How to stop spam calls & robocalls: a complete guide

2.5 billion—that’s the estimated number of robocalls Americans receive every month.

And, sadly, that figure is likely to grow in the coming years. But so is the number of options to fight spam.

In this article, we’re going to walk you through some defenses against spam calls—both for mobile and landline numbers.

Let’s dive in!

Updated: May 29, 2025

Get a quick, AI-generated snapshot of the data removal problem—based on trusted sources we reviewed.

In short, to stop spam calls:

To reduce spam calls: Join the Do Not Call Registry, block spam via phone settings or apps, and remove your number from data broker sites. Protect your main number and use secondary ones for online signups to avoid future spam.

That is, to really combat spam calls, you should:

1. Stop spam calls at the source.
2. Block spam calls from reaching your phone.
3. Prevent future spam calls.

The best approach is to apply all three levels.

SECTION 1	SECTION 2	SECTION 3
Stop spam calls at the source (mobile and landline)	Block spam calls from reaching you (mobile only)	Prevent future spam calls (mobile only)
Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry	Block or silence unknown callers	Use SMS verification numbers
Remove your data from the internet manually	Install spam-filtering apps from your phone service provider	Get a number with limited functionality for online use
Subscribe to a professional data removal service	Install spam-filtering apps from third-party developers	Buy a full-scope number for online use

Are you a landline user?

See “Section 1” and “Extra.”

SECTION 1: Stop spam calls at the source

It’s best to cure an illness, not just treat it. 

If you’re looking to put an end to spam calls, you need to diagnose and address their source.

And that source is—data brokers.

Stop spam calls by signing up to the Do Not Call Registry

Start by signing up for the Do Not Call Registry.

In short, it’s an initiative from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at stopping spam calls from telemarketers who operate legally.

Once your number is registered, it informs marketers that you don’t want to be contacted by them. If they follow the law, they won’t call you.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Do Not Call Registry
2. Select “register your phone” and follow the instructions.

Signing up for the registry is free.

Alternatively, you can call the FTC at 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY) from the number you want to register.

However, the registry isn’t as effective as it should be: not all marketers comply, and it doesn’t affect scammers at all.

That’s why you shouldn’t stop there—opt out from data brokers as well.

Stop spam calls by removing your data from the internet

Brokers specialize in collecting your data and selling it for profit to other parties, including businesses, organizations, and individuals.

If you keep receiving spam calls after signing up for the Do Not Call Registry, your number has likely been traded in these types of transactions.

You can break this cycle by removing your number from data brokers’ records.

Here’s how.

Opt out from data brokers manually

Some brokers publish their records to make them available to the general public—these are called “people search sites.”

Check Whitepages, Intelius, or Truthfinder. Ten to one, you’re going to find your data there.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Search for your profile on all the major people search sites (here’s a list) or use our scanner.
2. Once you find your data, look for an opt-out form—there’s usually a link to one in the site’s footer.
3. Follow the instructions provided.
4. Repeat this process for every data broker storing your information.

For more information, refer to our opt-out guides for over 80 data brokers.

With the number of data brokers out there reaching into the hundreds, opting out manually can quickly become a monumental task.

But there’s a much faster way.

---

Opt out from data brokers with Incogni

Subscribe to Incogni and opt out of 100+ data brokers with just a few clicks.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Incogni.
2. Choose the plan that suits you best.
3. Provide the information needed to help us identify your profile.
4. Sit back and relax while we handle the heavy lifting for you.

Incogni protects you continuously—not only do we remove your data from brokers, but we also ensure it doesn’t make its way back.

Plus, many brokers operate behind the scenes, away from public view, unlike people search sites.

We target those brokers, too.

Landline: If you’re a landline user, skip ahead to the landline section for more solutions to stop spam calls.

SECTION 2: Block spam calls from reaching you

Even if you request the removal of your number from data brokers, they often take a long time to act on that request.

Plus, it won’t stop spammers who already have your number.

Here’s how to treat the existing symptoms—block spam calls from reaching you.

Block spam calls with your phone’s settings

You can block spam calls directly from your phone’s settings.

On iPhones, this feature is called “silence unknown callers,” while on Android devices, it’s usually labeled “block unknown numbers” or similar.

Here’s a quick guide on how to set it up.

iOS	Android
Silence unknown callers	Block unknown numbers
1. Open the settings app. 2. Scroll down and tap on “phone.” 3. Find the “call blocking & identification” section. 4. Toggle on the switch next to “silence unknown callers.” 5. If you see “silence junk callers” you can turn that setting on as well.* *Only available with specific phone service carriers.. Need more instructions? See our guide.	1. Open the Phone app and tap on the three dots in the top-right corner. 2. Select “settings” from the drop-down menu and tap on “blocked numbers.” 3. Toggle the switch next to “unknown.” Need more instructions? See our guide.

This solution has its downsides, however.

If you silence or block unknown callers, it will affect every number not saved in your contact list—this includes spam and scam calls, but also legitimate callers like a doctor or a recruiter returning your call.

In other words, it’s a blanket solution.

