How to Stop Receiving Unwanted Calls: Practical Solutions

Find out what to do when unwanted calls persist

Reports of people receiving spam calls are becoming more and more common. But don’t worry, we’ll show you how to stop receiving unwanted calls. 

In addition to being inconvenient, these calls may be attempts at virtual scams that aim to obtain financial and personal information to victimize people on a daily basis. 

So, come and learn the effective strategies to avoid unwanted calls and block SPAM once and for all!

Why are you getting unwanted calls?

With instant messaging apps, people rarely call each other these days. 

Therefore, it is surprising when we receive a call and curiosity is even greater when we realize that the call is from an unknown number. 

This fact alone is enough to put call recipients on alert, but when call volume exceeds limits, many people lose their patience. 

For this reason, excessive calls, also called SPAM, have become a common complaint and usually have several origins. The most common are:

• Telemarketing and sales: calls made by companies to sell products and services via call.
• Frauds and scams: fraudulent calls that seek to obtain sensitive information or scam those who answer.
• Market research: companies and research segments that contact people to apply questionnaires over the phone.
• Data sold to third parties: Increasingly, people's personal data has become a product to be sold, allowing contact for the sale of items and services.

What types of scams and threats can unwanted calls pose?

As we have illustrated above, unwanted calls can go beyond telemarketing and selling products over the phone, and can even amount to scams. 

Therefore, being well informed about the techniques used by scammers and the objectives of these practices is essential. 

Among the most common scams and threats that unwanted calls can bring are:

Phishing

This is also a very common practice via email, in which scammers pretend to be banks, government institutions and other trustworthy entities. 

From then on, the calls usually ask the victim to confirm data to avoid having their account blocked. 

Thus, the victim ends up providing sensitive personal information to criminals.

Vishing

The name is similar to the previous scam and also seeks to obtain confidential information from the victim via telephone. 

However, here scammers also try to convince the person to transfer money, using the name of financial institutions and other trustworthy entities.

Therefore, the objective here is not necessarily to gather personal information from victims, but rather to convince them to make bank transfers.

Prize scams, fake debts and fake charity

Here, criminals try to convince the victim that they have received a prize, have an outstanding debt, or pose as charities in an attempt to extort money.

In this way, the victim hears the story and justification for the call and then receives a request to send money or provide data to the caller.

Unfortunately, these are common scams and catch people off guard as they often don't remember where third parties could have gotten their phone number from.

For this reason, criminals seek to convey credibility to the victim, and contesting this type of call is always essential to protect yourself.

Family Emergency Scams

This is a very delicate scam, as criminals use emotional tricks to convince their victims that they are a relative or friend in trouble.

In many reports from victims, the calls included people crying or in a desperate tone, leading them to believe it was someone they knew due to the scare caused.

Thus, criminals request bank transfers, usually urgently, and in large amounts, which can harm many innocent people.

Tools and applications to block unwanted calls

Fortunately, there are native tools on cell phones, both Android and iOS, that help their users stop receiving unwanted calls. 

However, in the case of Android phones, the tools vary depending on the phone model and it is important to explore the native settings to see what is offered.

Therefore, using apps to block unwanted calls can be a great solution, as these tools automatically identify and block calls.

Below, we explain how to find and use native cell phone tools to block SPAM calls and present the best applications for this function.

How to stop receiving unwanted calls on your Android phone

• First, keep in mind that the settings and features for blocking unwanted calls on Android may vary depending on the phone. 
• However, you can usually find this feature in your phone settings, specifically under “Call Settings”. 
• Look for “Call Blocking” or “Blocked Calls List”. 
• Then add the number you want to block.

Alternatively, you can try blocking calls as follows:

• Open the contacts app on your phone.
• Then tap on the “Organize” tab, located in the bottom right corner.
• After that, scroll down and select “Blocked numbers”.
• Finally, activate the option to block calls from unidentified numbers.

How to stop receiving unwanted calls on your iOS phone

• Go to your iPhone settings and find the “Phone” option. 
• Then select “Call Blocking and Identification” and go to “Call Blocking”. 
• Now add numbers to the block list.
• Alternatively, still on the “Phone” page, you can silence all unknown calls.

Apps to stop receiving unwanted calls on your cell phone

Finally, learn about apps that automatically identify and block SPAM calls.

Here are options available for both Android and iOS.

Mr. Number

Firstly, Mr. Number identifies and blocks unwanted calls, preventing SPAM, scams and fraud.

For this reason, you will not receive the call, as it will be intercepted by the application, which recognizes malicious numbers through suspicious behavior.

Like other apps on this list, Mr. Number has a database of numbers already identified as SPAM and blocks them automatically.

