Reject calls if you don’t recognize the number
Many robocalls show a ghost number on your caller ID and many times has your area code and the first three digits of your phone number. Some show as anonymous so don’t answer those as well. If a person is legit and wants to contact you they will leave a message.
2. Use carrier tools to block unwanted calls
AT&T subscribers can use a free app called AT&T Call Protect. It has automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings. You can manually block unwanted calls.
Verizon recently announced a free call-blocking service beginning in March. Verizon previously offered a “Caller Filter” service for $2.99 per month per line.
T-Mobile provides two free ways to combat robocallers and spam calls.
- First is Scam ID, an automatic system that identifies spam numbers when your phone rings. T-Mobile automatically does this on its network, and there’s no app to install or service to turn on.
- The second free method is Scam Block. Unlike Scam ID, which simply identifies known spam numbers, Scam Block gives you an option to block those numbers. To turn this on, dial #662# on your T-Mobile handset. To turn it off, dial #632#.
Sprint customers can sign up for its “Premium Caller ID” service to protect themselves from robocalls and caller ID spoofers. $2.99 a month.
3. Use apps to block robocalls
Nomorobo offers real-time protection from a growing list of robocallers, telemarketers and phone scammers.
Truecaller app lets you find out who’s behind that unknown number. Copy and paste the number into the app’s search bar. Truecaller will search the unknown number to find out who it is. With a community-based spam list from over 250 million users, it’s a great resource to avoid answering an unwanted robocall.
The Hiya – Caller ID & Block app is perfect for identifying calls that you want to accept and blocking calls and texts you want to avoid. The Hiya app is available for free with no ads, and it is simple to use. If you had to choose one, this is the best choice.
The Call Control – Call Blocker app automatically blocks spam calls and calls from other numbers you don’t want to hear from. You can block entire area codes (like 555) if you’re getting tons of calls you don’t want from a particular location. The Call Control app is free and available for both Apple and Android gadgets.
4. Set your phone on do not disturb
iPhone: To customize your Do Not Disturb preferences on an iPhone, go to Settings >> Do Not Disturb. Here, you can turn the mode on, set a Do Not Disturb schedule and set your allowed calls to either all your saved contacts or just your Favorites list.
To quickly activate Do Not Disturb, go to your iPhone’s Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right corner on iPhone X, swipe up from the bottom for other iPhones) and toggle the Do Not Disturb switch (the icon looks like a moon).
Android: On Android, go to Settings >> Sound (or Sound & Notification in other phones) >> then Tap Do Not Disturb to customize your Do Not Disturb settings.
To activate Do Not Disturb, simply swipe down from the top of your display to access the Quick Menu then tap the Do Not Disturb icon to turn it on. (This may vary, depending on the manufacturer and model of your Android phone.)
