One of the most annoying things in life is getting an unsolicited phone call at 8:00 on a Sunday morning or just when you are at the dinner table. In recent years, telemarketers have stepped up their business, causing thousands of complaints to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). So how can you put an end to unwanted calls once and for all?
Note: Some of these tips may apply regardless of your country of residence.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Block Calls to Origin
Step 1. Sign up for the Italian Public Register of Oppositions
This log lists the phone numbers and owners of those numbers who do not wish to receive unsolicited telemarketing calls. Register your telephone number by calling the Italian toll-free number 800.265.265, by fax at 06.54224822 or online at this address.
-
Some types of organizations are not required to consult the Public Register of Oppositions. They therefore include:
- Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship.
- Calls from organizations that you have previously given written permission to call you.
- Calls that are not commercial or that do not include explicit advertising messages.
- Calls from tax-free non-profit organizations.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 2 Step 2. Call your carrier and ask to speak to the dedicated department
This specialized service can put a block on the line that prevents some users from contacting you.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 3 Step 3. Enter your phone number in the do-not-call list of specific companies
If you regularly receive phone calls from the same annoying companies, you can ask the telemarketing department to remove your name and number from their contact list.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 4 Step 4. Use a search engine to find out who is calling
If you are unsure of the source of a certain number calling you, do a search to find out. Writing about an unknown number in a search engine can give you some hints about its owner. Many online reporting services also allow you to report and share your experience with other users.
Method 2 of 2: Block Calls on your Phone
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 5 Step 1. Install a call blocking app on your smartphone
While companies are required to disclose their phone number, many don't. Blocking calls from unknown numbers is a good way to exclude unwanted numbers. If you have an iPhone or Android, you can find applications that automatically block calls from hidden numbers.
- Call Control is the most popular application for blocking telemarketing on Android smartphones.
- Call Bliss is the best known app for blocking telemarketing calls on iPhones.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 6 Step 2. Change your phone settings
Both Android and iPhones have settings that allow you to only receive calls from known numbers. The downside is that if an organization or person you really want to hear is calling you from an unknown number, you won't be able to see the call. However, if you get too many unknown calls from spammers every day, this could be a good option.
- You can set your Android to 'Privacy Policy' mode so that you only get calls from people you have previously approved from your contact list.
- Use 'Do Not Disturb' mode on your iPhone. You can disable calls from all numbers except those selected from the contact list.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 7 Step 3. Use the call capture service
This type of services, for a fee, force whoever calls you to show their number. TrapCall is the most popular service and works with both landline phones and iPhones and Android.
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 8 Step 4. Subscribe to custom calling services for your desk phone
Your telephone company should offer call blocking and screening services for a monthly fee. Call your carrier to see what options you have. Services such as call analysis, call priority, and callback are usually available in many states.
- Call analytics can be set to block calls from specific numbers by sending the caller a pre-recorded message telling them that you are not going to accept their call.
- Call priority allows you to set special ringtones for individual numbers, so you know if it's a number you don't want to answer without even looking at your phone.
- The callback service allows you to contact the last person who looked for you, even if their number was shown as "private" or "unavailable".
Stop Unwanted Phone Calls Step 9 Step 5. Purchase a call blocking system for your desk phone
These types of systems require the caller to enter a code in order to contact you. This will stop calls from anyone who doesn't have your personal code. While it can be a nuisance to friends, family and acquaintances, it might be worth using if you are constantly harassed by phone salespeople.
Advice
- Be courteous to telephone companies. It is not their fault! If you are polite, they will be much more willing to help you block unwanted calls.
- If you get a call from someone, just ask them for their business address. This usually closes about 95% of telemarketing calls and nearly 100% of fraudulent calls.
- If, on the other hand, you have been contacted by a machine, just press the number 1 on the keypad until the other party ends the call.
Warnings
- Be careful when using the call back service, as the person you are calling may be hostile when confronted about their annoying calls.
- If the unwanted call is actually harassment, such as someone repeatedly calling you using inappropriate or threatening language, report it to the authorities.
- A blocking system allows you to block anyone who does not have a special code to call you. This means that emergency calls may be blocked.
