How to stop spam calls on your Android
Spam calls are frustrating and put you at risk of hacking or phishing attempts. The best way to deal with such calls is to avoid engaging with them. However, identifying them is sometimes tricky. Your Android phone has built-in features to block spam calls and combat this issue. it’s possible to also choose carrier services or third-party apps to protect yourself from scammers. This guide shows you how to stop spam calls on any Android phone, whether you use abudget Android phoneor a high-end device.
Block those messages promising a $1 million jackpot
How spammers get your phone number
Spammers obtain your phone number in many ways. Some methods include setting up fake charities, soliciting donations, sponsoring contests, or offering giveaways. They could even get your number from businesses that display caller IDs. A common breed of spammers is telemarketers, who purchase lists of phone numbers from third-party data providers. So, be cautious when giving out your phone number.
It’s also important to know the types of spam calls. Aside from sales calls from telemarketers, spam calls may come in the form of automated robocalls and individuals posing as bank representatives or computer experts who request personal information like credit card details under false pretenses. Be vigilant and do not divulge sensitive information if you receive such calls.
How to block spam calls using the Google Phone app
While many third-party apps have spam filtering features, we recommend using your phone’s default dialer app. Here’s how to turn on spam filtering on the Google Phone app:
While the steps show the Google Pixel Phone app, the process is similar on other dialers, including Samsung Phone.
Google’s spam filtering can be oversensitive and may block numbers that aren’t on your contacts list. When we activated it to test, we missed a few calls from Amazon delivery executives as the app identified their calls as spam. If you have similar issues with spam protection, turn off spam filtering and turn onSee caller and Spam ID(above theFilter spam callstoggle). It displays information and warnings when you make or receive calls from suspected spam numbers.
Use carrier apps and services to stop spam calls
Several mobile carriers provide more advanced tools with paid features for blocking suspected spam calls. These are the popular ones.
AT&T ActiveArmor
ActiveArmor is AT&T’s mobile app for blocking fraud and spam calls. It’s available for iOS and Android devices. The free version identifies potential scams, labels telemarketers as nuisance calls, and sends unknown callers to voicemail. For $3.99 a month, you get a VPN, identity monitoring, caller ID, and more.
T-Mobile Scam Shield
T-Mobile Scam Shield is available for T-Mobile and Metro customers on Android and iOS. It identifies and blocks scam calls and offers Caller ID access. Valid calls are labeled “Number Verified,” while potential spam calls show a warning. The app provides a proxy number for privacy, which you can change once a year for free. For $4 per line per month, Scam Shield Premium includes features like voicemail-to-text, call blocking, and sending calls to voicemail.
Verizon Call Filter
Verizon Call Filter is available for customers with compatible iOS and Android phones. The free version identifies and filters spam calls, alerts you to potential spam and unwanted calls, lets you report illegitimate numbers, and blocks robocalls based on your chosen risk level. The paid version costs $3.99 per line per month (or $10.99 per three lines per month) and includes Caller ID, a personal spam list, and more.
How to stop calls with spam filter apps from the Play Store
Installing a third-party call blocking app should be your last resort if your phone doesn’t have a spam filtering feature and you don’t want to use your carrier-provided service. Here are the most popular apps to block spam calls on Android:
Although most third-party apps are reputable, a developer might sell or share your data. We suggest sticking to the default spam filtering methods.
Manually block spam calls (the least effective option)
Most spam and robocalls come from random phone numbers. If you get spam calls from the same individuals, block them individually. Here’s how:
While the process is straightforward, you might accidentally block a friend or colleague. If that happens, follow our guide onunblocking numbers on Android.
Join in on video calls with Apple users
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
In the US, the FCC allows opting out of telemarketing calls by registering mobile and landline numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. While this doesn’t always work in keeping spam calls at bay, it doesn’t hurt to register your number. Here’s how to do it:
Report spam calls to the FTC
While the above methods keep most spam calls at bay, you may occasionally receive a few. When this happens, report the call to the FTC to protect yourself and your community from bad businesses and cybercriminals.
You can file the report through theFTC’s website. The process is straightforward. All you do is key in a few details about your experience, including the type of spam call you received, whether it was a robocall or recorded message, what the call was about, when you received the call, and additional details you can provide. The FTC uses these reports to investigate fraud and spam cases.
Let Google Assistant do the talking
One of the perks of owning a Google Pixel phone is access to exclusive features likeCall Screen. Call Screen allows Google Assistant to take your incoming calls and ask the party on the other side why they’re calling you.
This feature gives you relief from spam calls. However, its major shortcoming is thatit’s only available in 10 countries. Here’s how to turn on Call Screen on a supported Google Pixel device:
The Call Screen feature is unique and works like a charm most of the time. Still, its limited availability is a bummer for those who own a supported Pixel device but live in a different country. However, Google is expanding the feature to other regions. Meanwhile, the other methods mentioned above block spam calls on Android.
Deactivate Wi-Fi calling when you don’t need it
Spam calls are increasing, and so are the ways to stop them
Besides the nuisance factor, spam calls pose a risk to your security. Engaging with calls from unknown numbers may cause you to divulge sensitive info or personal details. Following the tips in this guide help you combat phone scams. you could alsostop annoying robocallson your mobile phone to safeguard your privacy and reduce pesky calls.
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