You've probably already noticed that the phenomenon of email spam has almost disappeared recently. But since nature, like everything else, does not tolerate emptiness, it would be reckless to assume that it simply disappeared. It is much more likely that all those who used to spam emails have now invested in telephone spam. Anyway, not a day goes by without someone calling me and offering me some bullshit like learning how to invest, getting a credit card, or signing up for a new cell phone provider that doesn't actually exist. It's good that there are simple ways to get rid of this.
Tired of phone spam? You can get rid of it
How to extend Android support, or How long can your smartphone actually be updated?
As it turns out, there are quite a lot of people who would like to get rid of telephone spam and unwanted calls. You can understand this by searching on Google. If you even type “How to block...” or “How to block...” without adding the rest of the phrase, you will see that at the very top of the search results there will be queries like “how to block calls from unknown numbers ”, “ how to block calls from unknown numbers ” and “ how to block calls from unknown numbers .” This means that this need arises, plus or minus, for everyone. Luckily, I can help you sort this out.
How to block calls on different phone models
Blocking calls from hidden numbers is a simple task for all operating systems and models. It is enough to either go to the settings and perform a certain algorithm of actions, or download a special application, thanks to which you can eliminate unfamiliar calls.
Below are the simplest and most convenient ways to block phone calls from unknown numbers. First, let's look at the methods on Android versions.
SAMSUNG
In order to block calls on SAMSUNG phones, you need to follow the following procedure:
- Find the “Phone” section in your device;
- There will be three dots in the upper right corner. Click on them;
- Select the “Settings” section;
- Here you need to find the “Blocking numbers” section either manually or using the magnifying glass in the upper right corner;
- After you enter this section, find the line “Blocking unknown callers”;
- Click on the white circle. When activated, the small white stripe will turn green.
Huawei Honor
- Open Contacts on your smartphone. You will then see three horizontal dots on the bottom right corner. Click on them, it's "Settings".
- Activate the "Blocked" option.
- There will be two functions at the bottom, click on the right one “Blocking Rules”.
- The top line will be the “Call Blocking Rules” option. Click on it.
- Find the circle next to the “Block unknown/hidden numbers” feature and click on it. After this it should light up green.
Xiaomi
- Open Settings and select System Apps.
- Click on “Phone”, then on “Black List”. Select the “Unknown Call Blocker” feature.
- This is the first way to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi phones. You can also ban anonymous calls using another method.
- Open "Settings", find "System applications" there.
- Select "Call Settings".
- At the bottom there will be a line with the inscription “Antispam”, click on it.
- Click on the button on the top line “Enable antispam”, the circle should light up green.
- In the same section there will be a line “Call blocking”. Select it, and in it - “Block calls from hidden numbers”.
Hidden numbers
The ability to make your call anonymous is present in the settings of many smartphones. This feature is either carrier supported or simply available upon request from the telephone company. It is connected as an additional service, which is called “caller ID”. This option can be enabled once or permanently. With regular anonymous calls, most people want to block the unknown number. There are several ways to do this. Let's take a closer look at them.
"Call Barring"
An alternative option that also does not require the installation of additional software. It is not implemented on all smartphones. Call Barring is known to work on Honor smartphones:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the button that looks like three dots, and then go to “Settings”.
- Select the “More” section, and then “Call Barring”.
- Activate the slider.
The function also works on devices of other brands, so it makes sense to check it. However, the names of menu items will differ. Please note that sometimes the phone requires a password to activate the ban.
AntiNuisance
AntiNuisance may have a minimum of functions, but the program works like a clock. And the developers did not set out to stuff the application with as many options as possible. The programmers intended to make a lightweight and simple software product, and they succeeded. AntiNuisance does not have a ready-made database of numbers, but users can easily create their own. There is a function to block all calls from unknown numbers.
Do not disturb
The best option for those who want to limit incoming calls while sleeping. Do not disturb mode does not bar calls, but makes them silent. That is, the caller will hear long beeps. At the same time, important notifications, including the alarm clock, work in standard mode.
The option is activated in the same way as the “Airplane” mode, that is, through the notification shade. Only this time you need to activate the Do Not Disturb icon. The option can be disabled in the same way. Finally, you can configure its operation through the smartphone settings.
Using third party software
How to block a hidden number if the listed methods on the device for one reason or another do not work or do not suit the user? You can solve this problem by installing third-party programs from app stores.
The most popular program for Android is Calls Blacklist. This application works in the background and has a separate option for blocking hidden numbers. It's free and very easy to use.
For iPhone you can download Truecaller - one of the most famous and proven applications. There are free and paid versions.
Categories of telephone spammers
Who most often bothers subscribers with spam calls? Let's list three main categories of spammers.
Scammers
. Impersonate other people (representatives of banks, law enforcement agencies or medical institutions) with malicious intent, usually trying to obtain your secret banking information or force you to perform certain actions. They are often quite familiar with the methods of social engineering and sound quite convincing, and therefore pose a real danger to older people or simply gullible people.
Regardless of the specific type, at best, spam calls are time-consuming, and at worst, they can cost the unwary subscriber financial losses.
