How to reduce scammer calls?
Posted by prasaysno@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 190 comments
[removed]
Posted by prasaysno@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 190 comments
[removed]
Gentle_Comment807@reddit
Download WOTCHA!!! It’s brilliant
anxiousthroway85@reddit
I block the individual numbers as they come through. Once a few years back I went along with the whole call and told them my email address was stopfuckingcallingme@gmail.com - no idea why but it stemmed the calls for quite some time after that.
Alex--JH@reddit
Have you activated call screening? I think it was iOS 26 that brought it.
Fantastic feature, any unknown numbers are asked to state the reason for call and it does voice to text on your screen while they speak. You can decide from that whether to answer or ignore
BrokeAsShiet@reddit
Does it screen GP calls though? They use an 0300 number to ring back and it’s not always the same number so can’t save them all
Papfox@reddit
If you put the 0300 number in your contacts, calls from it should bypass call screening because the phone knows who they are
CareerMilk@reddit
Why can't the GP's just say why they are calling?
BirdieStitching@reddit
GPs and other healthcare professionals have to gain consent to leave voicemails. I work for a company that does NHS work and we have to ensure consent is taken at first contact or we can't leave a message.
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
This is maybe specific to your department within your trust, but it's absolutely not an NHS thing.
Nor does it even apply to this this type of call screening.
rovellana742@reddit
ummm yes tf it does? are you mentally disabled or something? 🤣🤣🤣
Leonichol@reddit
!dick
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
It's absolutely not true that nhs employees can't leave voicemails.
That's unhinged.
rovellana742@reddit
considering the amount ive times ive had to deal with the nhs myself for various reasons, yes tf they do leave voicemails cuz ive got them before 😂😂🤣🤣🤣
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
You're literally agreeing with me. Christ almighty, are you a bit slow upstairs? Re-read my comment, and the one I replied to.
🤦
rovellana742@reddit
jesus fuck how thick are you? different hospitals have different policies, the hospital i dealt with is allowed to leave voicemails for certain people ya thicko 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Popular_Sir863@reddit
You ever had any contact with a GP surgery? They literally don't give a fuck and will take any excuse not contact
bacon_cake@reddit
My wife works with kids and can't have her phone on her and getting a GP call is a fucking ball ache.
Once she added a note to her online consultation that said "Please call xyz, press 1, and ask for myname" and the receptionist called her back and said "The doctor will not be doing that".
Fast_Rabbit_5044@reddit
The receptionists are little hitlers. Seem to think they have the qualifications to triage people and therefore gatekeep real doctors.
I just tell them “I’m not interested in what you have to say, respectfully, you’re just a receptionist and I want an appointment with a doctor.” Very quickly they pipe down and do the job they’re supposed to be doing.
supermax_92@reddit
Tell me you have no clue how it works 😂
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
"there was no answer when we called" will be their excuse
Master-Trick2850@reddit
some workers are cunts that love any excuse not to call
there was a redditor on this sub who bragged about how he would "instantly hang up" when he heard that reason to call message
majkkali@reddit
Ok? His loss then? If he is calling the he clearly has a business to take care of, something to get done. If he just hungs up he won’t get it done. What’s the issue?
Big-Resist-99999999@reddit
My GP reception did exactly that, and I took the call.
Pythagorarse@reddit
I temporarily turn off the feature when I’m expecting a call from GP etc
ImmigrantPigeon@reddit
Yeah I’m a volunteer that does calls for an nhs hospital trust using at 01895 number and if it goes to screening we’re to hang up
ld4484@reddit
Mine worked fine. Would it be any use ringing and asking them, as I’m sure they will have come across the issue before
Ravine@reddit
From experience, any NHS related callers will just hang up. If you’re expecting a call from the doctor, I’d turn it off.
SelfSufficientHub@reddit
When my gp calls they just say “it’s the doctors surgery” and that shows up on my screen letting me know to answer
BaldPleaser@reddit
I’ve activated the feature within this whereby any number not saved in my contacts automatically gets diverted to voicemail. If’s important then then they’ll leave a message otherwise they just hang up and try again.
