Reduce Spam, Scam, and Robocalls

Jul 7

Does your phone ring all day with spam calls from unknown numbers? If so, you're not alone. The good news is that you can significantly reduce them with a few simple changes. These are the same practical steps I often recommend to people who want less frustration and more control over their phones.

**Take back control of your phone calls.**

Blocking one spam number at a time is helpful, but it rarely solves the problem. Scammers use software to constantly fake new names and phone numbers—a trick known as neighbor spoofing.

Spam calls are annoying. Scam calls are dangerous. Your goal is to avoid both.

Stopping or reducing these calls is a gradual process. It takes a little patience, discipline, and consistency, but it works. Here are four steps worth trying.

1. Let Your Phone Screen the Door

Whenever possible, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Legitimate callers usually leave a voicemail. Most scammers, spammers, and robocallers simply hang up. That's often your first clue.

iPhone: Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your iPhone model and iOS version. If you're unsure which option is best, try one for a few days, then adjust as needed.

Android: Open the Phone app > tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Blocked Numbers, then enable Block Calls from Unidentified Callers (wording may vary by manufacturer). If you're concerned about changing a setting, take a screenshot first so you can easily restore it later.

2. Activate Your Carrier's Free Shield

Most major mobile carriers include free spam protection that can stop many unwanted calls before your phone even rings. Download your carrier's official app from your phone's app store and make sure the protection is turned on.

AT&T: ActiveArmor
Verizon: Call Filter
T-Mobile: Scam Shield (or dial #662# to enable it instantly)

3. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

This won't stop international scammers or criminals, but it does require legitimate U.S. telemarketers to stop calling you.

4. Never Call the Number Back

If someone claims to be from your bank, Amazon, Medicare, the IRS, your credit card company, or another organization, don't use the phone number they provided.

Instead, find the organization's official phone number on its website, on your account statement, or on the back of your card, and call that number directly.

💡 The Golden Rule
If you accidentally answer a call and hear a recording, don't press any buttons—even if it says, "Press 1 to be removed."
Pressing a button tells scammers they've reached a real person, which can lead to even more unwanted calls.
When in doubt, hang up. Then verify using an official phone number you trust.

Need a Little Extra Help?

Technology shouldn't be frustrating. If spam calls, confusing phone settings, or everyday tech issues are becoming a hassle, I help people simplify technology and use it with greater confidence. Feel free to explore the resources on this website or Contact E-men for personalized service.

Eamen Hameed