How to Stop Scam Calls, Spam and Unsolicited

Enable Built-In Phone Settings

Your smartphone has highly effective, free tools built directly into its operating system that can automatically silence or filter numbers that aren't in your contact list.

• iPhone (iOS): Go to Settings → Phone → turn on Silence Unknown Callers. This automatically sends calls from unrecognized numbers straight to voicemail. They will still show up in your "Recents" list so you don't miss anything important.
• Android (Google Pixel & generic): Open the Phone app → tap the three dots (More options) → Settings → Caller ID and spam. Turn on See caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls.
• Samsung: Open the Phone app → tap the three dots → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection (also called Smart Call) and toggle it on.

Activate Free Carrier Blocks

Major cell phone providers offer free network-level database filtering. If you haven't downloaded your carrier's specific security app, you are missing out on their strongest automated defenses:

• T-Mobile: Download the T-Life app to activate T-Mobile Scam Shield.
• AT&T: Download the AT&T ActiveArmor app.
• Verizon: Download the Verizon Call Filter app.

Register and Report

• The National Do Not Call Registry: Sign up your mobile and home numbers for free at the FTC National Do Not Call Registry. While this won't stop malicious criminals who disregard the law, it legally forces legitimate telemarketers to stop calling you, making the remaining scam calls much easier to spot.
• Report Fraud: If you receive a scam call, do not engage or press any numbers to "opt-out" (which just confirms your number is active). Simply hang up and report the number to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so carriers can update their block lists.