It takes a week or so but that has reduced my scammer calls considerably.
fredster2004@reddit
The problem I’ve had with this is that the call screening just doesn’t work if the caller is using some kind of business call system. I’ve had issues where an AA mechanic and an Uber Eats driver couldn’t get in contact with me.
Alex--JH@reddit
Never heard of this
wearezombie@reddit
Just a warning though - it’s so clever and useful but I found when I was applying for jobs that it did spook legitimate recruiters. When I did pick the call up it would usually start with an awkward “so… what was that? Oh, right, you screened my call…” And from their tone you could tell they weren’t best pleased. I also had someone not realise it was a screening and message me about the weird robot they got when they called me.
Hopefully as it gets more common people get more used to it though as it’s an awesome feature.
Taken_Abroad_Book@reddit
That will be the person who immediately clicks OK on an error message, then calls IT and tells them "x won't work it gives an error". IT will ask what error and they'll respond "dunno I just closed it" and the error message no doubt clearly will explain the problem.
jaydawg1994@reddit
Yeah I’m a recruiter - I’d be amazed if any recruiters get weird about it, the day the feature dropped I had it on multiple calls and now I would say at least 1/3 of people have it turned on (including on my mobile)
Alex--JH@reddit
This is fair, but I think it’s becoming fair more known now.
Recruiters of all people should be aware of it!
wearezombie@reddit
Yeah you’d think they’d come across it plenty of times, esp if they deal with big wigs at big companies that have assistants who screen their calls! I had to turn it off for a bit though as it seemed to really hurt their feelings. Hopefully next time I job search it’ll be more normal!
distorto_realitatem@reddit
The problem is this confirms your number is active, so you could potentially get more scam calls in the future. I just ignore all unknown numbers, if it’s that important they can send a message
Alex--JH@reddit
The fact it’s rang in the first place confirms your numbers active. If you answer more likely to get further attempts
In effect it kind of acts like an instant ignore, they just hang up immediately
BeneficialTowel5739@reddit
I have this and I’ve found they just hang up once it starts screening. Truly amazing feature.
redunculuspanda@reddit
I had a sales/scammer call recently and he said “transcription error” as the message to get me to pick up the call.
jj_sykes@reddit
This has been a game changer - i probably get 1 spam call a week where before i was getting 5 a day
Justboy__@reddit
Yes the best bit is because I have my phone on silent I don’t actually notice any of these calls coming through. Any numbers I do know come through on my watch so I don’t miss the calls I actually want.
Such a good feature.
mightypup1974@reddit
Where do you find that in settings? Searching for call screening comes up with nothing
jxckwba@reddit
go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers and select Ask Reason for Calling
orbtastic1@reddit
Thanks. I was using a beta of 26 and it worked but randomly stopped and I could not work out why. It has half enabled/disabled. I must get at least one a day.
mightypup1974@reddit
Thanks!
Jezbod@reddit
I just go through once a week and delete and report all the junk calls, it's so cathartic.
TheGreatMuerte@reddit
TIL 👍🏼 just changed my settings, thank you
Sorbicol@reddit
Since I activated this on my iPhone my spam call numbers have plummeted. It’ll let any number in your contacts come straight through fine.
General_Total_452@reddit
This. One of the best features available, obv won’t reduce spam calls but does filter out the trash
Huge_Manner_9550@reddit
Give them Hell!!!
Waste as much of their time and energy as you can afford.
Play along for as long as possible without giving them actual information - then when you think you’re just about made hang up. And wait
You can also spam call them back (if you can) over and over and over and over. Every time they answer be rude, be brash, as to speak to what ever fake name they gave you in the first instance.
I used to get calls 4,5 times a day. Then I started the above. It takes 20 calls or so? The systems they use cost THEM money every time you connect. Every phone call is a wasted opportunity for them to scam someone else and the small but important financial hit they take with the phone call it self.
They soon get tired, block or screen your incoming calls and note that you’re not stupid and waste their time.
Express_Fruit_6069@reddit
The irony about seeing these is is that I don’t receive scam calls but it’s always and Indian person and I almost hang up on them before realising they’re actually calling for an important thing (like my ups package yesterday which legit needed customs clearance) , it’s sad what they’ve done to the reputation of anyone with an accent on call
Caydesbestie@reddit
Firstly I swear down this works. Just don’t pick up unknown numbers to you. If it is important the person will leave a message. If you are expecting a number that is not known to you to call then pick up and don’t say anything until they speak.