Advertising robots
. Pre-recorded dialers: An advertisement will be played when you pick up the phone. There are quite creative examples: for example, a robot from one of the jewelry chains speaks in the voices of pop stars and invites them to sales on their behalf.
Recently, many companies have begun to use artificial intelligence chatbots. Such bots can imitate the communication style of a real person, recognize the standard reactions of the interlocutor, and even ask again if you answer incomprehensibly. However, if you press hang up, there will most likely not be a call again.
Call center operators
. Real people calling a contact database in order to sell any services or goods. Unlike robots, they are quite intrusive and, if the subscriber is uncomfortable talking, they will try to contact him another day. Many companies, especially those offering services of dubious quality or at inflated prices, buy databases illegally. But spammers may also include those to whom you have given consent to use your personal data: for example, your provider may persistently offer to switch to a new tariff or connect to additional services.
How to get rid of spam calls? There are several options:
- use the built-in capabilities of your smartphone’s operating system;
- take advantage of the antispam services offered by the operator;
- install a special application to combat telephone spam.
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods.
Call Blocker
The simplicity of the name of this application matches the simplicity of its interface. There is nothing superfluous in Call Blocker functionality. The interface is simple and clear, it is easy to block calls and spam, thanks to the presence of built-in black and white lists. Scheduled work is also supported. For example, you can relax a little by temporarily turning off all incoming calls. Naturally, information about all incoming calls is saved.
The era of voice spam
Nowadays, the function of blocking calls from unknown numbers is becoming more and more popular, because... Every day the number of spam calls increases exponentially.
Among my circle, more and more people are complaining that they are constantly receiving calls from strange people (and sometimes robots) from unfamiliar numbers, distracting them from their work, and very often also waking them up in the early hours of the weekend, which cannot but irritate .
You yourself have probably heard more than once from your friends and even seen on forums questions like “They call me from unfamiliar numbers and they are silent. What is this?" or “Should I pick up the phone if an unfamiliar number calls?”, “I receive strange calls from different numbers. When I pick up the phone they hang up. Has anyone encountered this?
All this has already become common and commonplace in our time. Indeed, in about half of the cases, when answering a call from an unfamiliar number, a person hears silence or the call is immediately dropped.
I would like to clarify on my own behalf - if when answering such a call you hear silence or music, then most likely they are calling you from some call center. They know that in half the cases people simply do not pick up the phone from an unfamiliar number or drop such incomprehensible calls. Therefore, spammers dial several numbers at once and there may not be enough operators. Yes, that's how crazy it is. This is how call centers of banks and telecom operators work, calling people to invite them to get a card or participate in some promotion.
Whether to call these subscribers spammers or not is up to you. Personally, my reasoning is simple: if a call is inappropriate and causes me negative emotions, it’s spam and I mercilessly block such calls.
Particularly dangerous calls
By the way, don’t forget that outright scammers can also call from unfamiliar numbers “with music”. Nowadays, renting an IP telephony gateway is not particularly expensive. Therefore, scammers can even call you from a local number (i.e., with your area code) in order to instill trust, and either offer a loan on super favorable terms, or persuade you to pay a certain amount as an advance payment to buy a cool product at crazy discount.
Also, I think everyone has heard about this type of fraud called the “investigator’s call,” when they tell you “your son caused an accident where a person died. If you want to resolve the issue, transfer money..."
I say all this to say that calls from unfamiliar numbers are often distracting, annoying, and sometimes lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. If you are a modern, sensible person, you can easily distinguish a normal call from a “scam”. However, it is best to protect children or elderly family members who have personal mobile phones from such contact. It’s better that when you receive calls from subscribers who are not in your contacts, their phones simply “silently drop” the call.
Hiya
The Hiya app has one of the best databases compared to its competitors. If none of the programs described above suits you, Hiya will most likely suit you. The application is absolutely free. It has already been downloaded over 5 million times, which is saying something.
The user interface is well designed and has many useful functions. The program does a good job of blocking unwanted calls and SMS messages. You can also add text notes to specific numbers.
Call Blacklist
Call Blacklist is another heavyweight program that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The application has more than 10 million downloads and an interface that will appeal to most Android device owners.
The program is quite functional and visually attractive. Users respond well to it. If you are looking for an application that does everything and costs nothing, feel free to choose Call Blacklist. The program is absolutely free, but at the same time it is easy to use and has a large number of useful functions.
Call forwarding
If necessary, you can not block, but simply set up call forwarding. In this case, calls will be sent to another number:
- Go to the Phone app settings.
- Select the Calls section and then Call Forwarding.
- Confirm the forwarding and indicate the number to which calls will be received.
The function only works if the service of the same name is activated by your mobile operator. In some cases, they may ask for money for this, that is, the service is paid. Study the conditions for enabling redirection on your operator's website.
Mr. Number
Like a number of other apps on our list, Mr. Number is a database of numbers from which spam is sent or fraudulent schemes are implemented. Numbers involved in phishing and other illegal activities are automatically blocked, and the user is notified about an attempt to make a call.
The application has been developed for Android for a relatively long time. It has been updated several times, but, unfortunately, until now, the capabilities of this software to block SMS messages and calls remain limited. In general, the program performs its functions, but does not do it as well as we would like.
