How to Stop Spam Calls From Blowing Up Your Phone

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Few things are as frustrating as having your phone blown up by spam callers. It’s annoying and, in some instances, can feel like a severe invasion of your privacy. But what are you supposed to do about it?

The TCPA and Your Consumer Rights

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unwanted and intrusive calls and texts. Under the TCPA:

• Telemarketers cannot use auto dialers or prerecorded messages to contact you without your prior consent.

• Businesses must allow you to opt out of future calls.

• Companies violating the TCPA can face significant penalties, and consumers may be entitled to financial compensation for unsolicited calls or texts.

In other words, people can’t just spam your phone at every hour of the day for no good reason. In fact, businesses are required to have a reason to call you, and have to follow very specific rules when doing so.

If you believe a caller has violated the TCPA, you have every right to work with an attorney or consumer protection organization to explore your options.

Tips for Putting an End to Spam Calls

Just because there are laws against spam calls doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules. If you’re getting spam calls on a regular basis, here are some helpful things you can do to put an end to them:

1. Use Built-In Call Blocking Features

Your smartphone likely comes with features specifically designed to block unwanted calls. These tools are your first line of defense against spam.

On iPhones, you can use the Silence Unknown Callers feature to automatically send calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail. Android devices also have built-in options, such as blocking specific numbers and enabling a "Do Not Disturb" mode for unknown callers.

By taking advantage of these settings, you can significantly cut down on spam calls. You’ll still get notifications if someone leaves a voicemail, but the constant ringing from unwanted callers will stop.

2. Download a Call-Blocking App

If your phone’s built-in features aren’t enough, consider downloading a call-blocking app. These apps use databases of known spam numbers to identify and filter out unwanted calls.

Popular options include:

• Hiya: Detects and blocks scam calls, and even provides caller ID information for unknown numbers.

• RoboKiller: Not only blocks spam calls but also uses "answer bots" to waste the time of telemarketers.

• Truecaller: Offers a robust spam call identification system and additional features like SMS blocking.

Many of these apps allow you to customize filters, so you can block entire categories of calls (like telemarketers or political campaigns) or specific area codes.

3. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. By registering your number, legitimate telemarketers are required to remove you from their call lists.

To register, visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. Keep in mind that this won’t stop scammers or illegal robocallers, but it can significantly reduce calls from reputable companies.

4. Report Persistent Offenders

If you continue receiving unwanted calls after registering on the Do Not Call list, you can report the offenders to the FTC. Reporting these calls helps regulatory authorities track and take action against illegal telemarketers and scammers.

When reporting, make sure to note the caller’s number, the time of the call, and any details about their message. You can also report spam texts to your carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).

Taking the time to report these offenders not only helps you but also contributes to the broader effort to combat spam calls.

5. Protect Your Phone Number

Prevention is one of the most effective ways to stop spam calls before they start. Be mindful of where and how you share your phone number.

• Avoid entering your number on unsecured websites or public platforms.

• Use a secondary or virtual phone number for situations where you’re unsure if your information will be sold or shared, such as online sign-ups or promotions.

• Refrain from responding to unknown calls or texts, as this can confirm your number is active and lead to more spam.

6. Recognize and Avoid Scams

Some spam calls are more than just annoying—they’re dangerous. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to trick you into giving up personal information or money.

Common red flags include:

• Calls claiming you owe money to the IRS or another government agency.
• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Claims that you’ve won a prize but need to pay a fee to collect it.

If you receive a suspicious call, don’t engage. Hang up immediately and avoid calling the number back. Staying alert and recognizing scam tactics is a powerful way to protect yourself.

Protect Your Right to Privacy

Consumer protection laws exist for a reason. You have every right to privacy, and nobody should be allowed to spam you with calls and texts. If you’re consistently receiving unsolicited communications on your phone, take the steps above and be sure to contact a consumer protection attorney to see if there’s legal recourse that you can take.