Lots of spam calls are done by robots, doing what I said above tags the number as inactive and pick up without saying anything registers as an answerphone picking up so still keeps you inactive status. Takes some time but after a while it will really die down.
Lastly, keep that numbers as private as possible, only use it to call reputable businesses and people and don’t plaster it online anywhere on any website. It appearing once online can be enough to get you added to hundreds of call lists that get sold to places to spam calls you. On top of that people on places like tinder fish for details like your number for that reason.
Reddit_kiss_my_arse@reddit
Glad it’s not just me getting all those calls. Bloody nuisance.
grodeg@reddit
Stay on the phone with them, agree to everything and give them all the wrong info like name, address, bank details just waste their time, it'llgive you enjoymentto do so. Just remember never give out your real info. Have fun
More-Yard5742@reddit
My pixel literally cuts ALL SPAM now, it's a brilliant feature
Low-Researcher8696@reddit
Your phone number might have been hijacked by scammers. It happened to me once, you'll have to change your number. They are using your number to cover up their real identity.
WhiteyLovesHotSauce@reddit
You owe money and ignoring letters/emails by any chance? 😂
1AlanM@reddit
Wife uses a Samsung that has had a feature where if you receive a suspected scam call the screen goes a peach colour and they are labelled.
She’ll then answer with, ‘hello suspected scammer’, they can’t get off the phone quick enough
Gullible-Damage-59@reddit
Anytime any service asks for my number that doesn’t actually need it I provide my phone number with one wrong digit.
jod125@reddit
I just block the numbers, and Android shows if on caller ID if its a suspected scammer (idk if Apple does that)
Xurs-Doggo@reddit
Call screening, also answer but mute your mic and leave it on til they hang up.
The second part is great because most scammers are connected in networks (from what ive experienced), and so when its happened to me I’ve found that they slow calls when they realise you’re not an easy target.
UnacceptableUse@reddit
You shouldn't answer them, just let them ring out. As soon as you answer or decline the call they know your number is active and it goes into lists that they sell to other scammers
Creative_Engineer795@reddit
I answer them but on mute as I heard that this can trigger that the phone number is either another bot or the phone doesn't work. Used to have lots of issues with scam calls (10-15 a day) but now I only get like 1 a week if that so I'd say it was successful, wether it was that action entirely or not.
ALLST6R@reddit
Or just don't answer them at all. Coming from somebody who barely picks up the phone to actual contacts and gets zero spam calls a week. More like once a quarter
Karlees-Golden-Dildo@reddit
You say that like a flex, I’m so bemused by people that cant talk on phones anymore. I’m not pissing on you here, I just don’t get it why people dont answer their phones even to contacts.
As for op, are you blocking each number everytime?
ALLST6R@reddit
Mostly because the people calling are either talking at me for a one-way self-indulged conversation, or because I’m in the middle of doing something - which is often.
Calm yourself down, Karlees-Golden-Dildo
S_mawds@reddit
You’re doing it wrong, you answer the phone and as soon as you know it’s a scammer but blows whistle down the phone as loud as you can
VirtualToe5509@reddit
I pick it up and waste their time with the most annoying nonsensical lies i could possibly make up on the spot. I’m pretty sure they all blacklisted my phone number cause I never get those anymore.
Crayen5@reddit
Answering them can potentially get your number spoofed, and joining the list of numbers such as the ones in the image
Particular_Pickle465@reddit
How do you know if it’s a scammer or someone with a legitimate reason to be calling you?
Just-Standard-992@reddit
I'm not the person you asked this to, but in my case, I make sure I save any phone numbers from people I want to call me. Whether that's a pizza place, or a friend, or a supplier I'm dealing with, or whatever. So essentially, people with a legitimate reason to call are most likely popping up on my phone with a name, not just a number.
The exception is GP/Hospital appointment handlers, as they use tons of random numbers, but I know that all of the calls from my local NHS trust show up as a landline number with a location in a specific council area of the region where I live. So if I see e.g. "0123 456 7890 Godric's Hollow" I know it's most likely a medical-related call, and so far that's always been accurate.
misterpeers@reddit
Because they're a Redditor, no one's calling them.
