Although it seems like we’re losing the battle against robocallers, you don’t have to sit idly by while they take over your phone lines. Use these tools to block, identify and control unwanted calls.
They can help you by…
Your Carrier’s Tools
Different carriers take steps to stop calls from ever reaching your line. They’re starting to rely on a technology called STIR/SHAKEN, which verifies that the calls are real and not spoofed (coming from a faked number to make it look familiar or legit).
Your Phones
Your smartphone itself may have some tools that help identify and block robocalls and spam. Google has a feature called Call Screen, ‘which will give a warning if a suspected spam call comes in. Call Screen is available on Pixel phones and is rolling out to Nokia and Motorola phones. This technology seems so cool that today I broke down and ordered a Pixel 3 so I could play with it.
Samsung Galaxy phones also have a built-in function called Smart Call.
And as for poor iPhone users and other phone owners, you have to use a third-party app or one of the carrier tools above. Or you can block unknown callers via your settings, and then block spammers one by one.
Third-Party Apps
These kinds of apps have historically been very effective in identifying and blocking spammers, but now they’re less effective. But it doesn’t hurt to have these to catch as many bad calls as you can. Most have free versions with modestly priced upgrades.
Apps
Phone Screening Services
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