How to Stop Spam Calls for Good: Simple Fixes That Actually Work

Spam calls are among the most annoying issues individuals face on a daily basis. They waste time, break focus, and put those affected at risk of scams. These calls are everything from automated messages to scammers pretending to be your bank. Worst of all, you are at risk of receiving unwanted calls just by owning a phone number.

Fortunately, there are actions you can take to cut down these daily interruptions. Here we will explore how to stop spam calls on both iPhone and Android. But first, let’s understand why spam calls are so prominent and how we can easily identify them. 

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Why Spam Calls Are Getting Worse

Spam calls are widespread despite total reports dropping since 2021 by about 50%. While this is significant, there are still millions of complaints each year from affected individuals. This large amount is attributed to automated dialing technology because it’s cheap and widespread. 

Scammers utilize it to spoof legitimate numbers from well-known businesses and local areas to make scams more believable. Most spam callers dial thousands of people at once and hope the receiving end picks up. If this happens, the number is marked as active in their system, and they will see its spam calls increasing. 

How to Recognize a Spam or Scam Call in Seconds

Spam calls usually have a distinct pattern that is very easy to identify. You just have to know and watch out for these red flags:

• Suspicious caller ID – Local numbers you don’t recognize, or businesses you don’t use, are suddenly calling you.
• Brief silence on pickup – This usually indicates an auto-dial system often used by spammers. 
• The call is always urgent – Spam calls claim urgency and try to prey on panic in the moment to extort valuable data. 
• The caller asks for personal info – While it’s okay for some callers to identify you, information such as your Social Security Number is excessive and an immediate red flag.
• Conversation that breaks the mold – If you receive a call from your “bank” and the standard procedure is off, it’s likely a scammer spoofing the company.

Ultimately, if anything feels off during any call, hang up immediately, as you can call the real company directly to be safe. Most of the same applies to spam or scam texts, with just a few additional parameters. 

How Do Spam Callers Get Your Number

Many individuals ask themselves, “Why am I getting so many spam calls?” especially if a massive wave starts out of nowhere. In most cases, your number got leaked from:

• Data breaches
• Online sign-ups
• Publicly available data
• Random number generation
• Old mailing lists and resumes 

Once your number leaks and begins circulating across spam lists, stopping unwanted calls becomes more difficult, which is why effective blocking tools matter. Tools like Robokiller, Scam Shield, and No Caller ID blocking can help, but before we get to them, let’s start with the built-in protections on your iPhone and Android devices.

How To Stop Spam Calls On iPhone

Source: Pexels

On iPhones, users have several built-in tools to stop spam calls. By combining these tools, you can significantly reduce interruptions throughout the day. 

Block Individual Numbers

Here’s how to block private numbers if you get spam from them: 

• Open the Phone app
• Go to Recents
• Tap the info icon next to the number
• Scroll down and select Block Contact

This won’t stop spoofed numbers, but will eliminate less dedicated repeat offenders. 

Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone

Here’s how to send spam calls to voicemail directly: 

• Open up Settings
• Go to  Apps and select Phone
• Select Silence, Unknown Callers
• Toggle it on

Just note that you will still see the calls in your call log, just without the interruption. 

Use Focus / Do Not Disturb Smartly

Here’s how to stop spam calls with iOS focus modes:

• Go to Settings
• Select Focus
• Create a unique focus mode

• Make sure to only allow calls from Contacts, Favorites, or specific groups

This can be a lifesaver during work hours, late at night, or whenever most spam calls occur. 

How To Stop Spam Calls On Android

Source: Pexels

To stop spam calls on Android, you can use the integrated spam protections. It is important to note that these steps may vary based on your Android device brand.

Block Individual Numbers on Android

Here’s how to block spam calls on Android: 

• Open the Phone app
• Go to Recents
• Select the spam number
• Select Block or Report Spam

By learning how to report spam calls, you help automated systems mark spam numbers and deal with them effectively. 

Silence Unknown Callers

Here’s how to reduce phone scam calls with silence:

• Open the Phone app
• Go to Settings under the three dots
• Choose Blocked Numbers
• Toggle on Block calls from unknown numbers.

This is a great way to significantly reduce spam on your device. 

Turn On Android Spam Protection / Call Screening

Here’s how to stop spam calls with integrated spam protection: 

• Open Phone
• Go to Settings under the three dots
• Select Bixby text call on Samsung devices 
• Turn the feature on and enjoy your peace of mind.

It is important to note that the brand of Android device you have determines how call screening is called and enabled. If you own a Google Pixel device, you can use Google Assistant call screening. This system stops almost all spam before your phone ever rings. 

Use Do Not Disturb for High-Spam Times

Most people receive spam calls only during certain hours; here, Do Not Disturb is the best option. To enable Do Not Disturb and block unknown callers, simply:

• Go to Settings
• Navigate to Notifications
• Select Do Not Disturb
• Allow calls and messages only from Contacts
• If needed, set a schedule for the hours when spam peaks 

How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone and Android Using Third-party Apps 

Integrated phone spam protection settings, while effective, can be assisted with the use of third-party apps because they add an extra filtering layer that helps your device cover more spam numbers. Some of the most popular in the space are:

• Call Control – A free and crowdsourced app that helps block spam calls. Features a paid version with additional features. 
• RoboKiller – A subscription-based app that blocks spam calls and messages. The app also messes with spammers by automatically answering spam with pre-recorded nonsense.
• Hiya – A free app that warns you of robocalls and scam calls based on databases of known numbers. It can also detect spoofed calls and check the sources of suspicious phone numbers.
• Firewall – An iOS-only subscription-based app that blocks unwanted calls and texts. It does this with a whitelist approach that allows only approved numbers to come through. 

These apps are amazing tools you should use to stop unwanted calls and ensure you hold your peace.

How To Protect Yourself From Future Spam Calls?

As it stands, there is no way to eliminate spam completely, but a lot of it can be prevented ahead of time. To stop spam calls from increasing and bothering you in the future, make sure to adopt these long-term habits:

• Limit data availability 
• Use all tools at your disposal
• Keep your phone updated
• Register with “Do Not Call” lists
• Never engage with spam

By actively pursuing your peace through existing systems, you mitigate your chances of dealing with spam calls. This conscious decision to learn how to stop spam calls and actively pursue peace is crucial. Because only by keeping up with spam call trends can you react to them effectively. 

FAQs

How do I stop spam calls easily?

The easiest way to stop spam calls is to enable built-in spam filters and Silence Unknown Callers on your devices.

Why do I keep getting spam calls?

If your spam calls are constant, it can indicate that your number is publicly available somewhere, be it a public listing or a data leak. 

Is it safe to answer a spam call?

It is not recommended that you answer spam calls, as it can signal that your number is active, resulting in more calls. However, simply picking up the phone by mistake is not dangerous.

How do I stop spam calls permanently?

Sadly, spam calls can’t be stopped permanently, but combining integrated and third-party tools will drastically reduce them. 

Can I block spam calls on third-party apps like WhatsApp?

Integrated and third-party spam blocking apps don’t work inside WhatsApp and other apps like it. They instead induce their own blocking and reporting tools that stop unwanted calls directly in the app.