Spam phone calls have become a daily annoyance for millions of Americans. From telemarketers to robocalls and scam artists, spam calls in the United States are not just irritating—they can also pose real risks to your privacy, time, and security. In this comprehensive guide, we explain exactly How Do I Stop Spam Phone Calls, with effective and actionable steps that work.
What Are Spam Phone Calls and Why Should You Worry?
Spam phone calls are unsolicited calls that often come from telemarketers, scammers, and robocallers. These calls use automated systems to reach hundreds or even thousands of numbers every minute. Some of these calls might try to steal personal information, trick you into financial fraud, or spread malicious links.
Many of these spam callers use caller ID spoofing, where they fake a legitimate-looking number to increase the chance that you’ll pick up.
1. Make sure to register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides a free National Do Not Call Registry. By registering your phone number, you reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive.
- ✅ Go to www.donotcall.gov
- ✅ Click “Register Your Phone”
- ✅ Enter your number and email address
- ✅ Confirm registration via email
⚠️ Note: This won’t stop scam calls, but it will reduce legal sales calls.
2. Use Your Carrier’s Spam Protection Tools
Most major U.S. Mobile carriers offer built-in tools to block or detect spam calls.
AT&T – Call Protect
- Blocks fraud calls automatically
- Labels suspected spam
- Free for AT&T customers
- App available on Android and iOS
Verizon – Call Filter
- Filters spam and robocalls
- Displays risk level of incoming calls
- Blocks high-risk spam calls
- Free version available, premium for advanced controls
T-Mobile – Scam Shield
- Scam ID and Scam Block features
- Caller ID for unknown numbers
- Number masking and temporary numbers
- Free for all T-Mobile users
3. Use Built-in Smartphone Features
iPhone Users:
- Silence Unknown Callers
Go toSettings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, email, or messages straight to voicemail. - Block Specific Numbers:
Go toPhone > Recents > Info Icon > Block this Caller.
Android Users:
- Enable Caller ID & Spam Protection:
Go toPhone App > Settings > Caller ID & Spam > Enable both options. - Block Individual Numbers:
Open your call log, tap the number, and then choose “Block” or “Report Spam” to prevent future unwanted calls.
4. Use Third-Party Spam Blocking Apps
There are advanced apps available that do a better job of filtering and blocking spam calls:
1. Hiya
- Identifies and blocks robocalls and scammers
- Real-time spam reports
- Available on iOS and Android
2. Truecaller
- Identifies unknown callers
- Blocks spam calls and texts
- Community-powered spam list
3. RoboKiller
- Uses an AI answering bot to waste spam callers’ time
- Blocks robocalls before they reach you
- Available for iOS and Android (subscription required)
5. Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If you don’t recognize the number:
- Don’t answer.
- When the call is urgent, the caller will leave a voicemail to ensure you receive.
- Never call back unknown numbers—it could be part of a one-ring scam that charges you exorbitantly for returning the call.
6. Report Spam Calls to the FTC and FCC
When you receive a spam call, especially one that is fraudulent or threatening, report it to help authorities track and stop these scams.
- ✅ FTC Complaint Form: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
- ✅ FCC Complaint Center: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/
Reports from consumers help federal agencies take down spam call operations.
7. Protect Your Number and Stay Alert
- Avoid entering your number on untrusted websites or surveys.
- Don’t post your number publicly on social media.
- Be skeptical of any call asking for personal details, credit card numbers, or account logins.
8. Consider Using a Second Number
For people who frequently sign up for services, apps, or promotions:
- Use services like Google Voice to create a free second number.
- Use this number for sign-ups and keep your primary number private.
- Forward calls from the second number to voicemail or screen them with an app.
Final Thoughts
Stopping spam phone calls in the United States requires a multi-layered strategy. While no single tool will eliminate 100% of spam, combining national registries, carrier tools, built-in phone features, and third-party apps can dramatically reduce unwanted calls and protect your privacy.
Stay proactive, report scammers, and protect your digital identity.
