How to avoid spam call and spam sms messages

 To avoid spam calls and spam messages, there are several effective strategies and tools you can use. Here’s a comprehensive guide to reduce spam and unwanted contact:

1. Block Spam Calls

• Use Built-in Phone Features:

  • iPhone:
    1. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This will silence calls from unknown numbers, sending them straight to voicemail.
    2. To block individual numbers, open the Phone app, find the number in your call log, and tap Block this Caller.
  • Android:
    1. Open the Phone app, tap on Settings > Blocked numbers. Here, you can block unknown or specific numbers.
    2. For individual calls, go to Recents, tap the number, and select Block/Report spam.

• Enable Do Not Disturb (DND):

  • Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your phone and allow only contacts or favorites to call you.

• Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps:

  • Truecaller (Android, iOS): Identifies and blocks spam calls based on a large community database.
  • Hiya (Android, iOS): Blocks spam calls and texts, and flags suspicious numbers.
  • Nomorobo (iOS, Android): Stops robocalls and unwanted calls before they ring.
  • RoboKiller (iOS, Android): Automatically blocks robocalls and telemarketers.

• Carrier Spam Blocking Services:

  • Most major carriers offer free or paid services to block spam:
    • AT&T: Call Protect.
    • T-Mobile: Scam Shield.
    • Verizon: Call Filter.

2. Block Spam Messages

• Use Built-in Messaging Features:

  • iPhone:
    1. Go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders to filter messages from people who are not in your contacts.
    2. You can also block specific senders by tapping on the message, tapping on the sender’s number, and selecting Block this Caller.
  • Android:
    1. Open the Messages app, tap on the three-dot menu > Spam protection, and enable it.
    2. You can also block specific senders by long-pressing the message and selecting Block.

• Use Third-Party Message Filtering Apps:

  • Truecaller: Filters spam SMS along with calls.
  • SMS Blocker: Helps block unwanted texts based on a predefined list.
  • Hiya: Blocks and flags suspicious text messages.

• Carrier Message Blocking Services:

  • Some carriers offer services to block spam SMS:
    • Verizon: Text "SPAM" to 7726 to report spam.
    • AT&T: Text "STOP" to 7726 to report spam.
    • T-Mobile: Forward the spam text to 7726.

3. Register for Do Not Call Lists

• National Do Not Call Registry (USA): Register your phone number on the Do Not Call website to prevent telemarketers from calling.
• Similar Services: Most countries offer similar services to block telemarketing calls.
  • UK: Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
  • India: National Do Not Call (NDNC) registry.
• Note: This helps reduce but not completely stop spam, especially from scammers.

4. Avoid Sharing Your Number and Information

• Be cautious about sharing your phone number online or in forms unless necessary.
• Do not respond to or engage with unknown callers or text messages, as it may confirm your number is active.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or calls, as these can lead to phishing attacks.

5. Use Google Voice or Secondary Numbers

• Use a secondary number (like Google Voice) when signing up for services or making online purchases. This helps protect your primary number from spam.

6. Report Spam Calls and Messages

• Report Spam to Your Carrier: Most carriers allow you to report spam calls and texts. For example:
  • Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) in the USA to report to your carrier.
• Report to Authorities:
  • In the USA, file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via their website.
  • Other regions, like Europe, have similar options to report spam.

7. Enable Call Screening (Android)

• On Google Pixel and some other Android devices, use the Call Screen feature. It screens unknown numbers and asks them to state their reason for calling, which can help block robocalls automatically.

By using these methods, you can significantly reduce the amount of spam calls and messages you receive and keep your phone number more private and secure