Step 1: Register with the Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service run by the FTC that tells legitimate telemarketers to stop calling you.

1. 1Go to donotcall.gov on your computer or phone.
2. 2Click Register Your Phone.
3. 3Enter your phone number and email address.
4. 4You will receive a confirmation email — click the link to complete registration.
5. 5Your number will be added to the registry within 31 days.

Step 2: Enable Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone)

iPhone has a built-in feature that silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions.

1. 1Go to Settings → Phone.
2. 2Scroll down and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
3. 3Turn it on.
4. 4Calls from unknown numbers will go directly to voicemail. You can still see them in your recent calls list.

Step 3: Enable Spam Protection (Android)

Android phones have built-in spam call filtering through the Phone app.

1. 1Open the Phone app.
2. 2Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
3. 3Select Settings → Caller ID & spam.
4. 4Turn on Filter spam calls.
5. 5Spam calls will be automatically declined and logged.

Step 4: Use Your Carrier's Call Blocking Service

All major carriers offer free or low-cost call blocking services.

• AT&T: ActiveArmor app (free) — blocks spam calls and provides caller ID.
• Verizon: Call Filter app (free basic version) — spam detection and blocking.
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield app (free) — scam call blocking and caller ID.
• These apps use large databases of known spam numbers to block calls before they reach you.

Step 5: Block Individual Numbers

For numbers that call you repeatedly, blocking them directly on your phone prevents future calls.

1. 1On iPhone: open the Phone app → Recents. Tap the (i) icon next to the number. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
2. 2On Android: open the Phone app → Recents. Tap and hold the number. Select Block/report spam.

Step 6: Consider a Third-Party Call Blocking App

If the built-in tools are not enough, third-party apps provide more aggressive blocking.

• Nomorobo: blocks robocalls automatically. Available for iPhone and Android.
• Hiya: caller ID and spam blocking. Free with optional paid tier.
• RoboKiller: blocks robocalls and answers them with pre-recorded responses to waste scammers' time. Subscription required.

What to Do When You Receive a Spam Call

When a spam call gets through, here is how to handle it.

• Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize — let them go to voicemail.
• Do not press any buttons during a robocall, even to "opt out" — this confirms your number is active.
• Do not call back unknown numbers, especially if the call was brief.
• Report spam calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.