Truecaller

Like Mr. Number, Truecaller is a solution for those looking to stop receiving unwanted calls. 

However, this application has a difference: in addition to blocking calls, it also identifies and blocks suspicious SMS. 

Additionally, you can search for numbers in the app history and check contact details, identifying whether it is a malicious number or not.

Whoscall

Whoscall is a solution for those who want to stop receiving unwanted calls, but it goes beyond that! 

This application identifies and blocks suspicious calls from a database with more than 2.6 billion registered malicious numbers. 

Additionally, it is possible to check the security of links received via SMS and identify numbers and messages even offline, without an internet connection. 

By reporting suspicious calls, you contribute to the Whoscall number list and become part of this collaborative digital security network. 

Finally, this application may have paid tools, so it is recommended to check what features are included in the free version.

Security Tips for Keeping Your Phone Number Private

Given the various risks that exposing your data can pose, it is important to be informed about your rights and understand that there are bodies that act in this regard. 

Therefore, the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) is an example of a legislative measure that regulates the collection, storage and sharing of personal data. 

Therefore, it is always important to commit to products and services that follow this law and guarantee the safety of your customers and users first.

In addition, there are daily strategies that can enhance your security and protect your data. Check them out:

• Do not disclose your phone number unnecessarily: avoid sharing your phone number on public social networks or untrustworthy websites.
• Know and use privacy settings: Your social media accounts and apps often have tools to increase security and privacy.
• Avoid replying to suspicious messages: If you do not know the number or are suspicious of the content of the message or call, avoid responding to it.
• Update your passwords regularly: Updating your passwords regularly and using two-factor authentication reduces the risk of your data falling victim to hacker attacks.
• Be careful when filling out the form: Always check the website's privacy policy and make sure your phone number will not be shared or sold to third parties without your permission.

The role of regulatory agencies in combating unwanted calls

Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in combating unwanted calls by creating guidelines that protect consumers from abuse. 

One of the main functions of these entities is to regulate telecommunications operators, ensuring that they follow specific rules to reduce the number of unwanted calls. 

These regulations involve, for example, the creation of blocking registries, where consumers can register their numbers to prevent them from receiving marketing calls.

In addition, regulatory agencies monitor telemarketing operators and companies, applying fines and sanctions when there are violations of established standards. 

The work of these entities also includes the implementation of technologies and mechanisms that help identify fraudulent calls and block suspicious numbers at a national level. 

As technology advances, agencies have worked to develop more efficient protection systems, such as using artificial intelligence to detect abusive call patterns.

Another important role of these agencies is to raise awareness among the population. 

They run educational campaigns that inform consumers about their rights and the steps they can take to avoid unwanted calls. 

Collaboration between regulatory agencies, operators and the public is essential to effectively address this issue. 

In the future, these regulations are expected to become even stricter and new technologies are expected to be implemented to protect users more efficiently.

How carriers can help block unwanted calls

Telephone operators can play an active role in blocking unwanted calls by offering their customers protection and filtering tools. 

One of the main forms of collaboration is the development of systems that automatically identify and block numbers known to make unwanted or fraudulent calls. 

These systems use constantly updated lists of suspicious numbers, preventing calls from reaching users.

Additionally, carriers may offer additional services, such as apps that allow consumers to block specific numbers or categorize calls as spam. 

These apps can be an effective solution for those who want more control over incoming calls.

Operators also have the ability to implement AI-based solutions that analyze call behavior and identify spam or fraud patterns.

Another form of support is through educational campaigns, in which operators guide customers on how to avoid unwanted calls and protect their personal data. 

Often times, users themselves do not know how to activate the available blocking features or what the best practices are for keeping their phone number safe. 

By offering support and guidance, operators help to reduce the number of nuisance calls.

Finally, operators can work with regulatory agencies to ensure that protective measures are effective and up to date. 

This collaboration is essential to address the increasing sophistication of unwanted calls and ensure user safety.

Myths and truths about protecting your phone number

There are many myths about phone number protection, and it's essential to know the truths behind them to effectively protect yourself from unwanted calls. 

Below, we debunk some of the most common myths and explain what is actually true:

• Myth: Avoiding sharing your number protects against spam.

True: While useful, scammers can obtain numbers in a variety of ways, such as purchasing lists of data, so additional protective measures are required.

• Myth: Blocking calls on your cell phone solves all problems.

True: Blocking specific numbers is effective for repetitive calls from the same source, but new spam numbers may continue to call. Specialized apps and carrier filters are more effective.

• Myth: Returning calls from unknown numbers is safe.

