Are robocalls ruining your day? Steps to block spam calls on your smartphone
When was the last time you got a call from an unknown number? Chances are very recent.
Likely, the person on the other end wasn't a human, but rather a spam call or a robocall.
These types of calls have evolved over the past few years. They were once very obviously spam - often starting with an 800 number and a very robotic voice on the other end - but have now become more convincing and often appear with a name and a human-like voice.
Spam calls are so popular they have achieved meme status. The ever-popular, “We've Been Trying To Reach You About Your Car's Extended Warranty,” appears across the internet almost as much as spam calls appear on our phones.
A survey by Hiya, a company that provides cloud-based phone call performance management services for companies including AT&T and Samsung, found people who fall for scam calls lose $182 on average, although some lose more than $500.
But not all robocalls are spam calls.
Some can be automated messages from your doctor or dentist reminding you of an upcoming appointment or legitimate payment due.
Reviewed-approved phone accessories
Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from Apple AirPods and screen protectors to iPhone tripods and car mounts so you can shop for the best of the best.
The best rugged iPhone case: Spigen Slim Armor
Top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger
Our favorite screen protector: Ailun Glass Screen Protector
The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus
Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder
iPhone tripod we love: Aureday Phone Tripod
The best lightning cable: Anker 6 ft Premium Double-Braided Nylon Lightning Cable
Who gets robocalls?
Much like spam emails that appear in the inboxes of anyone with an email address, spam calls can happen to anyone with a phone - cellular or landline.
The YouMail robocall index found in 2022:
An estimated 4.4B robocalls were made in March
Texas, California and Florida receive the most robocalls
Atlanta is the city with the most robocalls
Atlanta’s 404 area code has the most robocalls
With an average 1.6K calls per second, it’s no surprise we aren’t answering our phones as much.
How do I protect myself?
With more than 12 billion robocalls made in the first three months of 2022, there are plenty of options to block those pesky calls from interrupting your day.
Phones, phone companies and independent app developers have created solutions to keep most of those calls from coming through. Many of these will send unknown calls straight to voicemail, which is helpful in case the tech blocks a call from someone you actually know.
More problems, solved
Laundry hack: Here's how to dry your clothes quicker
Do-it-yourself dryer balls: How to make cheap, but effective, dryer balls
Clogged dryer vent: Keep it clean to keep your family safe from house fire
Refrigerator relief: The best way to clean the inside of your fridge
Zipper stuck?: Here's how to easily fix it
Hard-to-clean coffee maker: Best way to clean the inside of your coffee maker
The perfect fruit: How to pick the perfect watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew
Make groceries last: How to make your groceries last at home
Suede shoes: How to clean suede shoes them without ruining them
Clean toys: How to clean and disinfect them
Video game controllers: The best way to clean controllers, consoles
Airpods & earbuds: Most effective cleaning method for your headphones
Dust mites: Keep dust mites away naturally to help with allergies
Gross oven? How to deep clean it using nontoxic items
Your A/C needs cleaning: Your air conditioner is probably filthy. Here's the best way to clean it.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to block spam calls
