How to stop spam calls: 8 steps that actually cut robocalls

Quick answer: To cut spam calls: (1) register at donotcall.gov (free), (2) turn on your carrier's free spam blocking — AT&T ActiveArmor, T-Mobile Scam Shield or Verizon Call Filter, (3) turn on Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone) or Filter spam calls / Call Screen (Android), (4) never answer or press 1 on robocalls, and (5) report numbers at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Together these stop most unwanted calls, though no method blocks every one.

Key takeaways

• Americans still get billions of robocalls every month, according to the YouMail Robocall Index.
• The Do Not Call Registry stops legitimate telemarketers — scammers ignore it, so you also need blocking.
• Carrier blocking is free on all major US networks. Turn it on in their app.
• Answering, pressing a number or saying "yes" tells robocallers your number is live.
• The IRS, Social Security and Medicare don't call to demand payment or threaten arrest.

Spam calls aren't just annoying — many are scams aimed at stealing money or personal details. This guide walks you through every layer of protection, from the free government registry to your phone's built-in filters, and explains what to do if you've already shared information with a scammer.

#Why you get so many spam calls

• Your number appears in data breaches, marketing lists or online forms.
• Robocallers dial random numbers in sequence — even brand-new numbers get calls.
• Caller ID spoofing lets scammers show a fake local number ("neighbour spoofing").
• Answering — even to say "stop calling" — marks your number as active, which can lead to more calls.

#Step 1: Register on the Do Not Call list

1. Go to donotcall.gov (or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register).
2. Enter up to three numbers and your email.
3. Click the link in the confirmation email within 72 hours.

Registration is free and never expires. Legitimate sales calls should stop within 31 days. Charities, political groups, surveys and companies you already do business with may still call.

Warning: If someone calls saying you must pay to join or renew the Do Not Call Registry, it's a scam. The registry is always free.

#Step 2: Turn on your carrier's free spam protection

These tools flag "Spam Risk" or "Scam Likely" on caller ID and can block high-risk calls before your phone rings. Paid versions add extras like personal block lists and caller name ID, but the free tier handles most spam. Smaller carriers and prepaid brands often have their own versions — check their app or website.

#Step 3: Use your phone's built-in filters

iPhone

• Silence Unknown Callers: Settings → Apps → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls or Siri suggestions go straight to voicemail.
• Call Screening (iOS 26 and later): Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers — your iPhone asks unknown callers for their name and reason before ringing.
• Block a number: Phone → Recents → tap ⓘ next to the number → Block this Caller.

Android (Google Pixel and Phone by Google app)

• Phone app → Settings → Spam and Call Screen → turn on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls.
• Call Screen (Pixel): Google Assistant answers unknown callers and shows you a live transcript; robocalls often hang up.
• Block a number: Recents → long-press → Block / report spam.

Samsung Galaxy

• Phone app → ⋮ → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection → turn it on and choose to block spam and scam calls.
• Bixby text call can answer for you on newer models.

Tip: Silencing unknown callers can mean missing calls from doctors, delivery drivers or schools. Check voicemail regularly, and save important numbers to your contacts.

#Step 4: Don't engage

• Don't answer numbers you don't recognise — let them go to voicemail.
• If you do answer a robocall, hang up immediately. Don't press 1 "to speak to an operator" or "to be removed".
• Don't say "yes" to questions like "Can you hear me?"
• Never give your Social Security number, bank details, card numbers or one-time codes to an incoming caller.

#Step 5: Report spam and scam calls

• FTC: report unwanted and scam calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (or report a Do Not Call violation at donotcall.gov).
• FCC: file a complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
• Your carrier: forward spam texts to 7726 ("SPAM"). Use "Report spam" in your phone app for calls.

Reports help regulators and carriers trace and shut down robocall operations.

#Step 6: Consider a call-blocking app

Third-party apps such as Nomorobo, Hiya, RoboKiller and Truecaller use large databases of spam numbers. Before installing:

• Check the privacy policy — some apps upload your contacts.
• Compare with your carrier's free tool first; you may not need both.

#Step 7: Reduce where your number spreads

• Don't put your phone number on public social media profiles.
• Use a secondary number (Google Voice or a second line) for shopping sites, sign-ups and online forms.
• Uncheck "share with partners" boxes on forms and warranty registrations.
• Ask data broker sites to remove your listing (many have opt-out pages).

#Step 8: Protect yourself from phone scams

Common scam calls in the US:

If you already shared information

• Bank or card details: call your bank using the number on your card; freeze or replace the card.
• SSN: place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and report at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Paid with a gift card: contact the card company immediately; keep the card and receipt.
• Gave remote access to your computer: disconnect it from the internet, run a security scan, and change passwords from another device. See how to tell if your phone is hacked.

#Frequently asked questions

Does the Do Not Call Registry stop robocalls?

It stops legitimate telemarketers, but scammers ignore it. Combine it with carrier and phone-level blocking.

Why am I getting so many spam calls suddenly?

Your number may have appeared in a data breach or on a marketing list, or robocallers are dialling numbers in sequence. Answering can also increase calls.

Is it safe to answer spam calls and hang up?

It's better not to answer. If you do, hang up without speaking or pressing any keys.

Does blocking a number stop spam calls?

It stops that one number, but scammers change numbers constantly. Carrier and phone filters are more effective.

Are spam blocking apps safe?

Many are, but read their privacy policies. Start with your carrier's free tool and your phone's built-in filter.

How do I report spam texts?

Forward them to 7726 (SPAM) and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Can scammers clone my voice from a call?

AI voice cloning needs a sample of your voice. Avoid long conversations with unknown callers, and set up a family safe word for emergencies.

#Sources

• FTC — Five ways to cut down on unwanted calls
• National Do Not Call Registry
• FTC — How to block unwanted calls
• FCC — Stop unwanted robocalls and texts
• YouMail — Robocall Index