True: This is one of the main tricks used by scammers. Returning calls from suspicious numbers can lead to paid services or even compromise your security. Avoid returning unknown calls.

• Myth: Regulatory agencies automatically block all unwanted calls.

True: While regulations are important, protection depends on consumer collaboration, operator collaboration and the use of appropriate technologies.

By knowing these truths, you can take more effective steps to protect your phone number and avoid being bothered by unwanted calls.

How to Educate Friends and Family About Protecting Yourself from Unwanted Calls

Educating friends and family about protecting themselves from unwanted calls is essential to ensuring everyone stays safe. 

Many people, especially older people, may be more vulnerable to phone scams and fraud. 

One of the first steps is to explain the importance of never sharing personal or financial information over the phone, especially if the call is unexpected or from an unknown number.

Another important tip is to teach you how to identify signs that a call may be fraudulent. 

Calls that insistently ask for personal information or that promise offers that are too good to be true are generally suspicious. 

Encourage your friends and family to hang up if they feel something is wrong and, if necessary, to call the company or institution in question directly to verify the authenticity of the call.

Additionally, it is important to teach everyone how to use the call blocking tools available on their cell phones. 

Many devices already come with these functions built in, but it is common for people not to know how to activate them. 

Helping your friends and family set up these protections can prevent them from receiving unwanted calls as often.

Finally, encourage them to report suspicious calls to their carriers and the appropriate authorities. 

This way, they not only protect themselves, but also help prevent others from falling victim to scams. 

Ongoing education on digital security practices is the best way to ensure everyone is protected.

The influence of artificial intelligence on new spam call scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way scammers make unwanted calls, making attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. 

Using AI, it is possible to create automated systems that generate mass calls, using synthetic voices that imitate the tone and naturalness of a real human voice. 

This makes it harder for victims to identify that they are dealing with a machine, which increases the chances of the scam being successful.

Additionally, AI allows scammers to personalize calls according to the victim’s profile. 

Using data obtained from public or private sources, artificial intelligence can adapt the call message to make it more convincing. 

For example, the system could use the victim's name, references to recent purchases, or even simulate the voice of someone they know.

Another worrying aspect is the use of AI to bypass call blocking systems. 

Scammers are creating algorithms that can generate temporary or masked phone numbers, making it difficult for operators or security apps to track and block these calls. 

This requires protection solutions to evolve rapidly to keep up with these new threats.

With AI, spam call scams are becoming increasingly complex, requiring consumers to be vigilant and adopt more stringent security practices to protect themselves from these growing threats.

The Future of Call Blocking Technologies: What to Expect

The future of call blocking technologies promises to be even more efficient, with innovations focused on protecting users from unwanted calls. 

One of the key trends is the increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify fraudulent call patterns in real time. 

These systems will be able to predict and automatically block suspicious numbers, based on advanced behavioral analysis.

Additionally, integration between carriers, smartphone manufacturers and app developers is set to intensify, enabling more integrated and effective call blocking solutions. 

In the future, mobile operating systems may have more robust native locks, eliminating the need for third-party applications for this function.

Another expected innovation is increased personalization. 

Users will be able to set more specific blocking filters, such as categories of unwanted calls, times when they do not want to be disturbed, and even geographic regions where calls originate. 

This will give the consumer even greater control over incoming calls.

Finally, government regulations are expected to become stricter, forcing operators to implement more advanced technologies and to collaborate more actively in combating unwanted calls. 

With these changes, the future points to greater protection and fewer interruptions caused by unwanted calls.

Key Points: What You Need to Remember

• Call blocking apps like Mr. Number and Truecaller, help block unwanted calls automatically and offer more security.
• Regulatory agencies play a crucial role in combating unwanted calls by creating guidelines and regulating operators and companies.
• Telephone operators offer call protection and blocking tools, including automated systems that identify suspicious numbers.
• Avoiding number sharing does not fully protect against spam; scammers obtain numbers in a variety of ways, such as purchasing data lists.
• THE artificial intelligence is being used by scammers to create more sophisticated calls, with synthetic voices and masked numbers.
• The future of call blocking technologies involves artificial intelligence advanced, integration between operators and greater customization of blocking filters.

See also: learn how to remove viruses from your cell phone

If you've made it this far, you already understand that our personal data has become sensitive targets for attacks and scams. 

Therefore, keeping your digital security up to date and learning techniques to ensure data privacy is essential for a smooth digital experience.

Therefore, we have brought you additional tips and recommendations for applications, this time focused on removing and preventing virus attacks on cell phones. 

It may be news, but just like computers, cell phones are also common targets for hacker attacks. 

So, ensure your safety and check out our tips below!