You just sit down to dinner and the phone rings. You want to ignore this. But maybe this is work? Maybe something happened to your family or friend? No, it’s a robot call.
Telemarketers, telephone scams, market polls, and debt collectors have two things in common. First, they are all annoying. Second, they don’t use their fingers to dial. It takes too long and they are busy with large volumes.
What volume? In January 2020 alone, more than 4.7 billion calls were made in the United States using robots. That’s an average of 14.4 calls per US resident
Instead of finger dialing, they use programs to view their list of numbers to call. When someone answers, the person picks up the call. Or he simply plays a pre-recorded message asking him to enter numbers in return.
There are two main ways to stop or block calls from robots:
- Use the blocking features built into your phone.
- Use an application designed to block spam phone calls.
Android
How to use the phone’s built-in call blocking features
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Depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone and the version of Android installed, there may be two built-in ways to block robot calls. You can block them individually, or you can block calls from any number that is not in your contacts. If you just want to spend the night in peace, you can also use the Do Not Disturb feature in Android.
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Block One number
- In the phone app, click the three dots menu in the upper right corner.
- A small menu will open. Click “Settings”.
- In this window, we can enter the number to be blocked, or click “Recent” to find a recent subscriber to block.
- Once they are blocked, it will be added to the list. If we accidentally blocked a good number, click on the red minus sign next to the number. This will unlock it.
Block all numbers outside contacts
Be careful with this when trying to block robot calls. We can also block many legitimate calls. Do this only if you are sure that everyone who can call you is in your contacts.
- From the Phone app, click the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
- In the menu that opens, click “Settings”.
- Click Block Numbers.
- Click the slider button next to the unknown subscribers block.
iPhone
IPhone also has two built-in ways to block robot calls. As with Android, you can block individual numbers or use the Mute Unknown Callers feature.
Block one number
- In the Phone app, tap Recents.
- Find the number you want to block. Tap the iphone-information-icon.png icon next to it.
- Scroll down and click Block This Caller.
Silence of unknown subscribers
If someone who is NOT in your contacts calls you, your phone will not ring. So make sure you have people in your contacts that are important to you.
Please note that this method does not actually block calls from robots. The phone will just stop ringing. The caller will be sent to your voicemail and their number will appear in your recent messages.
- Go to Settings, then Phone.
- Halfway down, click the slider next to the Mute Unknown Callers box.
Automatic Call Blocker Apps
If you use any of the above methods, you probably won’t need a robotic call blocker app, unless you really get an avalanche of calls. At this point, it is probably best to call your telephone operator and ask for a different phone number. Many service providers allow you to switch your number online yourself. Some service providers also provide free call blocking apps, so check with them first.
Be wary of robot call blocking apps or any other app for that matter. Security researcher Dan Hastings has researched what some of the best robot call blocking apps do on our phones.
He found that many of them received information from your phone that they could sell. Most apps don’t mention this in their licensing or privacy agreements. Also consider adding a security app to your phone.
Who are they selling information to? Ultimately marketers. Marketers are also one of the groups responsible for many of the robots that are made. They’ll catch you anyway.
But if you think you need an app, let’s take a look at a couple.
Call Blocker from Android Does Command
It is highly customizable and has a well-defined privacy policy. The features of the free version are simple and easy to use. However, there are advertisements and some complaints that it eats up a lot of data.
Call blocker from Grus Group
Call blocker is a popular name and this free app blocks robot calls. In addition, it allows you to search by phone numbers and schedule Do Not Disturb. Set it at night or during meetings to block all calls.
An ounce for prevention
Like everything else, a little foresight can go a long way. Be careful who you give your phone number to. Anyone who asks you for a phone number to enter contests or free stuff will call you. They will probably sell it to other people as well. They will make you pay somehow.
Have a few tips for blocking robots? Or maybe a funny story about how to get a spammer in trouble? We’d love to hear about this in the comments below.
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