There is little more frustrating than annoying and unsolicitied phone calls to your cell phone. In many cases these calls are also illegal. How do you stop and prevent these unsolicited phone calls and robocalls to your cell phone?
There are a wide array of tools and options that you can deploy to diminish the number of robocalls you receive.
Register Do Not Call Registry
Cell phones can be registered in the FTC's Do Not Call Registry. You can also call 1-888-382-1222 from any phone to add it to the do not call registry. The Do Not Call list takes you off the for-profit business call lists, but it isn't immediate. Telemarketers update their listings only periodically, so it can take up to 31 days to see results.
donotcall.gov
3rd Party Applications
There are a whole host of third party applications that strive to end robocalls and telemarketing calls. You can download applications like NoMoreRobo, RoboKiller or Spam Block.
Block Specific Phone Numbers
If you are receiving a large number of unsolicited phone calls from the same number you can block that specific cell phone number on your phone.
Block All Unknown Phone Numbers
Some smart phones have the capacity and ability to block all unknown phone numbers. If you set your cell phone to block unknown number, that means if the phone number is not in your contact list, the cell phone will automatically reject anonymous calls.
Report It
Report robocalls and spam text messages. Complaints can be filed with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or the FCC (Federal Communication Commission). You can also forward SPAM text messages to 7726 or SPAM, this will report the SPAM number to the appropriate authorities.
Carrier Specific Options
Consumers can contact their telecom carrier or wireless provider to see what options they offer.
AT&T
AT&T offers customers Call Protect the basic version is available free of charge, a premium version is available for $3.99 per month. Call Protect includes automatic fraud blocking, nuisance warnings and more.
Sprint
Sprint offers customers a Call Screener free of charge to avoid robocalls and telemarketers. Sprint also offers an advanced version Sprint Call Screener Plus for $2.99 per month per line.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers both Scam ID and Scam Block to customers free of charge. Name ID is available to customers for $4.00 per month.
Verizon
Verizon offers customers Call Filter, customers can opt to upgrade to Call Filter Plus for $2.99 per month for a single line or $7.99 per month for 3+lines.
US Cellular
US Cellular provides customers two options the first option is Free Call Guardian. Free Call Guardian is available free of charge to customers. Premium Call Guardian is avaialble to customers for $3.99 per month. |
You are not defenseless against unwanted and unsolicited calls, there are actions you can take to at the very least reduce the number of unwanted interruptions.
Article Date: May 5, 2020
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How to Stop Robocalls on Cell Phones
