What is Stop Spam Calls?
Methods and tools for reducing unwanted robocalls, scam calls, and telemarketing calls — including carrier-level blocking, third-party apps, Do Not Call registration, and the root cause solution of removing your phone number from data broker databases.
Also known as: Block Spam Calls, Stop Robocalls, Block Telemarketing Calls
Americans receive an estimated 4 billion+ robocalls per month. If you're drowning in spam calls, it's because your phone number is circulating through data broker databases. Here's how to fight back.
Why You're Getting Spam Calls
Your phone number is likely in hundreds of databases because of:
- Data brokers — Companies like Acxiom, LexisNexis, and people search sites compile and sell phone numbers
- Data breaches — Your number was exposed in one or more breaches
- Online forms — Every website, app, and service you've given your number to
- Public records — Voter registration, property records, court filings
- Social media — Phone numbers added to profiles are harvested
- Answering spam calls — Confirms your number is active, resulting in more calls
Immediate Solutions
1. Carrier-Level Blocking
| Carrier | Free Tool | How to Enable |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield | Dial #662# or download app |
| AT&T | ActiveArmor | Download AT&T Call Protect app |
| Verizon | Call Filter | Download Call Filter app |
2. Phone Settings
- iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers (sends unknown numbers directly to voicemail)
- Android: Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & Spam → Filter spam calls
3. Third-Party Apps
| App | Platform | Free Tier | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomorobo | iOS/Android/Landline | Yes | Robocall blocking |
| Hiya | iOS/Android | Yes | Caller ID + spam detection |
| RoboKiller | iOS/Android | No ($4.99/mo) | Aggressive blocking + answer bots |
| Truecaller | iOS/Android | Yes | Caller ID (note: uploads your contacts) |
4. Do Not Call Registry
- Register at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222
- Reduces legitimate telemarketing but has no effect on illegal robocalls and scams
- Takes up to 31 days to take effect
Root Cause Solution
The only way to significantly reduce spam calls long-term is to remove your phone number from data broker databases:
- Opt out of major data brokers — Spokeo, WhitePages, BeenVerified, Radaris, and 600+ others
- Use automated removal services — See /remove for services that handle ongoing removal from 635+ sites
- Use a virtual number for online signups going forward — keep your real number private
- Remove your number from social media and public profiles
Prevention Going Forward
- Never give your real number to websites, apps, or forms that don't absolutely require it
- Use a virtual phone number for signups and non-essential contacts
- Don't answer unknown calls — let them go to voicemail
- Never press "1 to be removed" — this confirms your number is active
- Report spam — Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM); report calls to the FTC
Related Terms
Caller ID Spoofing
The practice of falsifying the phone number displayed on a recipient's caller ID to disguise the caller's identity — used by scammers to impersonate banks, government agencies, and known contacts to trick victims into answering and sharing information.
Data Broker
A company that collects personal information from various sources, aggregates it into detailed profiles, and sells it to third parties. Data brokers operate largely in the shadows, compiling information about people who often don't know they exist.
How to Remove Your Information Online
A practical guide to reducing your digital footprint by opting out of data brokers, deleting old accounts, removing search results, and minimizing future data exposure.
People Search Sites
Websites that aggregate and sell personal information including addresses, phone numbers, relatives, and criminal records, making anyone's details available for a small fee.
Virtual Phone Number
A phone number that isn't tied to a physical SIM card or phone line — used for privacy-conscious communication, separating personal and business identities, protecting your real number from data brokers, and providing a layer of anonymity for online signups.
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