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Block Spam Calls and Texts

Spam calls are exhausting. Your phone and carrier have free tools that help.

Step by step

  1. Turn on silence unknown callers. In phone settings.
  2. Use your carrier's spam filter. Check their app.
  3. Register on the national do not call list. It reduces legitimate telemarketing.
  4. Report spam texts. Forward to 7726.
  5. Never reply. Even to say stop.

What to expect

Expect fewer calls after enabling filters. Some will still get through.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not reply to spam texts. Avoid answering unknown numbers.

A good next step

Turn on the setting that silences unknown callers.

Block calls, step by step

  1. Use your phone's built-in tools. On iPhone, turn on Silence Unknown Callers. On Android, turn on spam protection in the Phone app.
  2. Block numbers after a call. Tap the number in your recent calls and choose Block.
  3. Ask your carrier. Many offer free spam-blocking apps.
  4. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry. Legitimate marketers must respect it; scammers will not.
  5. Do not answer unknown numbers. Let voicemail pick up.

Texts

  • Never tap links in unexpected texts.
  • Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
  • Delete and block the sender.
  • Reply STOP only to messages from companies you know.

Why spam calls keep coming

  • Robocalls are cheap, and scammers can fake caller ID to look local.
  • Your number may have been in a data breach or sold to marketers.
  • Answering tells them the number works, so more calls come.

Layers of protection

  1. Phone settings. Silence unknown callers, filter spam and turn on call screening if your phone offers it.
  2. Carrier tools. Ask your phone company about free scam blocking or labeling.
  3. Third-party apps. Reputable call-blocking apps can flag known spam. Read their privacy policy because some collect your contacts.
  4. Do Not Call list. Register at donotcall.gov. It stops legitimate telemarketers, not scammers.
  5. Voicemail rule. Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Real people leave messages.

Text message tips

  • Do not tap links in surprise texts about packages, bank problems or prizes.
  • Copy no code you did not ask for, and never share verification codes.
  • Report a spam text by forwarding it to 7726 and then delete it.
  • Block the sender and filter unknown senders in your messages settings.

If you already responded

  • Do not feel embarrassed. It happens to many people.
  • Block the number.
  • If you gave information or money, call your bank and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Expect more calls for a while and keep following the steps above.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Explain how to block spam calls and texts on my [phone model], step by step.

Good to know. The do not call list will not stop scammers, but it helps reduce others.

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Common questions

Why do I still get calls?

Scammers ignore the list and fake numbers.

Is silence unknown callers safe?

Real callers can leave a voicemail. Check it regularly.

Why do I get so many?

Numbers get sold and guessed by robots.

Will blocking stop them?

It helps with repeat numbers, but scammers change them often.

Should I pick up and say stop?

No. Hanging up is safer.

Why do I get calls from my own area code?

Scammers imitate local numbers because people are more likely to answer.

Can I stop all of them?

Not entirely, but layers cut them a lot.

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