If you want more control, you can block individual numbers:

• Android: Go to the phone app, tap and hold the number you want to block, and select “block/report spam.”
• iPhone: Open the phone app, tap the “i” icon next to the number you want to block, and select “block this caller.”

This method is selective, so you’re less likely to miss important calls. However, as spammers frequently generate new numbers, this approach might become less effective over time.

Consider the following additional options.

Block spam calls with your service provider

Instead of silencing all unknown callers, you can install apps that filter out only potential spam while allowing other calls through.

Most major operators in the US offer their own software to block spam calls.

Here’s an overview of the available options.

Service provider	iOS	Android
AT&T Active Armor	Active Armor on App Store	Active Armor on Google Play
Verizon Call Filter	Call Filter on App Store	Call Filter on Google Play
T-Mobile Scam Shield	Scam Shield on App Store	Scam Shield on Google Play
Google Fi Wireless	Google Fi on App Store	Google Fi on Google Play
US Cellular Call Guardian	Call Guardian on App Store	Call Guardian on Google Play
Mint Mobile Scam Screener	Learn about Scam Screener
Visible Spam Protection	Learn about Spam Protection

If you can’t see your operator here it means it doesn’t have a dedicated spam-blocking tool as of yet.

In such cases, you might consider installing a third-party app—learn more about these below.

Block spam calls with third-party apps

If your service provider doesn’t offer spam-blocking services, or if their services are ineffective, you can install third-party apps that filter all incoming calls and silence those identified as spam.

There are plenty of apps to choose from, and most offer freemium services—that is, limited functionality for free.

However, most spam-blocking apps require access to your sensitive data, such as contacts, messages, and call logs. 

Some go further, accessing files, photos, personal information, location, financial data, and more.

A few even include people search site functionality, essentially acting as data brokers.

For this reason, we recommend caution in approaching these apps.

Here’s a list of spam-blocking apps that appear to respect your privacy:

App	iOS	Android
Should I Answer?	Download from App Store	Download from Google Play
Call Control	Download from App Store	Download from Google Play
Call Filter (registered in Russia)	Not available	Download from Google Play

Apps you shouldn’t install (because of their potentially invasive privacy policies):

❌ Robokiller 

❌ Hiya

❌ Truecaller

❌ CallApp: Caller ID & Block.

SECTION 3: Prevent future spam calls

None of the methods mentioned above will have lasting effects if you don’t take steps to limit the risk of your number ending up in the wrong hands.

This requires a proactive approach that changes depending on your online habits.

However, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Take a look for yourself.

Prevent future spam calls by using secondary numbers

You don’t need to make major changes to your habits.

For example, using SMS verification tools when signing up for online services can help reduce the risk of your real number being exposed to spammers.

Here’s a quick overview of your options:

Type	Description	Tools
SMS verification number	Rent public phone numbers for receiving texts only, e.g., to get a verification code.	• Telesign • Textr • Textverified • SMS-man • Quackr
Number with limited functionality	Get your private phone number for receiving both texts and calls and use it for your online accounts.	• Surfshark’s Alternative Number
Full-scope number	Buy a second SIM card to use online.	• Text Now • Sideline • Google Voice • CallHippo

Important: SMS verification numbers can pose serious security risks for sensitive accounts like banking or credit services. Read more about phone number generators here.

For a good balance between cost and security, we recommend using Surfshark’s Alternative Number. It’s a privacy-focused number that can receive both messages and calls, making it ideal for online use.

EXTRA: Stop spam calls on a landline

Setting up your spam defenses on a landline may be a bit more difficult, but it’s not impossible.

For best results, combine our advice from “Section 1” with solutions listed below.

How to stop spam calls on a landline

First, determine whether you’re using a VoIP (ISDN) or traditional copper (PTSN) line, as this will affect your available options.

Then, have a look at the table below and pick the most suitable option.

Method	Landline type supported	Tools / services
Sign up to the Do Not Call Registry	VoIP and copper	• Do Not Call Registry
Remove your number from the internet	VoIP and copper	• Incogni
Use spam-blocking software for VoIP home phones	VoIP only	• Nomorobo
Buy a physical call-blocking device to connect to your line	VoIP and copper	• CPR
Block individual and private numbers	VoIP and copper	• Dial *60 to block specific numbers • Dial *77 to block private numbers
Get a new telephone with a built-in call blocker	VoIP and copper	• AT&T • Panasonic KX-TGD832M

For more information, visit our in-depth guide on how to stop unwanted calls on a landline.

Here’s why you’re getting so many spam calls

You might be getting so many spam calls because your phone number is circulating among data brokers and spammers. 

This often happens if your number was shared or exposed, having been taken from various sources like online accounts, public records, and data breaches.

Here’s a list of potential reasons for spam calls:

• Your phone number was leaked in a data breach
• Your phone number is being sold in scammer groups
• You shared your phone number publicly
• You answered spam calls in the past
• Someone is signing you up for spam calls
• Data brokers are selling your phone number.

Want to see if your number has been leaked?

Go to Have I Been Pwned and run a search using your email address.

FAQ