Block Robo Calls on Cell Phone

[Artemis Windsong]

Here's how to do that on Android (the steps might vary by device) and on the iPhone:

On Android:

Open the Phone app
Tap the number that just called you
Tap "Details"
Tap "Block number"

On iPhone:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the "i" icon next to the number that called you.
Scroll down and select "Block this caller."

[Tiny]

LOL! That's a 'cute'  solution - not an actual solution. Because the numbers calling my cell phone are "spoofed" they all miraculously start with the same area-code and prefix (as my phone number)... but the last 4 digits vary.  I stopped deleting the calls from my log for a 2 weeks... and of the 15 robo calls I had gotten - only 2 had the same number (they were also the only 2 that had re-called within a 15 minute period.) 

I had started blocking the numbers over a year ago when I started using my phone more... but gave up when I realized it was hopeless (as in I'd have to block the number AND delete it from my log -- only to get a robo call from a different number a day or two later)   It's just easier to not answer the call and then delete it from my log. 

[thyme4change]

I don't answer any call that has the same first 6 digits as that phone number. True for every phone I ever touch.

[Tiny]

what would be helpful is if there was a setting on phones that would only "ring" for numbers that are in your "contacts list".    That's not full proof - because I'm sure we all have people (drs office, work, contractors, whatever) that will call us occasionally and we DO want to get those calls - but we can't pre-program them. On the other hand, if you at getting a call from someone like that - i'd guesstimate that you are actively waiting for the call (paying attention to your phone) so you'd be checking your "number called but didn't ring you" list... so you could call them back/add the number to your contacts.   

That only allow thru contacts would be helpful.

I cant' remember but I thought I read that android/apple did offer this service but it had a monthly fee...

[alabamagal]

Doctors offices and other real people leave a message. Robot calls don’t. That is why I do not answer calls from numbers I don’t know. I have most doctors I see in my phone now.

[Tennesseer]

May 8, 2018 20:51:13 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

Doctors offices and other real people leave a message. Robot calls don’t. That is why I do not answer calls from numbers I don’t know. I have most doctors I see in my phone now.

Assuming all phones today have visible CIDs,I get robo calls and the CID might say 'name unavailable' or 'Chicago, Il.', or a 'local' number with noname, or some strange name I have never heard of. A doctor's office you are doing business with will probably show up on your CID with his/her name. Don't recognize the name or number? Don't answer.

Beside, the call from Chicago or strange name is probably not coming from where or who your CID states it is coming from.

[Deleted]

May 8, 2018 10:55:46 GMT -5 Tiny said:

what would be helpful is if there was a setting on phones that would only "ring" for numbers that are in your "contacts list".    That's not full proof - because I'm sure we all have people (drs office, work, contractors, whatever) that will call us occasionally and we DO want to get those calls - but we can't pre-program them. On the other hand, if you at getting a call from someone like that - i'd guesstimate that you are actively waiting for the call (paying attention to your phone) so you'd be checking your "number called but didn't ring you" list... so you could call them back/add the number to your contacts.   

That only allow thru contacts would be helpful.

I cant' remember but I thought I read that android/apple did offer this service but it had a monthly fee...

There is such a setting... at least in Android phones. It's a way to set up the "Do Not Disturb" setting. One of the "allow exceptions" options (under "Custom" on my particular phone) is: "Calls from" which can be set to any one of the following:

• All (I guess that is for if you want all calls but no text messages, maybe? Because there's also a "Messages from" setting)
• Contacts only
• Favorite contacts only
• None

Oh... and there's no charge for that.