Hw to Stop Unwanted Calls & Messages On Cell Phones

While we don’t always agree on much, we can agree that telemarketers are one of the most annoying things to deal with all the time. We’re all aware it’s an issue, so much so that apps and methods have been created to try and minimise telemarketers' and spammers' reach.

The thing is, these methods aren’t foolproof. Spammers and telemarketers have taken to these methods and found ways to circumvent them to carry on annoying you on a daily basis. Regardless of their long-term effectiveness, they can still help in the short term and have the potential to make a difference long term. So let’s see how you can stop unwanted calls and messages on cell phones.

Block & Report

The first thing we need to address is a clarification between a spammer and a scammer. Scammers are after your money through nefarious tactics. But, on the other hand, spammers can be just about anyone you’ve dealt with in some capacity trying to get you to sign on to their surface, make donations (charity), etc.

If you’re being targeted by legitimate institutions, ask them to take you off the list of people to call. Don’t fall for sweet talk. Remain steady and tell them to stop contacting you. Now, for scammers and spammers who don’t oblige your request, it’s time to start blocking numbers and reporting them. You do not want to engage when you see a call being made or a message sent. When you do respond, it lets them know that your number is in use. This only emboldens them. The best thing to do is go straight away to blocking and reporting the number.

Blocking Calls on Android

On Android phones, you’re going to want to consider the make and model as it may vary from device to device. However, overall it should be pretty standard.

Step 1: Open the phone app on your home screen.

Step 2: Select the recent tab and view the recent calls you got and find the one you know is a scammer. It’s best to do this immediately to not lose that number.

Step 3: Hold down on that number and select the option to block it, and then select report as spam.

On Samsung devices, you tap the number and select the information icon before blocking and reporting.

Blocking Calls On iPhone

Blocking numbers on an iPhone isn’t that different.

Step 1: Go to the phone app and tap the recent tab to view all recent calls.

Step 2: Tap the information icon found next to the number you wish to block.

Step 3: Block the caller.

This works almost exactly the same on the Messenger and FaceTime apps. When these blocked numbers call, you still get notified, but they’ll be notifications you can’t respond to or answer. The other user won’t even be aware that they’ve been blocked.

Spam Filters

Most phone carriers offer additional features like spam filters to help you not get these pervasive calls. Relying on community reporting of dodgy numbers, they screen and reject thousands of calls for you every month. They’re additional services which means they’re added to your mobile plans.

Additionally, you can get apps like Trucaller, which help to screen numbers for you before answering. It’s not a perfect solution, but it can be incredibly helpful. Truecaller is also one of many options, so shop around for one that works best for you. Other great options include RoboKiller and Nomorobo.

Do Not Disturb Feature

If you’re finding nothing you do matters, and they’re still making it through, then you may need to go nuclear. The nuclear option is called the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature. Essentially how it works is that you’re able to put your phone into this mode which allows only contacts saved to your phone to get a hold of you. This isn’t easy when you’re a person who gets calls from strangers for work all the time. Also, it can create some issues in other scenarios like emergencies, etc. So, understand this might not be an ideal solution for everyone.

The process is simple and requires you to go to the settings on your phone and set the preferences to ensure some calls and messages will make it through.

Reality Check

The unfortunate thing is that scammers are getting smarter and one method they’re using to great effect is ‘spoofing.’ This is a process in which they’re mimicking numbers, and that’s allowing them to carry on calling you without being blocked due to it being a completely new number.

Conclusion

You’re not going to win at every turn. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a scammer and spammer just slip through the cracks and manage to get a hold of you. It’s going to continue to be frustrating, but some of these changes can make your life easier.

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