They can disrupt your daily life with unwanted sales pitches or worse, scam attempts. These calls can seem never-ending, but there are effective ways to reduce or even stop them altogether. Here’s a detailed guide to help you regain control of your phone and minimize these interruptions.
1. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
In the United States, the National Do Not Call Registry is an important tool for reducing telemarketing calls. This free service, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), allows you to register your mobile number so that most telemarketers can’t call you. To register, visit the Do Not Call website or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you wish to register. It may take up to 31 days for your registration to take effect. But remember, this registry does not block calls from political organizations, charities, or companies with which you have an existing relationship.
2. Use call blocking apps and features
Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block specific numbers or unknown callers. For example, the iPhone offers a “Silence Unknown Callers” feature that sends calls from numbers that are not in your contacts directly to voicemail. Android phones offer similar options that allow you to block or report spam numbers.
In addition to these built-in options, there are several apps designed specifically to block telemarketing calls. Apps like RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya use large databases of known spam numbers to automatically filter out unwanted calls. These apps can also block robocalls and identify potential scam callers before you answer.
3. Contact your mobile service provider
Many mobile service providers offer tools to help block unwanted calls. These services are very effective at filtering telemarketing calls. For example, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all offer call blocking services or apps that can detect and block spam calls. Contact your provider to find out what options are available to you, as some services may be free while others require a nominal fee.
4. Be mindful of where you share your number
One of the best ways to reduce telemarketing calls is to be caut Japanese phone number ious about sharing the location of your mobile number. Avoid posting your number on social media or giving it to websites or services that may not have a strong privacy policy. When filling out forms or signing up for services, look for a checkbox asking you to agree to share your contact information, and opt out if possible.
5. Report Spam Calls
If you continue to receive spam calls, be sure to report them. In the United States, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Reporting these calls helps authorities monitor and take action against offenders. Many call bloc SNBD Host king apps also allow you to report spam calls directly through their platform, making a concerted effort to curb telemarketing.
6. Opt Out of Marketing Lists
Often, telemarketing calls come from companies that have obtained yourer through marketing lists. To minimize this, you can opt out of these lists. Many companies offer the option to delete your information from their databases. Additionally, you can use services such as DMAchoice to reduce the number of marketing emails and calls you receive.
7. Use Call Screening
Call screening is an effective way to filter out unwanted calls. Many modern smartphones offer this feature, which allows you to see who is calling and why they are calling before you answer. For example, Google’s Pixel phones have a built-in call screening feature that uses Google Assistant to ask callers to confirm their identity. This can deter telemarketers from continuing and give you more control over which calls you receive.
8. Consider legal action
If telemarketing calls continue to come despite your efforts, you may have grounds for legal action. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) gives consumers the right to sue telemarketers who violate their Do-Not-Call requests. If you can prove that you asked the telemarketer to .