Now that we live in a world where we are always connected, mobile phones are essential to our everyday lives. Spam calls are a major drawback of instant messaging, which is otherwise a great convenience. There have been a number of new mobile applications and solutions that aim to address this growing problem by giving you more control over your call experiences. This article focuses on several efficient ways to report and prevent unwanted calls, such as those included in mobile phones, tools provided by cell carriers, applications, and the national Do Not Call Registry.
- Block Numbers on Your Mobile Phone
Smartphones, both iPhone and Android, come equipped with a built-in feature that allows you to block specific phone numbers. This simple yet effective tool enables you to manually input unwanted numbers into their block list. While this method requires that you identify and block spam numbers individually and manually, it provides a quick and accessible solution for reducing unwanted calls.
- Mobile Carrier Tools
Major mobile carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer built-in tools to help manage and block spam calls. These carrier-specific solutions often include features like call blocking, spam call warnings, and even advanced filtering options. You can take advantage of these tools by exploring their carrier’s settings or contacting customer support for assistance in activating and customizing these anti-spam features.
- Mobile Apps
Several third-party mobile apps have gained popularity for their effectiveness in identifying and blocking spam calls. Apps like Hiya, Robokiller, and Truecaller utilize extensive databases of known spam numbers to automatically flag and filter incoming calls, while some provide you with the option to block international spam callers. Additionally, some apps offer advanced features such as personalized block lists, call recording, and real-time call identification. You can easily download these apps from their respective app stores and customize settings to suit your preferences.
- Google Phone App
For Android users, the Google Phone app offers a range of features to manage and block spam calls. The app automatically identifies potential spam calls and displays a warning, helping you make informed decisions about answering or blocking incoming calls. Additionally, the Google Phone app allows you to block specific numbers manually, providing a customizable solution to combat unwanted calls.
- Do Not Call Registry
The national Do Not Call Registry, as one of the TCPA consumer protection measures, allows you to register your phone numbers to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. While this registry primarily targets legitimate businesses, reporting spam calls to the FTC can contribute to their efforts to identify and take action against illegal telemarketing practices. You can register your numbers on the Do Not Call Registry website and report any unwanted calls, aiding in the fight against spam.
In conclusion, the fight against spam calls warrants a holistic strategy. If you want to improve the security of your calls, employing a mix of built-in mobile phone capabilities, tools provided by their carriers, third-party applications, and the Do Not Call Registry seems like a necessity. You may retake control over your communication devices and enjoy a more tranquil and simplified calling experience by taking advantage of the services that are available to you.
