in your Contacts list straight to voicemail. The phone will not even ring. If it is a legitimate caller (like a doctor's office), they will leave a voicemail. If it is a scammer, they will simply hang up. You can usually find this in your phone's "Settings" under "Phone" or "Call" options.
2. Download Your Carrier's Free App
Major mobile phone providers (like EE, O2, Vodafone, or AT&T/Verizon) all offer free spam-blocking apps. These apps use huge databases of known scam numbers to block the call before it even reaches your phone. Check your provider's website or app store for their specific "Call Protect" or "Spam Shield" app.
3. Block Individual Numbers Manually
If a scammer leaves a voicemail or you accidentally answer, you can block that specific number. Go to your "Recent Calls" list, tap the small "i" (information) icon next to the number, and scroll down to select "Block this Caller." They will never be able to reach you from that number again.
What to Do Next
Take five minutes today to open your phone settings and turn on the feature to silence unknown callers. It might feel strange at first not answering every call, but the peace of mind you will gain is well worth it.
The Golden Rule
You are in charge of your phone. You do not have to answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. Let unknown calls go to voicemail—a real person will leave a message, while a scammer will simply move on.