Best ways to block scam calls (Do this for your older relatives, too!)

The phone rings, and as soon as you say hello, the person on the other end starts babbling about saving money on car insurance. 

Don’t say anything! They could be recording your voice, which they’ll use to impersonate you. If you do speak up, avoid saying this one word.

I get this question a lot on my national radio show. If you’re too shy to come on my show, drop your note here on my site. I read every single one.

When it comes to telemarketing and scam calls, the best thing to do is not pick up the phone. 

But it’s not always easy to tell whether an incoming call is legitimate — especially if your phone doesn’t show that scam or spam warning.

You want to stop these calls before they happen. Here’s how.

5 SECRETS ONLY CYBERSECURITY PROS AND HACKERS KNOW

Block calls from your smartphone

Your phone has built-in security tools to protect you from scammers, and you should get to know one of the most basic: the block function.

If you get a call from a number you know is connected to a scammer or telemarketer, block it. You can do this as many times as you need to. 

Block calls from your iPhone

• Open the Phone app and tap the info button next to the number you want to block. The info button is a lowercase (i) inside a circle.
• Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

Incoming call is displayed on an iPhone (Cyberguy.com)

Block calls from your Android phone

• Open your Phone app.
• Tap More > Call history.
• Tap a call from the number you want to block.
• Tap Block/report spam.

What about unknown numbers? You might prefer to stop them altogether, but be careful. 

Silencing unknown callers could silence calls you may want to receive, such as from a doctor’s office, hospital, and other important calls from numbers not in your contacts. But generally, they will leave a voicemail if the call is important.

Silence unknown numbers from your iPhone

• Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
• Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

Silence unknown numbers from your Android

• Tap the Phone icon and select the three-dot menu.
• Go to Settings > Blocked Numbers.
• Toggle on Block Calls From Unidentified Callers.

Carrier tools

Elderly are easily targeted for scams (CyberGuy.com)

Your wireless carrier can help you avoid spam, too. Some have advanced caller ID that lets you know when a possible spam text reaches you. Some carriers provide an app with more powerful tools to block unwanted calls and texts.

This includes T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor, and Verizon Call Filter. Check your service provider’s website or call them to learn more about their services.

Though unexpected calls from outside the U.S. are big red flags to watch out for, scammers can trick you into thinking they are calling locally. Tap or click here for tips on spotting this trick and a list of area codes to avoid.

Third-party apps

Nomorobo is a third-party app that offers real-time protection from robocalls, telemarketers, spam texts, and phone scammers from calling your iOS or Android phone. It lets the phone ring once and then attempts to identify the caller. If the number is found on the app’s robocaller list, it will automatically be blocked.

You can try a free 14-day trial, and then you’ll need to pay $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year. The app is available for iOS and Android.

The Do Not Call registry

It might not stop everything, but it’s worth adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry if you never have. Adding your number to the list doesn’t cost anything, and its purpose is to stop sales calls, though we all know scammers don’t care about rules or laws.

Go to donotcall.gov to add your number. You can add multiple numbers to the list, so do your older family members a favor and add them.

Keep your tech-know going 

An incoming call pops up on a smart phone. (iStock)

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