Jazzlike-Compote4463@reddit
As a Redditor, I agree with this statement.
g00dbyem0onmen@reddit
This happened to me, kept getting people with similar phone numbers to me, calling me angrily like 'No I don't want to buy your product' and I was like it's not actually me lol.
perpetualmentalist@reddit
Thank you. Had to go far down... Ignore, block and report.
ScottOld@reddit
Whenever these scamming arseholes ring, it's when I'm expecting a call from somewhere, they took the hint when you hang up constantly
VideoDeadGamlng@reddit
this seems to work for me, i hardly get any, and when i do i just let it ring out
alijam100@reddit
I heard the fact that it goes to voicemail also tells them it’s active unfortunately.
HughWattmate9001@reddit
I set my phone to reject numbers not in contacts and I only give my main number out to people I meet in person or to businesses I plan to stay with for a while, like my bank. For everything else I use a second number. (Dual‑SIM phone with PAYG sim) If someone gets a new number or a company needs to reach me, they’ll find another way. My friends text me or message me on Messenger. When the phone rejects a call from a business, they usually leave a voicemail, send a text, email or even a letter. I’ve never had an issue with that, and I stay spam‑free on my phone.
I do the same with email. I have a few addresses and forward everything to a master inbox. One (the master) is for close friends only, and I forward any emails to this one also. One is for bank and insurance stuff (real important emails) and another is for signing up to junk services. Those last two forward to my master inbox so I know when I get a new email from any of them. I swap the junk address every now and then and delete it if it starts getting spammy.
zukerblerg@reddit
turn your standard phone ring to silent , then for anyone who actually calls you , assign a ringer to them.
dastinga@reddit
https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ sign up to this
Abitlostandconfused@reddit
Saw this recommended on Reddit and it’s completely stopped the spam calls. To screen calls on an iPhone (iOS 18+), go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers and select Ask Reason for Calling. This prompts unknown callers to state their purpose before your phone rings, allowing you to view a live transcript and decide whether to pick up
Odd_Proposal_8542@reddit
I’m tempted to do this but I worry that calls I get from the GP won’t come through if I do… hmm decisions
Lemon-Flower-744@reddit
I have my GPs surgery number saved in my contacts. I've heard other people say their GP calls them on Unknown numbers. Alls Siri says is "what's the reason for your call?" Then they should say "it's the GP" or disable it when you're expecting a call from your GP for the day.
Odd_Proposal_8542@reddit
Yes they call on unknown numbers at mine, which is why I was unsure if it would work. But yes I could just disable it for appointment days 😅
Clinical-Mint@reddit
Is this definitely on iOS 18? I’m on 18.7 and can’t find it
Lemon-Flower-744@reddit
It's iOS 26. Not sure why the commenter above said iOS 18.
Tranquillian@reddit
Fellow liquid glass avoider? 18.7 here too, and it’s not there. But I just have unknown numbers set to silence so if it’s a number not in my contacts the first I know about it is seeing the notification. If someone new wants to contact me they’ll leave a voicemail.
supersonic-bionic@reddit
No Android? :(
Danny1641743@reddit
I use truecallerid but think there's settings on Android built in.
supersonic-bionic@reddit
Yeah same but i get span/robot calls from 07 phone numbers and they are not flagged the same way as the 020 numberd
indigomm@reddit
It's been on Android for since 2019 with the Pixel 4.
_Nefarium@reddit
Absolutely works on android, my old sub £90 phone could do it, my current pixel 6 can too.
NorthWishbone7543@reddit
How do you activate? I'm on android.
AmzWL@reddit
On Samsung it’s under “Text call” in call settings
krysus@reddit
My Pixel 8a does call screening via Gemini.
sir_luciferek@reddit
What an incredible feature, thanks for sharing!
Ok_Cow_3431@reddit
Stop answering them is a biggie. It's not worth their time robodialling people who dont pick up.
I never answer numbers I dont recognise. If it's genuinely for me they'll leave a message
I also only get calls from numbers I recognise once or twice per month
Greggs-the-bakers@reddit
I like to fuck with them, just in hopes that it annoys them slightly. I get like 1 or 2 a day all because I wanted some free runescape membership or something by filling out a survey back in the day and stupidly entered my own number.
