Q&A for How to Block a Call

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do I block incoming calls to my landline phone?

Community Answer

In addition to the methods above, you can purchase a call blocking device to connect to your phone. Some are simple local devices, others can use WiFi and a large database to block much more effectively. V5000 and RoboCallWall are examples of the 2 types.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 40
Question

How do I stop a spam caller if I'm already on the do not call list?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, the Do Not Call list isn't perfect. Spammers from overseas who are not subject to the law can get a VoIP service like Magic Jack or Vonnage and appear to have a US based phone. The spammers may even use the Do Not Call list to gain information about people they wish to spam or even defraud. To block these calls you must use individual call block *60 or a hardware call blocker. Also, you should use the anonymous call blocker *77.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 34 Helpful 68
Question

How can I block my phone number from appearing on caller ID?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions in this helpful article about making an anonymous call on wikiHow.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 28
Question

Are all of these blocking services free?

Community Answer

Not always, as it depends on your carrier. Contact them or check out their website for an answer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 13
Question

Can I collect monetary damages if my do not call registration is violated?

Community Answer

Yes. Read the info on the National Do Not Call Registry website to find out what specific data you'll need to collect regarding the calls so you can file a complaint with the FTC, and to find out more about filing a lawsuit for monetary damages. There are also lawyers who handle class action suits against telemarketers who violate the Do Not Call Registry. I would do a Google search for attorneys, after you've read the restrictions and collected the data you'll need. You can probably sue them individually in small claims court in your county as well. This will require you to pay a filing fee ($135 to $150) for each company or individual you're suing and serve them with the Complaint paperwork.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12
Question

Can I block area codes?

Community Answer

The phone.com spam caller allows you to block area patterns and an entire area code.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 34
Question

How can I stop the phone from ringing for blocked calls?

Community Answer

Contact your telephone company or service provider, or the manufacturer of your phone if it's a cellphone. The solution will depend on the technology you are using, but generally, this means you have not correctly blocked the call or are using the wrong type of call blocking.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 11
Question

I get 8 unwanted calls a day, and I use *60. After 25 calls, I am told I have to delete to add more. Do the ones I delete stay blocked?

Community Answer

Each phone company limits the the number of blocked callers to between 10 and 25. Only the numbers on your list are blocked, and additional individual numbers cannot be added.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 11
Question

Will this work with blocking certain cell phone numbers?

Community Answer

No, but you can still block numbers on your cell phone. Go into your contacts, and tap on the number you wish to block. Click on "Edit" and scroll all the way to the bottom to "Block Number." Select it, then press "OK."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 14
Question

Does this strategy apply for messages too?

Community Answer

No, there's no possible way to block an SMS except if you use the Airplane Mode option.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 16
Question

How do I hide my number when calling someone?

Community Answer

For most (maybe even all) cell phone and landlines, you can dial *67 to block your number when placing a call.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

Is it illegal for someone to violate the "Do not call" registry?

Community Answer

Strictly speaking, yes; it is "against the law." However, the phrase "illegal" is usually understood to mean a criminal act. But because the regulation of the telecommunications industry is done with civil statutes and codes (FCC) rather than criminal codes, we would typically describe such acts as infringements or code violations. You could probably sue the person who is calling you (if you can find out who/where they actually are), but you wouldn't be able to press criminal charges against them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

My outgoing call is canceled. What does this mean?

Community Answer

If you're calling someone and you hear that, that probably will mean they have decided that you should be on their do not call list. However, it could also just be a connectivity issue.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I call the police and have them block an inmate from calling my home phone?

Community Answer

You can contact the jail or prison they are in and file a complaint directly with them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0