How to stop spam calls
Register at donotcall.gov, hang up on robocalls without pressing anything, turn on your phone's call blocking, ask your carrier about call-blocking services, and report unwanted calls at donotcall.gov. This cuts calls but won't stop scammers.
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- donotcall.gov
- Type
- Spam calls, texts and email
- Last updated
Step by step
- 1
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Add your number at donotcall.gov. The FTC says registering will likely reduce unwanted calls. Scammers ignore it, and some organizations are still allowed to call.
- 2
Hang up on robocalls
Don't press any numbers and don't call back.
- 3
Report the call
Report unwanted calls at donotcall.gov. If you lost money to a scam call, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- 4
Use your phone's built-in blocking
Many cell phones let you block specific numbers or send certain calls straight to voicemail. Check your phone's settings.
- 5
Ask your carrier about blocking and labeling
The FTC advises asking your phone company what call-blocking or call-labeling services it offers, using a number or website you know is right.
- 6
Research call-filtering apps before you install one
Some are free and some charge a fee. Read independent reviews first, and note that some apps ask for access to your contacts.
Watch out for
- Reporting a call won't end it. It helps the FTC and law enforcement investigate and bring cases.
- Registering doesn't stop scammers, since they don't follow the registry.
- Don't trust caller ID. Numbers can be faked.
- Call-blocking services and apps differ in price and in what they access, so check before you pay or install.
What stays out there
Blocking numbers and joining the registry cuts the calls. It doesn't change why your number is being called: your number sits in lists that data brokers and people-search sites sell or publish alongside your name and address.
Those listings stay until each site is asked to take them down. If the calls address you by name, that's usually where they got it.
Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them. You can run a free scan to see what's out there.
Frequently asked
Does the Do Not Call Registry stop spam calls?
It likely reduces them, according to the FTC. It won't stop scammers, and some organizations are still allowed to call you.
Should I call back a number that called me?
No. Hang up on robocalls, don't press any numbers and don't call back. Report the call at donotcall.gov.
Where do I report scam calls?
Report unwanted calls at donotcall.gov. If you lost money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Are call-blocking apps worth it?
Some are free and some charge. The FTC suggests reading independent reviews and app store ratings first, and notes some apps access your contacts.
Sources
Related guide Guide: How to Delete Yourself from the Internet Something changed? If these steps no longer match what you see, tell us and we'll re-check it.
