How to Stop Robocalls and Phone Scams
Quick Answer
Robocalls are the most complained-about consumer issue the FTC receives. The Do Not Call Registry helps with legitimate telemarketers, but illegal robocallers ignore it entirely. Stopping unwanted calls requires a combination of registration, carrier tools, and third-party blocking apps. This guide covers all three.
The Do Not Call Registry: What It Does and Does Not Do
The National Do Not Call Registry, maintained by the FTC, is free to join and tells legitimate telemarketers not to call your number.
Register at: donotcall.gov
Phone: 1-888-382-1222 (call from the number you want to register)
What to expect: Registration is permanent. You should see a reduction in legitimate telemarketing calls within 31 days of registering. Your number stays on the list unless you ask to remove it.
What it does not stop:
- Illegal robocallers who ignore the law
- Political calls and surveys
- Charitable organisations
- Companies you have an existing business relationship with
- Debt collectors
Most of the calls people receive today fall into the "illegal robocaller" category, which is why the registry alone is not enough.
Carrier Call-Blocking Tools
All four major carriers offer free built-in call-blocking tools. Enable these first, as they work at the network level before calls even reach your phone.
| Carrier | Tool Name | How to Enable | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | ActiveArmor | Download AT&T ActiveArmor app or call settings | Free |
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield | T-Mobile app → Scam Shield, or text "ON" to 674-30 | Free |
| Verizon | Call Filter | Download Verizon Call Filter app | Free (basic) |
| Consumer Cellular | Basic call blocking | Settings in account portal | Free |
These tools use network-level data to identify and flag likely scam calls before they ring through.
Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps
If carrier tools are not enough, these apps add an additional layer of filtering:
Nomorobo: Intercepts robocalls before your phone rings. Works with VoIP home phones and mobile. Free for landlines, paid for mobile.
Hiya: Identifies spam and scam calls, available for iOS and Android. Free basic version available.
RoboKiller: Blocks calls and uses "answer bots" to waste robocallers' time. Paid subscription.
YouMail: Blocks calls and provides visual voicemail. Free basic version available.
All of these work by comparing incoming numbers against databases of known scam numbers updated in real time.
How to Report Robocalls and Phone Scams
Reporting illegal robocalls helps the FCC and FTC identify and take action against the operations behind them.
Report to the FTC:
| Agency | Website / How to File |
|---|---|
| Online | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Phone | 1-877-382-4357 |
| What to expect | Reports feed into the Consumer Sentinel database used by 3,000+ law enforcement agencies. No personal follow-up in most cases. |
Report to the FCC:
| Agency | Website / How to File |
|---|---|
| Online | ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov |
| Phone | 1-888-225-5322 |
| What to expect | FCC uses reports to identify carriers passing illegal traffic and to build enforcement cases against robocall operations. |
Report violations of the Do Not Call Registry:
- Same as FTC above. If you are on the registry and receive a telemarketing call, reporting it is the primary enforcement mechanism.
Recognising Phone Scam Tactics
Knowing what scam calls sound like is as useful as blocking them. Common scripts include:
- "Your Social Security number has been suspended" (the SSA does not call to suspend numbers)
- "You owe back taxes and will be arrested today" (the IRS initiates contact by mail, not phone)
- "You've won a prize, press 1 to claim it" (advance fee fraud)
- "This is your bank's fraud department, please verify your account" (never give codes over the phone)
- "Your computer has a virus, press 2 for tech support" (tech support scam)
The core rule: any call creating urgency and asking for immediate payment or account information is a scam. Hang up and call the organisation directly using a number from their official website.