If, like me, you’re of the mind that a stranger is just a friend that you haven’t met yet, then you probably welcome the odd call from a telephone spammer. I mean, what better way to get to know someone than to be disturbed just as you’re about to go into an important client meeting.
Or sitting down for dinner.
Or packing your groceries as the Aldi checkout person goes hypersonic.
Alternatively, you may wish to be a little more selective in who you decide to speak to. In which case, here is a multi-layered approach to Stop the Spam.
1. Use Built-in Smartphone Features
▶ For iOS (iPhone):
– Silence Unknown Callers:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
- Toggle it ON then select Never, Ask Reason for Calling or Silence.
- Never means calls from unsaved numbers ring like any other call;
- Ask Reason for Calling means these calls are screened (the caller is asked why they’re calling before your phone even rings);
- Silence automatically silences these calls and sends them to voicemail.
– Block Specific Numbers:
- Open the Phone app > Recents.
- Tap the “i” next to the number you want to block.
- Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”
▶ For Android:
(Note: Steps may vary slightly by manufacturer and Android version.)
– Enable Caller ID & Spam Protection:
- Open the Phone app > tap the three-dot menu > Settings.
- Tap Caller ID & Spam.
- Enable “See caller and spam ID” and “Filter spam calls.”
– Block Specific Numbers:
- Open the Phone app > Recents or Contacts.
- Tap the number or contact > Details.
- Tap “Block number” or “Block/report spam.”
2. Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
- Truecaller:
- Download from Google Play or App Store.
- Set it as your default dialer (Android) or allow call filtering (iOS).
- It identifies and blocks known spam numbers automatically.
- Hiya:
- Install the app and enable permissions.
- It provides caller ID, spam alerts, and automatic blocking options.
- RoboKiller:
- Install and follow setup instructions.
- Use it for advanced call filtering and spam call answering with AI-generated responses.
3. Enable Carrier Call Blocking Services
- EE: Offers Call Protect – activate via the My EE app or by texting “CALL PROTECT” to 150.
- Vodafone: Use Secure Net for scam protection (available in some plans).
- O2: Offers built-in scam protection features – check your account settings.
- Three: Use “CallSafe” to screen incoming calls.
4. Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
- Visit www.tpsonline.org.uk
- Enter your phone number and details to opt out of unsolicited sales calls.
- It’s free and legally prevents companies from calling you without consent.
5. General Tips to Avoid Spam Calls
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
- Never give out personal information over the phone.
- Avoid calling back unknown callers—some are premium-rate scam numbers.
- Be cautious about where you share your phone number online.
And, in case you have ever wondered why it’s called SPAM – it’s from the Monty Python sketch in which SPAM features extensively on a cafe menu.