1. Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. By registering your phone number, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the Do Not Call Registry website
- Click on the “Register Your Phone” button
- Follow the instructions to enter your phone number and email address
- Verify your registration by clicking on the link sent to your email
By registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, you can avoid receiving unsolicited calls from telemarketers and other organizations.
2. Use call blocking apps
Call blocking apps are a handy tool to block unwanted calls from specific numbers or even entire categories. These apps utilize large databases of known spam numbers to filter out unwanted calls. Here are some popular call blocking apps you can consider:
- Hiya
- Truecaller
- Mr. Number
- Call Control
By installing and configuring one of these call blocking apps on your smartphone, you can effectively filter and block inappropriate phone calls.
3. Screen your calls with caller ID
Most smartphones come equipped with caller ID functionality. By enabling caller ID on your phone, you can see the caller’s number or name before answering the call. This allows you to screen your calls and avoid picking up calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Here’s how to enable caller ID on iOS and Android:
- iOS: Go to Settings > Phone > Caller ID & Spam and enable the “Caller ID & Spam” toggle
- Android: Open the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID and enable “Caller ID”
With caller ID enabled, you can have better control over which calls you answer, minimizing the chances of receiving inappropriate phone calls.
In conclusion, unwanted phone calls can be incredibly frustrating. However, by utilizing the strategies mentioned in this article, you can significantly reduce the number of inappropriate calls you receive. Remember to register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, consider using call blocking apps, and enable caller ID on your smartphone. Implementing these strategies will help you reclaim your privacy and peace of mind.