Unwanted calls are on the rise, and the scammers behind them are getting more and more sophisticated, which can make it hard to tell if a call is really a scam, especially if the scammer is spoofing a legitimate number that you recognize.
In many cases, you can tell right away that it’s a scam call, especially if the caller ID says “Unknown Caller.” But what happens when this anonymous caller keeps calling you? This can quickly become frustrating. The usual solution is to block the number, but this is easier said than done when the caller ID hides your real phone number.
Luckily, there are several effective methods and tools that can help you block or track anonymous calls and put a stop to nuisance calls once and for all.
To get security alerts, expert tips, sign up for Kurt’s newsletter – Cyberguy Report here
Incoming phone calls (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
3 Ways to Block Anonymous Calls
Spammers use a variety of methods to trick you into answering the phone and handing over sensitive data. If you don’t answer the phone or provide the requested information, they may continue calling.
Some scammers use robots to send so-called Robocalls Either way, here’s how you can get ahead of them and stop them bothering you.
1) Using your phone’s built-in features
First, your phone already has built-in features that allow you to block anonymous calls, or at least prevent them from making calls in the first place.
For iPhone:
The best way to block anonymous callers on your iPhone is to silence them.
- Go to setting > phone
- Scroll down and select Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle it on. Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail.
For Android:
On Android, that’s how you do it: block anonymous calls. Here’s an example of how to do this on a Samsung Galaxy, but keep in mind that the steps may vary slightly depending on the type of Android phone you have.
SSettings may vary depending on the Android phone manufacturer.
- open phone Apps
- Tap more Icon (three vertical dots) > setting > Call Blocking
- turn on Block anonymous calls
If you have another Android device and can’t find the “Block anonymous calls” feature, you can download an app that will help you do this instead.
- Download and install Should I answer? Apps From the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and set it to block unknown and hidden numbers. This handy feature helps you maintain your privacy and avoid unwanted calls.
BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR iPhone & Android – CYBERGUY’S CHOICE
2) Download a third-party app
Speaking of the ShouldIAnswer app, if you don’t have that option or don’t want to use your phone’s built-in settings and want an extra layer of security, you can use the following third-party apps to block anonymous callers:
Trap Call: Available for both iOS and Android, TrapCall reveals the phone number of anonymous callers and gives you the option to block them. App Store or Google Play Then follow the steps to set up the app.
True Caller: Truecaller is another option similar to TrapCall that identifies phone numbers that show up as “unknown” or “private” on your caller ID and lets you block them. You can download the app here: App Store or Google Play Next, configure the app.
The person receiving the call (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
3) Contact your mobile operator
An effective way to combat nuisance calls is to contact your mobile phone company. Many mobile phone companies offer services designed specifically to help their customers manage and reduce nuisance calls. Whether you call, contact them online, or stop by your local mobile phone store, your mobile phone company will be happy to help you.
Beware of “Say Yes” Phone Scams
How to track anonymous calls
Sometimes you want to know who is calling you. By uncovering who the anonymous caller is, you can find out if they are actually a scammer or just someone you know who is calling you repeatedly to harass you. There are a number of reasons why you might want to track these calls. We won’t go into all of them here, but if you need help finding out who is actually calling you, here are some methods you can try:
Dial *57: If you receive a harassing call, please dial *57 after the call so that the call can be traced and recorded with the telephone company so that it can be addressed if necessary.
Please dial *69: The service redials the last number that called you, even if you are anonymous, and allows you to identify and block numbers.
Man receiving a call (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Invest in a personal data deletion service
In an age where personal information is increasingly digital, there’s always the risk that it will be exploited by scammers. Investing in a personal data removal service is one of the most proactive measures you can take to protect yourself from unwanted calls and identity theft. These services work diligently to remove your personal information from public databases and websites that scammers frequently scrape to find their next target.
Why a personal data deletion service is worth considering
By keeping your personal information private, you reduce your chances of being targeted by scammers in the first place, and knowing that your information isn’t easily accessible gives you more peace of mind. Plus, these services often give you control over what information you want to make public and what you want to keep private.
How does the personal data deletion service work?
No service promises to delete all your data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of continually deleting information from hundreds of sites over a long period of time, using a deletion service can be a convenient option. Use my recommendations here to remove your personal data from the internet.
Combining a personal data removal service with the methods for blocking and tracking anonymous calls discussed in this article can significantly strengthen your defenses against the growing number of annoying spam calls.
Important points about the cart
Dealing with nuisance calls can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to combat them. By taking advantage of your phone’s built-in features, downloading third-party apps, or contacting your carrier, you can significantly reduce the number of nuisance calls you receive. You can also invest in a personal data removal service to further protect your privacy and minimize the risk of being targeted by scammers. Stay vigilant and proactive to keep those pesky nuisance calls at bay.
What role should governments and telecommunications companies play in tackling the epidemic of nuisance calls? Cyberguy.com/Contact Us.
If you want to hear more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to the free CyberGuy Report newsletter at the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Have a question for Kurt or tell us the story you’d like to see featured?.
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the CyberGuy’s most frequently asked questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All Rights Reserved.