Recently I've farted into the mic and hung up, stuck it under a metal pot and hammered the pot with a wooden spoon and tried to come up with the most horrific reason that the person they are looking for has died.
the_real_logboy@reddit
telephone preference services.
PorterOldSlug@reddit
Highly recommend this as well. Mine dropped to near zero after the 28 day (I think that’s what it is) wait time.
I think even the illegitimate companies know that if you’re the type of person to sign onto TPS then you’re the type of person to report a breach too.
burgersnchips87@reddit
This!
I think people don't know it exists or know that you can put your mobile on it.
There is also an equivalent for mail 🙂
Witcherten@reddit
Oooh what is the mail equivalent? I get so much crap in my mail
burgersnchips87@reddit
Mail preference service, lol
theevildjinn@reddit
The TPS is all very well when it comes to blocking legitimate companies from contacting you. But not many scammers are going to abide by it.
burgersnchips87@reddit
No solution is 100% effective, unless that solution is "don't have a phone".
TPS has cut my phone spam down by over 95%, so that's a win as far as I'm concerned. Blocking numbers helps with the rest.
-DoctorSpaceman-@reddit
My wife was getting 2-3 calls every day and was going mad! Now after signing up she get like one every 2 weeks, if that
Steppy20@reddit
Enough of them do though to be honest, as it means they're less likely to get flagged and followed up on.
If someone is on the TPS they will probably be savvy enough to not be worth the effort.
Adniyo@reddit
This worked for me, used to get at least 1 call a day and now I can't remember the last call
CorruptSoulAssassin@reddit
Silence unknown callers
StillAdamClark@reddit
Honest answer? I just went nuclear and binned my old mobile number.
f1zoe@reddit
I got a new number recently from an MVNO I think since its a less common block of numbers I have yet to recive a spam call in 5 months since, I still have my old number while i make sure everything moved over and that still gets blasted all the time every once in a while i get frustrated and will pick one up and tell them to f off and that usually stops it for a month or two.
Nomis1982@reddit
Let them ring out. If you reject the call your number is detected as an active line and the calls will increase.
KellyMelany@reddit
At this point, my phone's 'Recent Calls' list looks like a directory for a call center in a basement. If it's not a 'tax officer' with a thick accent, it's someone telling me I've been in an accident I don't remember. I've started answering in an ancient dialect just to see if they'll hang up firrst. first.
MyAvocadoTree@reddit
I used to get multiple a day, so I contacted my phone provider's support chat and asked for a new number. It took about 20 minutes and was very easy, I haven't had any since and it was months ago! Just remember to update to the new number for 2 factor verifications
jajay119@reddit
Keep blocking the numbers eventually they’ll get bored of trying to get through.
thesyldon@reddit
Er no they won't because it is a money making scheme.
jajay119@reddit
Well it’s what I do and it’s worked. If you don’t answer the phone there’s no money to be made.
thesyldon@reddit
I silenced all unknown numbers a very long time ago.
jajay119@reddit
I can’t do that as my doctor calls me from an unknown number when I need to get in touch with them.
blagsag@reddit
Settings > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers > Ask Reason for Calling or Silence
Quirky_Impact@reddit
Register to TPS
nathderbyshire@reddit
The nuclear option for me was just asking for a new number, can be a pain though updating on websites especially for 2fa. Prefect opportunity to change that to an authenticator and ditch SMS 2fa auth altogether.
Googles automatic call screening gets the rest of them for me, haven't had a call get through in ages if I do get one. Since it goes to a machine the amount has reduced dramatically as well
You could get a PAYG SIM for a second number and give that to any websites that ask for it and keep your personal one more private, but then you generally have to run two Sims and remember to send a text or something every few months to keep it active
Independent-Bid915@reddit
I did this, because I was naive and thought it would be an actual “new” number, and I ended up getting even more spam calls from even more places, I still keep getting random texts from companies both legit and not about orders and 2fa logins.
nathderbyshire@reddit
Yeah it can be risky if you get a recycled number that was already being hit with spam, but if you say you need a new number due to spam they should be attempting to give you a fresh one
jonviper123@reddit
Answer the phone and get them to spell out there name numerous times after they introduce thereselves. I havent had any stay on the call after me getting them to pronounce numerous letters again
Just-Standard-992@reddit
I actuually have a step-by-step process for how I deal with this!
