Q&A for How to Stop Unwanted Phone Calls

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Question

How do I outsmart a scammer?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Put them on "hold" when you answer the phone. Say something like "I'll get you that later" or "I have a few things to take of" once every few seconds. It's not ideal, but at least that scammer won't be bothering anyone else while they're on the line with you.

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Question

What should you do if a scammer keeps calling you?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

Scammers tend to look for low-hanging fruit. They might leave you alone if you prove to them that you'll cost more time than you're worth.

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Question

How do I block unwanted phone calls on iPhone?

Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

Consumer Technology Expert

Expert Answer

iPhones let you silence unknown callers. That way, your phone won't ring if the number isn't in your address book.

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Question

Someone has called my number saying he knows 'where I am', and they won't say who they are. What shall I do?

Community Answer

You may want to inform the police.

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Question

How can I block a known number caller?

Community Answer

The same way you block any unwanted number. usually, you can do this directly from your phone.

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Question

How do I get a company to stop calling me?

Community Answer

If you want stop company calls use a do not disturb service, which works great.

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How can I stop calls from crooks who say they are the IRS?

Community Answer

You can block the numbers that they call from.

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Can you stop SAS-enabled VOIP calls?

Community Answer

I believe blocking numbers thru your own phone w/ the code # & then the phone # to be blocked still works, also go to the No-Call List & reapply your name & info, it takes a few weeks for all the annoying calls to stop but they do, also do not enter your # into any online questionnaire, account info, always avoid doing this when possible otherwise you have to go back to the No-Calls list & re-apply your name & #, can get pretty tedious ... Good Luck & Hope this helps

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How can I block a person from calling my cell phone?

Community Answer

Go into your phone's settings. Usually under security, there is an option to block a caller.

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Question

How do I deal with blocked calls getting through?

Community Answer

There is likely a glitch or you could have reached the grace period. If you call your call blocking provider, they should be able to tell you what is wrong.

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Question

How do I get rid of phone calls on my cell phone?

Community Answer

Depending on your phone and provider, there are many options, but most phones allow you to block specific numbers in their settings or tools files.

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Question

How do I know this is a legitimate site?

Community Answer

It is legitimate. It has been used many times by many people.

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Question

How do I stop getting unwanted calls from a telemarketer that is using different numbers?

Community Answer

Get yourself listed on the "do not call" (DNC) list that is maintained by your phone service provider. It's illegal in most countries for telemarketers to call a number listed on a DNC list unless the call was requested.

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Question

Where can I find free reverse phone number look ups?

Community Answer

You can find the free reverse look-up for phone numbers via the White/Yellow Pages or via an online search.

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Question

How do I block a caller on my home phone?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

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Question

How do I block a wrong number caller that keeps calling me?

Community Answer

If you have Comcast/Xfinity as a provider they have a block caller list you can start. Its in the manual that came with installation or just call CSR, and they will walk you through it. You could also go online and find the instructions. If it is a cell phone, you can simply choose the block call option.

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Question

Suppose I want to stop all calls from certain cities how to do it?

Community Answer

You can block an area code, Just call your provider to get the steps & codes needed to complete the block.

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Question

How can I trace incoming calls?

Community Answer

You can get caller ID, but that won't really "trace" the calls. It will just give you any available location info before you answer the phone.

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Question

Can my phone be hacked by someone who can make calls from my number and use my paid minutes while the phone is in my pocket?

Community Answer

Yes. Consult with your phone company to protect yourself from "hacked" calls.

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Question

How do I stop unwanted phone calls if the caller's phone number is not in service?

Community Answer

Block the number associated with your issue. If it keeps happening, file a complaint with the proper authorities.

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Question

I'm constantly getting scam calls saying that I've won money. Can I call the police?

Community Answer

You could, but you're better off just hanging up or blocking the numbers.

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Question

Can I call my phone operator to block a certain number from calling me?

Community Answer

You can try. Most phone carriers have a service where upon request, you can block specific phone numbers. If you're not using a landline, it is better to download an app that allows you to block phone numbers that are of annoyance.

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