Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Stopping Calls at the Source
• Method 2 of 2: Block Calls on Your Phone
• Tips
• Warnings

There is nothing worse than waking up on a Sunday morning at 8:00 am from an unwanted phone call, or being distracted by it during lunch. Telemarketing has become active in recent years, with the result that thousands of complaints have been lodged with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). So how can you stop unwanted calls once and for all? See Step 1 for what you can do today.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Stopping Calls at the Source

1. 1 Find the "unwanted calls" registry. This registry is available to residents of the United States and lists the numbers and owners from whom unwanted telemarketing calls are coming in. Register your phone number by calling (888) 382-1222 or at www.donotcall.gov. / ref>
   • This list was created by the FTC in 2003 and can reduce unwanted telemarketing calls by about 80 percent.
   • Some organizations are not included in the "unwanted calls" list. These include:
     • Calls from organizations you have established a business relationship with
     • Calls from organizations that have received your call permission
     • Non-commercial calls and those that do not include advertisements
     • Calls from tax-free non-profit organizations.
2. 2 Call your telephone company and ask to speak to the Complaints Department. This specialized department can place a trap on your phone line that will block certain callers.
3. 3 Register your phone number with a special company that will put you on the “unwanted calls” list. If you regularly receive annoying calls from telemarketing companies, you can ask them to remove your number from the caller list.The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will require your number to be removed from company lists for 5 years.
4. 4 Use a search engine to find out who is calling. If you are unsure of the reliability of the caller you are identifying, search to find out who is calling. Entering some information into the search may give you some information about the subscriber. Many online reports allow you to share your experience with other users.

Method 2 of 2: Block Calls on Your Phone

1. 1 Install the call blocking application on your phone. Even though telemarketers don't hide their numbers, blocking unknown numbers is a great way to avoid unwanted calls. If you are using an iPhone or Android, there are apps for them that automatically block calls from hidden numbers.
   • Call Control is the most popular Android app that blocks telemarketing.
   • Call Bliss is the most popular iPhone application that blocks unknown calls.
2. 2 Change the settings on your phone. Android and iPhone have settings to only receive calls from people you want to hear. The downside is that if the organization or person you really want to hear calls from an unfamiliar number, you will not receive the call. If you are getting an excessive number of unknown calls from spammers every day, this might be a good option.
   • You can put your Android in private mode, in which you will receive calls from people in your notebook that you want to hear.
   • Use iPhone Do Not Disturb mode. You can block all calls except those you have selected in your notebook.
3. 3 Use number interception. Number interception is a paid service that reveals hidden numbers. Call pickup is a popular service that works on both your landline phone and iPhone and Android.
4. 4 Subscribe to a custom telephone line for your phone. Your telephone company provides a wide range of blocking services. These types of services come with a monthly payment. Call your telephone company to find out what types of services are available to you. Services such as Call Display, Priority Call and Call Forwarding are available in many states.
   • Call Display can be configured to block unwanted calls by first sending a message to the subscriber stating that you will not receive calls.
   • Priority Call allows you to customize ringtones for each subscriber so that you can know without looking at your phone whether you want to pick up the phone or not.
   • Call Forwarding allows you to call the last person who called you, even if he is “private” or “unavailable”.
5. 5 Buy an incoming call blocker for your landline phone. Blockers will require a personal code from incoming calls to contact you. This will save you from calls that do not have your personal code. But on the other hand, it can create inconvenience for your friends, family and acquaintances who want to contact you. But this service is worth it if you are being stalked by lawyers.

Tips

• Be polite to your phone company when you talk about unwanted calls. This is not the phone company’s fault; they’ll be more than happy to help you if you’re polite.

Warnings

• If unwanted calls are haunting you constantly, for example, the caller uses profanity, is rude or threatens, be sure to seek help from the authorities.
• Be careful when using Call Forwarding, as the person to whom you are calling may not be ready for this and may be hostile.
• The blocker of incoming calls is configured so that it is necessary to enter a personal code. This means that emergency calls will not be available.