Might just be a placebo, but I actually get far less calls since I started doing this. Last time I had a scammer call attempt was mid-February, so I reckon it works well.
Snaggl3t00t4@reddit
Answer it and string them along for 40 minutes. I did and they never called back.
Opposite_Leading_962@reddit
It’s very simple. Block. Every single time I recieve a call, from a landline- if it doesn’t show as anything legitimate off google I block. For a mobile number I don’t recognise I don’t answer. If they don’t call me back I block as then I’d know it’s scammy. The more u bloc the more reduced calls you get
Local-Apartment-2737@reddit
Everyone's telling you don't answer but I almost always do, sit on the line and waste their time, and then hang up, and no one ever calls me anymore. Idk if it's coincidence or because I'm a waste of their time but it's been a hard since I had a scam call, used to get them daily.
Groganog@reddit
Register your number with TPS.
We do outgoing cold calls and TPS is the organisation we have to check numbers aren’t registered to before calling.
phb71@reddit
Any phones have call filtering nowadays. Might be off by default. Check your call settings.
aabbcc28@reddit
I haven’t seen it recommended here yet. But register for the telephone preference service.
TPS
Sea-Cantaloupe-9386@reddit
Worth noting that OFCOM have been looking into stopping mobile numbers from being spoofed for decades, but can't due to how out infrastructure works.
As a result, it's really REALLY simple for someone to send a txt or call pretending to be any random number (including yours).
Best course of action is call screening, or ignore calls from numbers you don't recognise (which is a pain in the rear).
TJTheGamer1@reddit
I'm gonna be real, I started screaming actual obscenities at these people and they stopped calling me years ago. Turn the air blue and I recon they put you on an internal no-call list
BilboDankins@reddit
If they call at work I just put em on loudspeaker, continue working and time waste with really dumb questions, like "what do you mean by email? I already have a phone number" and eventually they just hung up on their own. I have nothing to back this up but my theory is that if they get their time wasted they are less likely to try that number again. I do get less calls these days compared to my peers so maybe it's working (or maybe it's just luck)
inbetweenthe_panels@reddit
That's mad you're getting calls from China
Cumulus-Crafts@reddit
I ended up downloading Truecaller (I'm on android but I'm guessing it's also on Apple), it's free and blocks any numbers that aren't in your phonebook/any foreign numbers/any private numbers.
Working-Forever-97@reddit
Scream,. As loud as you can until they hang up.
I had this problem and I tried everything, the "the person you're asking for is dead, i'm their friend/family member" only worked sometimes.
But screaming made made it problem vanish completely. I can only assume that "this person screams and nothing else" was put down on a file somewhere so people didn't bother.
AcePlanespotting@reddit
InspectorExciting901@reddit
This is good, they cut down a lot of the noise. If your number is already circulating on data broker lists, it can keep getting reused. That’s why it helps to also remove your info from those sites directly, not just block the calls. You might want to use Optery's free scan as well. To see where information is located instead of guessing. I work at Optery, Just fyi........
asjonesy99@reddit
Not been applying to jobs by any chance? Mine skyrocket during an application phase.
yankdetected@reddit
I was applying for jobs a couple of years ago and recently I've been bombarded with texts and emails with dogshit job offers
MattWillGrant@reddit
Or loans
LegendaryBengal@reddit
This is one of the key causes
If you do a lot of "quick apply" applications you're basically guaranteed to get some spam calls shortly after
stealth941@reddit
I let it ring out. If I don't receive a voicemail within a few minutes I'll just block the number and move on.
Longjumping_Care989@reddit
If you answer one by accident, say nothing and hang up. Eventually you get markes as not worth the trouble
Savings_Court7086@reddit
just changed my settings, thank you
DemonKing_of_Tyranny@reddit
I dont answer any call unless its from someone i know
Ok-Length1282@reddit
Don't answer any, eventually they will stop.
rossytzoltan@reddit
I’ve been logging mine on callercheck.co.uk. There’s quite a few sites now like this. You can report numbers and leave comments, so when I get an unknown call I can quickly check if anyone else has flagged it. Saves me answering half of them since I tend not to if I don’t know the caller.
