How to Get Rid of Scam Calls Using Your Phone and Carrier

Enable Built-In Smartphone Filters

For iPhone Users

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Scroll down and select Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Toggle it On.

Note: This immediately sends any number not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions straight to voicemail.

For Android / Google Pixel Users

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (top right) and select Settings.
3. Tap Caller ID and spam.
4. Toggle on See caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls.

Note: Google will silently decline suspected scam calls so your phone never rings.

For Samsung Users

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots, then Settings.
3. Tap Caller ID and spam protection (or Smart Call).
4. Toggle the switch to On to block high-risk scam calls automatically.

Use Your Mobile Carrier's Free Network Defenses

Major network providers offer highly effective, free apps that intercept scam calls at the network level before they ever hit your phone screen.

• AT&T: Download the free AT&T ActiveArmor app to auto-block scammers and label telemarketers.
• Verizon: Download the Verizon Call Filter app to flag spam and auto-block known risk numbers.
• T-Mobile: Dial #662# on your keypad to instantly activate Scam Shield, their network-level scam blocking protocol.

Register and Report (US Residents)

• National Do Not Call Registry: Add your number for free at the FTC National Do Not Call Registry. While illegal scammers ignore this list, it significantly filters out legitimate corporate telemarketers, helping you spot the remaining bad actors easily.
• Report Active Scams: If you encounter a persistent scammer, report the specific number at FTC Report Fraud. Data is shared with carriers daily to update global spam filters.

Crucial Behavioral Habits

• Do not answer unknown numbers: Let them go to voicemail. If it is an emergency or an important business call, they will leave a message.
• Never press buttons to "opt-out": If you answer and a recording says "Press 1 to be removed," hang up immediately. Pressing keys confirms your line is active, causing them to sell your number to more scammers.
• Never say the word "Yes": Scammers often start with "Can you hear me?" to record your voice saying "Yes," which they later use as voice authorization for fraudulent charges.