Silence 95% of spam calls and text scams with these 3 simple tweaks

Spam calls and text scams are no longer a minor annoyance, having turned into an incessant daily burden. These scammers employ neighborhood-spoofing and automated text bots to inundate users with phony messages throughout the day and night. An immediate reaction might be to install a call-blocking app that requires full access to contacts and charges a monthly fee, but there is a more cost-effective and privacy-preserving solution.

Both iOS and Android devices come equipped with built-in spam-blocking features that can be set up in under three minutes. To begin, mute unknown callers at the system level. On an iPhone, navigate to Settings, then Phone (or Settings, Apps, Phone), tap Silence, and turn on Screen Unknown Callers. Calls from unfamiliar numbers will be directed straight to voicemail without ringing the device.

For Android users, open the Phone app, tap the menu icon, select Settings, then Caller ID & Spam, and enable Filter Spam Calls to utilize Google's database to automatically block potential robocalls. Next, quarantine text scams by sending messages from unrecognized numbers to a separate inbox. For iPhone users, go to Settings, then Messages (or Settings, Apps, Messages), and toggle on Filter Spam under Unknown Senders.

This creates a distinct tab in the Messages app for unknown numbers, disabling notifications for them. Android users should open Messages, tap their profile icon, go to Messages Settings, Protection & Safety, and Spam, and ensure spam protection is enabled. Lastly, activate free network-level spam shields offered by cellular providers, which are often overlooked but effective in blocking spam.

AT&T users can download the free AT&T ActiveArmor app to turn on network-level spam blocking and receive nuisance call warnings. Verizon customers can open the free Verizon Call Filter app and enable Spam Filter to auto-block high-risk callers. T-Mobile users can dial #662# directly or manage the feature through the T-Mobile Scam Shield app.

Disabling the constant ringing with fake debt collector alerts and suspicious package tracking links is well worth the minimal effort of setting up these settings and enabling carrier network filters, effectively eliminating around 95% of spam before it reaches the screen.