And I’m genuinely getting about 5 calls a day! I just wish Apple sort of integrated so it could give a spam score on the screen rather than having to do a manual lookup
Omar_88@reddit
Google pixel screens calls, I get like one call every two weeks now.
SneezlesForNeezles@reddit
I was getting a ton of them when mum was in palliative care. One unlucky sod called from the same area code as the hospice and I picked up thinking it was the 'drop everything and come now' call. He got all four barrels from me. Clearly put me on a 'not worth it' list as I didn't get another spam call for six months.
So my advice is to scream at them about how your mums dying and you thought they were the hospice. Insert many swear words.
A_track89@reddit
Stop accepting cookies on websites. Reject everything where possible and that will help to stop new vendors getting your info or atleast a little bit as they're relentless 😂
MikhailCompo@reddit
There is a built in feature in Samsung phones to allow you to block know spam callers. It uses an app/service called "Hiya" which I think you can download and install on any Android phone.
It has a large database of numbers that have been created/verified by people receiving spam.
For numbers it doesn't block outright, it shows you when the phone is ringing that they're likely spam/fraud/robocaller etc so you can choose to pickup or reject.
It's a brilliant feature, I love it.
AdSuspicious4302@reddit
I know some other comments say this but, call screening is a life saver. By far one of the best features Apple has ever added.
I use the “ask reason for calling” and scammers tend to just hang up when siri asks them “Hi, what is your name and reason for calling?”
Mglfll@reddit
Now take those numbers, go on any compare these loans sites, and pop them in. They’ll be getting the same shitty calls you are OP
CoSMiiCBLaST@reddit
I've found that I'll go through periods where I'll get alot for about a week and then it just...stops?
Not sure if it's because I never answer them or what but thankfully don't usually get them often enough but having call screening activated and that helps
Exxtraa@reddit
I get the texts. Every single day a new casino company saying I have a 500 bonus. Never gambled in my life. Someone has sold my number or something it’s doing my head in. Wish I could just block calls/texts from companies fully. Every day they just change their name.
Jerry_BellbuttonElf@reddit
Block every one of them
Starksen@reddit
This is going to sound counterintuitive, but worked 100% with me.
I was getting calls from a scam version of O2 asking to upgrade my phone. Probably 2-3 a week.
I used to just ignore them, but then I start having fun with it. I'd answer, let them run through their script, and then waste their time, be stupid with it, insult them.
I did this on 3 calls and never had another one. It's like they knew my number wasn't worth following up on anymore. I think they blacklisted me perhaps.
That's what I can suggest, just answer it and annoy them! Make fart noises, ask them what a mobile phone is, the lot.
runrunrudolf@reddit
Can't believe no one has mentioned the SPAM text/call service yet.
If you get a spam text, forward it to 7726.
If you get a spam call, send "call" then the number to 7726.
korg64@reddit
Android has had a spam call blocker for years. Apple mist have one too.
Also don't answer them, if you do then they know the line is active and will keep calling.
Shadowmantha69@reddit
Update the newest iOS it stops them coming through
Dodel1976@reddit
Personally I use Truecaller and set it to block any numbers not in my phone.
MattOnMatthew@reddit
I downloaded an app called Hiya and it blocks them
Gedadahear@reddit
I used to waste their time. Then they stop calling.
“Sir i u derstand you were involved in an accident”
“Yes, big accident… i actually died”
“Oh im sorry to hear that, can i start by taking your name”
“Yh my name is Mike Hunt”
“Thank you Mike, now how did the accident happen?”
“Yeah i was driving and some idiot crashed into me at 75mph and i went flying out the window because the seat belt malfunctioned and i fell onto a fence and the fence impaled my torso straight through the heart, i died instantly”
Killerninjaz13Two@reddit
Slap them into spam call and text sites like the ones that advertise free game currency then the people who own the numbers will be hounded by premium texts and calls
MurderedByRap@reddit
They're often spoofing other people's numbers, so all this achieves is someone innocent being hounded by premium texts and calls.
