Spam calls have turned into a massive nuisance. Sometimes you can even get up to four or five such calls per day, and it's incredibly annoying. Luckily, there are some effective ways to take to battle and block those spammers.

Whether you're getting unwanted calls on an Android device, iPhone, or a traditional home phone, we have solutions for you.

How to Block Scam Numbers on an iPhone

There is no one universal method that can help you completely prevent your iPhone from receiving robocalls. But by taking at least some action, you'll be able to minimize the number of spam calls you receive. Here's what you can do.

1. How to Block Phone Numbers Individually

The first thing that you can do is block the scammer's phone number after the call has already happened. If you see that the phone number is similar to your own or has only six digits, the chances are it's spoofed.

This method will block not just phone calls from the chosen number but also messages and FaceTime calls. Here's how to block six digits numbers or any other phone number that you think may be coming from a spammer on your iPhone:

  1. Launch the Phone app on your device and head to Recents.
  2. Tap on the info icon located near the spam number.
  3. On the bottom of the screen, tap Block this Caller.
  4. Your phone will ask you to confirm your decision. Tap Block Contact.

That's it. Now that number won't bother you anymore.

Related: How to Block a Phone Number on Your iPhone

2. Use the "Silence Unknown Callers" Feature

If your device is running iOS 13 or newer, there is one more thing that you can do to protect your phone from annoying calls from unknown callers.

But keep in mind that when you toggle this feature on, you will block not only spammers, but you also won't be able to receive calls from well-intentioned people who are not on your contact list.

You would still see the phone numbers that dialed you in the Recents list and be able to get voicemails from unknown numbers.

Here's what you should do to turn this feature on:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Look for Phone on the list and tap it.
  3. Head to Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.

How to Block Scam Numbers on an Android Device

There is no single way to block spam phone numbers that will work on every Android device. Some Android phone manufacturers hide the number blocking feature somewhere deep in the settings, while others may not have it at all.

The easiest way to block a scam number is to do it from the call log. But again, the steps that you will need to take vary on your phone model. For example, if you have a Samsung phone, simply head to Phone > Recents and tap on the number that you want to block. Then go to Details > Menu > Block number.

Related: How to Block Unwanted Calls and Texts on Android

You can also try to block scam phone numbers from your contacts list, messages app, or settings menu.

How to Block Scam Numbers on Any Smartphone

Besides the usual methods that you can choose to apply depending on the device type that you are using, there are a few other things that you can do to mass block phone numbers that are annoying you on any smartphone.

1. Get Protection From Your Phone Carrier

Most major carriers offer at least some level of protection from robocallers and spammers. If that's not enough for you, you can opt for a paid service that will minimize the risk of getting fraudulent calls.

Try reaching out to your provider and asking what they can offer.

2. Use a Third-Party App For Blocking Unwanted Phone Numbers

Another thing that you can try to stop spam and fraud calls is to get a third-party app. Most of them are free to download, but you're required to purchase a subscription to use them.

These apps have a database of scam numbers that constantly gets updated, and when an unknown phone number calls you, these services run it against that list and look for a match. If there is such a number in the database, it gets automatically blocked.

Robo Shield is one of the most effective spam call blockers currently available. It allows you to choose what type of calls you want to block—scam, nuisance, survey, political, jail, and other calls. They update their list of scam phone numbers every six minutes, so your phone will be protected even from the most recent spam numbers.

Download: Robo Shield for iOS | Android (Free trial, subscription required)

3. Add Your Phone Number to the National Do Not Call Registry

The Federal Trade Commission operates a database called the National Do Not Call Registry. By adding your phone number to the list, you will be able to minimize the number of telemarketing calls that you receive.

However, this registry eliminates calls only from reputable companies and doesn't stop illegal spammers from contacting you.

How to Block Scam Numbers on Landline Phones

The sad truth is that landline phones are less protected from spam callers than smartphones, so the amount of annoying calls that you may get on these phones is much higher. Therefore it is harder to stop the flow of unwanted calls.

If there is a specific scam number that is bothering you, try out a call-blocking device. There are many of them on the market and they usually cost under $100.

You can also contact your phone service provider to ask about the spam call blocking services that it can offer. Whether your home phone is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or just a traditional one, your carrier may have an option ready for you to help protect your number from unwanted calls.

Start Your Battle With Scam Phone Numbers

Scammers won't stop bothering you until you do something about it. Whether it's lottery scams, fraud calls, fake charity appeals, cold calls, website password requests, or any other phone scam type, the above methods can minimize the chance of them flooding your phone.