How to stop spam calls and texts

Free tools from your carrier and your phone

• AT&T: ActiveArmor is free with every AT&T wireless plan, on a compatible phone with the ActiveArmor app. In its app, fraud calls are set to Block, and you can block spam calls or send them to voicemail.
• T-Mobile: ScamShield is free for T-Mobile customers with a capable phone. It labels Scam Likely calls. To block them, dial #662# or turn on Scam Block in the T-Life app.
• Verizon: Call Filter (free) comes with standard monthly and prepaid plans on compatible phones. It flags spam and sends high-risk spam calls to voicemail. Manage it in the Verizon Protect app.
• iPhone (current iOS): go to Settings, Apps, Phone. Set Screen Unknown Callers to Ask Reason for Calling or Silence, and turn on your spam filter under Call Filtering.
• Android with the Phone by Google app: caller ID and spam protection is on by default. To block spam calls, turn on Filter spam calls under Settings, Caller ID and spam. On phones with Call Screen, spam blocking is one of its options instead.
• Spam texts: T-Mobile says it blocks spam texts at no extra charge. The FTC says your phone may have an option to filter messages from unknown senders.

What the Do Not Call Registry does and doesn't do

• It's free to add your home or cell number. It tells registered telemarketers which numbers not to call.
• Your registration never expires. Sales calls can take up to 31 days to stop.
• It won't stop scammers. The FTC says scammers don't care if you're on the Registry.
• Some calls are still allowed: political calls, charities, debt collectors, purely informational calls, surveys, and companies you've recently done business with.
• It covers marketing texts to cell numbers too. Since March 26, 2024, FCC rules say the Registry's protections extend to text messages.

How to cut down spam calls and texts

1. 1

   Turn on your carrier's spam filter and your phone's spam setting, from the list above. If your carrier isn't listed, check its website for what it offers. The FTC says some carriers' tools are free and some charge.

2. 2

   Add your home and cell numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry. It's free. Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to add, or go to: donotcall.gov (opens in a new tab)

3. 3

   Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. If you pick up a robocall, hang up. Don't press 1 or any other number: the FTC says it will probably only lead to more robocalls.

4. 4

   Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM). The FTC says it helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages. Then report it as junk or spam in your messaging app.

5. 5

   Don't tap links in texts you didn't expect, and never read a code to a caller. The FTC says a caller who asks for your verification code is always a scam.

6. 6

   Report unwanted calls to the FTC at donotcall.gov. Include the number on your caller ID, even if you think it's fake.

7. 7

   Not sure about a text? Paste it into our free scam check. It's an automated check, so it can be wrong: Is this a scam?

Do call-blocking apps work?

They can help. The FTC says call blocking can reduce unwanted calls, but not all scam calls get flagged. Some apps are free and some charge, and some read your contacts, so check the app's privacy policy first.

Will a filter block calls I want?

It can. AT&T and T-Mobile both say their blocking may stop calls you want. Save important numbers, like family and your doctor's office, in your contacts.

Why do I get so many spam calls?

Partly because your number may be out there. People-search sites list phone numbers with names and addresses, and California's privacy agency says data brokers sell phone numbers. Auto dialers can also send thousands of calls a minute, the FTC says.