Bread_is_the_devil@reddit
I have focuses setup for different situations and only certain people and app alerts can get through to me. As soon as I pull into the car park at work it goes into work mode, as soon as my phone connects to my home wifi it goes into to personal focus, and so on and so forth. Cuts back on receiving the notifications for scam calls, and if it’s that important they will leave a voicemail or send a text to you if it’s someone with a new number or similar
mhoulden@reddit
I tend to ignore unknown numbers. I know what landline and mobile numbers "should" look like (usually not too many 0s or repeated numbers). A couple of times I have answered. They don't tend to call back when I tell them I work for the fraud investigation department and ask them to confirm some details for security purposes.
Ambulance-chasing claims management companies get a bit flustered when they say they're calling about my accident and I ask them to confirm when it happened. It's actually illegal to make cold calls on behalf of a claims management company under section 35 of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act 2018.
MintBerryFondue@reddit
Stop giving out your number to businesses.
You don't need to hand out your number for a 10% off at your favorite coffee shop or at your favorite brekkie place. Your data you filled will likely be chucked in the bin for everyone to see and use. Business don't really put a lot of effort into ensuring data protection. I used to work in retail, hospitality and customer service industry. You'll be surprised on how many customer detail forms and big receipts we had thrown out in the recycling, when it should have been shredded.
mopeyunicyle@reddit
I have heard theres tricks sorry the person that owns the phone died I am just using it to contact a few people.
I heard some will answer pretending it's sensitive police department or government where the number shouldn't be known to panic the callers
isaytruisms@reddit
Which network are you on? I get basically 0 spam/scam calls, but when I'm abroad I frequently get them...which makes me think my UK network is in some way intercepting and screening them
Opposite-Sky2099@reddit
I always get it in waves like a period where I have a lot of scam calls, and then periods with none. Not sure what happens there. But I resort to just not picking up any unknown numbers and googling the number while it rings lol, which admittedly is not efficient
MuchBenefit8462@reddit
I've added my number to TPS and activated features on my phone to ignore spam numbers.
However, recently, an AI has been constantly calling me, and it would spam my voicemail. Annoying, but disabling my voicemail has seemed to clear things up for me. Good thing I don't need my voicemail.
Working_Traffic_6361@reddit
Change your number and stoping putting it on websites. I use my old landline number if a site requires it and don't get spam calls anymore.
huggernot@reddit
Stop answering. Reply to texts with pictures of poopy buttholes. Not Mr. Poopybutthole
Dildo_Shaggins-@reddit
I'm sure this thread is full of very good and correct advice.
But to be honest mate I just answer and ask questions about what their favourite pasta is and why as politely as I can.
Generally they hang up pretty quickly and then stop calling. But you must be deadly serious about the pasta question - "No I appreciate your concern, but I suppose spaghetti isn't viscous enough to hold much sauce in the same way linguine or tagliatelle will."
It helps to know different kinds of pasta. I don't get calls anymore. I think they've blocked me on their end.
orangecloud_0@reddit
I believe there is somewhere yoh can register to not get them
FutilePenguins@reddit
I've also had a lot of scam calls lately. Looks like someone sold our data 🙃
EarnestHolly@reddit
Not had a single spammer bother to get through the iPhone call screening feature. Highly recommend.
Rasty_lv@reddit
Funnily enough, I always wait till I'm connected to them and unleash most horrid and vile, most gross swearing rant. Legit bad language, that could easily get me fired and cancelled.
It always stops scam calls for month or so and I can unleash some frustration. Last time, I almost felt sorry for said Indian scammer. Almost..
captlibeccio@reddit
The most efficient approach is to ask how they got your number, right away. They will often hang up or say 'your mum' - which actually made me laugh.
Tez7838@reddit
I block each and every number straightaway. My phone now receives zero nuisance calls . Maybe I’m lucky ? Who knows .
HappyThrasher99@reddit
Silence is the most annoying because theres no-one on the other end to shout slurs at 😔
aaaafffyyyy@reddit
cornball
TheWeirdDude-247@reddit
That has to be the most cringe attempt at a cussing someone, quite frankly im embarrassed for you.
Sir, may I suggest you try again ?
HappyThrasher99@reddit
fake asian
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