To cut down spam calls, register your number on your country's Do Not Call list, such as the National Do Not Call Registry in the US, then turn on spam filtering from your carrier and your phone. You cannot fully remove your number from every list, since many spammers ignore the rules, but blocking tools and silencing unknown callers stop most of them.
Why this happens
Spam and scam calls happen for a few reasons, and understanding them explains why no single fix stops all of them.
- Your number is shared or sold. Signing up for services, entering contests, or public listings can put your number on marketing lists.
- Numbers are leaked in data breaches and then traded among callers.
- Auto-dialers generate and call numbers in sequence, so they may reach you without any list.
- Answering or pressing a key confirms your number is live, which often increases calls.
- Many scam callers operate illegally and ignore Do Not Call rules entirely.
Is this normal?
Yes, getting spam calls is extremely common and is not a sign your phone is compromised. Almost every active number receives them, and volume rises and falls over time.
Does it cause any problems?
Most spam calls are just an annoyance, but some are scams aiming to steal money or personal details through fake prizes, tech support, or bank warnings. The risk is only if you engage, so screening and blocking keep you safe.
How to fix or check it
- Register on the official Do Not Call list for your country. In the US it is donotcall.gov, in the UK it is the Telephone Preference Service, and many countries have an equivalent. This reduces legitimate marketing calls.
- Turn on your carrier's spam protection. Major carriers offer free call labeling or blocking; check your carrier's app or website to enable it.
- Use your phone's built-in tools. On iPhone, open Settings, Phone, and turn on "Silence Unknown Callers." On Android's Phone app, open Settings, then Caller ID and spam, and enable spam filtering.
- Block individual numbers after a spam call. On both platforms, open the recent calls list, tap the number, and choose Block.
- Do not answer or interact with unknown calls. Let them go to voicemail, and never press a key to "opt out," which only confirms your number.
- Stop sharing your number where you can. Avoid entering it in contests, unnecessary forms, and public profiles, and use a secondary number for sign-ups when possible.
- Report persistent spam. In the US you can file complaints at donotcall.gov or with the FTC; other countries have their own regulators.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Do Not Call registry actually work?
It reduces calls from legitimate telemarketers who follow the law, but it does not stop scammers and illegal robocallers who ignore it. Combine it with carrier and phone blocking for the biggest reduction.
Why do I still get calls after registering?
Registries only bind legal marketers. Scam operations, often overseas, ignore the rules and use fake or rotating numbers. That is why on-device silencing and carrier filtering matter more against those calls.
Should I answer to tell them to stop calling?
No. Answering or pressing a key confirms your number is active and usually leads to more calls. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail, then block any that turn out to be spam.