How to Stop Receiving Spam Calls on Landline
In today’s digital age, spam calls have become an increasingly common nuisance, even for those who still use landlines. Whether it’s unsolicited telemarketers, robocalls, or scam artists, these unwanted calls can be both frustrating and potentially dangerous. If you’re tired of dealing with spam calls on your landline, here are some effective strategies to help you put an end to this annoyance.
1. Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry
One of the first steps you can take to reduce spam calls is to register your landline number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service is designed to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. By registering your number, you are informing telemarketers that you do not wish to receive their calls. While this won’t stop all spam calls, it can significantly reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive.
2. Use Call Blocking Features
Many landline phones and phone service providers offer call blocking features that can help you block unwanted calls. These features may include the ability to block specific numbers, block calls from unknown numbers, or even block calls from certain area codes. Check with your phone service provider to see if they offer call blocking features and how to enable them.
3. Install a Call Blocking App
If your landline phone or service provider doesn’t offer call blocking features, you can install a call blocking app on your computer or smartphone. These apps can help you identify and block spam calls, as well as provide you with information about the caller and the call’s purpose. Some popular call blocking apps include Nomorobo, RoboKiller, and Hiya.
4. Be Wary of Public Call Forwarding Numbers
Spammers often use public call forwarding numbers to hide their true identity. If you receive a call from a public call forwarding number, it’s likely a spam call. Be cautious when providing your landline number to unknown entities, especially those that require you to call back a number you don’t recognize.
5. Report Spam Calls
When you receive a spam call, report it to your phone service provider and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting spam calls can help authorities track down and shut down spam call operations. Additionally, some phone service providers offer a feature that allows you to report spam calls directly from your phone.
6. Consider a VoIP Service
If you’re still receiving spam calls on your landline, you may want to consider switching to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. VoIP services often offer advanced call blocking features and can help you reduce the number of spam calls you receive. Additionally, VoIP services can provide you with additional features like voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID.
By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive on your landline. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate spam calls, these steps can help you regain control of your phone and protect yourself from potential scams and unwanted telemarketing.
