Stop the Spam Calls
Getting bombarded by calls from agents, agencies, and call centers? Here’s exactly how to shut it down — the official Do Not Call list, phone blocking, free carrier tools, and the magic words that make them legally stop.
I hear it from people every week: “Take me off your list!” — except they’re saying it to the wrong people. Ten different agencies calling, all day long. It’s ridiculous, and you don’t have to take it. Do these four things and your phone gets quiet.
Step 1: Join the National Do Not Call Registry
This is the official federal list. Legitimate telemarketers are required by law to check it and stop calling numbers on it.
- Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to register.
- It’s free. Register your cell and your home number.
- It takes about 31 days to fully kick in — that’s the law giving companies time to update their lists.
- Your registration never expires. One and done.
Honest note: the Do Not Call list stops legitimate telemarketers. Scammers and criminals ignore it — that’s what Steps 2 and 3 are for.
Step 2: Block Numbers on Your Phone
iPhone:
- Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers — calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail. Huge difference.
- To block one number: open the call in Recents, tap the i, scroll down, tap Block this Caller.
- In Messages: tap a spam text, tap Report Junk, then block.
Android:
- Open the Phone app → tap the three dots → Settings → Spam and Call Screen — turn on See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.
- To block one number: long-press the call in Recents and tap Block / Report spam.
Step 3: Turn On Your Carrier’s Free Spam Blocking
Your phone company has free tools that catch spam before your phone even rings. Turn them on:
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield — free. Dial #662# to turn on Scam Block, or manage it in the Scam Shield app.
- AT&T: ActiveArmor (formerly Call Protect) — free in the ActiveArmor app.
- Verizon: Call Filter — free basic version in the Call Filter app.
These flag “Spam Likely” calls and can auto-block the worst offenders. It takes two minutes and it’s free — do it today.
Step 4: The Magic Words + Reporting
If a real company keeps calling after you’re on the Do Not Call list, say this exact sentence:
“Put me on your do-not-call list.”
Under federal law, they must honor that request — and they must keep you on their internal do-not-call list for 5 years. If they call again after that, they’re breaking the law.
- Keep a log: write down the company name, number, date, and time of each call.
- Report violators: file a complaint at donotcall.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC fines companies for this — your complaint is how they catch them.
- Never say “yes” to a robocall question, and never press a number to “opt out” — scammers use that to confirm your number is live.
What the Do Not Call List Does Not Stop
Being straight with you: the registry won’t stop everything. It doesn’t cover calls from companies you already do business with, political calls, charities, surveys, or debt collectors — and criminals running scams don’t follow any law. That’s why the phone blocking (Step 2) and carrier tools (Step 3) matter just as much as the registry.
What About My Calls and Texts?
Fair question. When you become my client, you’ll hear from me — one person, your agent, about your coverage. You will never get robocalls from me, and I’ll never sell or share your number with anyone, period. If you ever want me to stop texting, reply STOP and it stops, no questions asked.
The calls I’m helping you kill here are the other ones — the agencies and call centers that bought or scraped your number and won’t leave you alone.
Getting Hounded by Other Agents?
Text me and I’ll walk you through locking your phone down — and if you want an agent who actually takes care of you instead of harassing you, I’m right here.
En español: Cómo detener las llamadas spam.