How to Block a Phone Number and Stop Unwanted Calls

I. Introduction

Receiving unwanted phone calls can be annoying and frustrating, especially when they come from unknown numbers or telemarketers. Fortunately, all modern smartphones come equipped with call-blocking functions that allow users to stop unwanted calls. This article will explore different strategies and tools to block unwanted calls on both iOS and Android devices.

II. Step-by-Step Tutorial

Here is a simple guide on how to block phone numbers on iOS and Android devices.

How to Block a Phone Number on iOS

To block a phone number on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app and go to your Recents or Contacts list;
2. Find the phone number you want to block and tap the i icon next to it;
3. Scroll down and select “Block this Caller”;
4. Confirm your choice by tapping “Block Contact”.

How to Block a Phone Number on Android

To block a phone number on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app and go to your recent or call log list;
2. Find the phone number you want to block and long-press on it;
3. Select “Block number” or “Block/report spam”;
4. Confirm your choice by tapping “Block” or “OK”.

III. Types of Call Blockers

There are different types of call-blocking methods available, ranging from built-in features on smartphones to apps and third-party services. Here are some of the most common ones:

Built-in Call Blocking Features

As shown above, both iOS and Android devices come with built-in call-blocking features that allow users to block unwanted calls from known phone numbers.

Call-Blocking Apps

There are many call-blocking apps available for download on both the App Store and Google Play store. Some of the most popular ones include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number. These apps use crowdsourced data to identify known spammers and telemarketers, and can block calls automatically or send them directly to voicemail.

Third-Party Call-Blocking Services

Some third-party call-blocking services offer more advanced features, such as the ability to block calls based on keywords, create whitelists and blacklists, and schedule blocking times. Some examples of these services include Nomorobo, Call Control, and YouMail.

IV. Strategies to Stop Unwanted Calls

Blocking phone numbers is just one strategy to stop unwanted calls. Here are some additional tips:

Sign Up for the Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a database managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls. To sign up, visit https://www.donotcall.gov/ and enter your phone number. Once you’re on the list, telemarketers should stop calling you within 31 days.

Avoid Falling Victim to Phone Scams

Scammers often use phone calls to trick people into giving them money or personal information. Some common phone scams include the “IRS scam”, the “grandparent scam”, and the “tech support scam”. To avoid falling victim to these scams, never give out personal information over the phone to people you don’t know, and don’t trust caller ID as scammers can fake their numbers.

List of Dos and Don’ts to Protect Users from Phone Scams

• DO: Ask for the caller’s name, company, and phone number;
• DO: Research the company or organization online before giving them any information;
• DO: Hang up if the caller becomes aggressive or threatening, and report the incident to the FTC;
• DON’T: Give out your personal information over the phone, including your Social Security number, date of birth, or credit card information;
• DON’T: Trust caller ID, as scammers can use “spoofing” technology to make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate number.

V. Statistics on Spam Calls

Spam calls are a growing issue that affects millions of people every day. Here are some statistics on how spam calls have increased over the years:

• As of July 2021, Americans receive an estimated 4.6 billion spam calls a month;
• In 2020, spam calls increased 18% compared to the previous year;
• The top three categories of spam calls are related to health insurance, car warranties, and debt reduction;
• Only 47% of consumers know how to block phone numbers on their smartphones.

To reduce the frequency of spam calls, consumers can take the following measures:

• Install a call-blocking app or service;
• Report spam calls to the FTC at https://www.donotcall.gov/report.html;
• Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers;
• Never give out personal information over the phone to unknown callers;
• Consider changing your phone number if you receive a high volume of spam calls.

VI. Conclusion

Blocking unwanted phone calls is a simple and effective way to reduce the amount of spam and telemarketing calls you receive. Whether you use the built-in features on your smartphone or a third-party app or service, there are many options available to help you take control of your phone’s call log. Additionally, following these strategies and tips can help stop unwanted calls and protect you from falling victim to scams.