To block unknown callers, use your phone's built-in settings to silence or filter them by going to the Phone app > Settings > Blocked Numbers/Callers and toggling on the option for "Unknown" or "Unidentified Callers," which sends them to voicemail or moves them to a separate list, preventing your phone from ringing for these numbers. For iPhones, you can also go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers, while Android users often find the setting within the three-dot menu in the Phone app.
Consumers
Your number exposed in a recent breach or public post. You answered or interacted with one spam call (marks it active). You shared the number in an online form that wasn't clearly private. You changed carriers or ported the number, creating a short window of increased targeting.
Register with the Telephone Preference Service
The best way to reduce nuisance calls is to register for free with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).
For illegal scam calls, pressing 9 can actually increase the number of calls you receive. The safest way to stop telemarketing calls legally is by leveraging your legal rights. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry and understand the TCPA and state-specific rules.
The National Do Not Call Registry protects landline and wireless phone numbers. You can register your numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at donotcall.gov.
It's much better to block spam calls and report them as spam rather than just deleting them, as blocking prevents future calls from that number and trains your carrier's filters, while deleting or declining just confirms your number is active, making you a target for more calls. Deleting or declining shows scammers your number is a valid, active mobile line, increasing your risk for more calls and potential fraud, so use built-in phone features, carrier services, or third-party apps to block unknown callers and mark spam.
The Do Not Call Registry stops unwanted sales calls — live calls or robocalls — from real companies that follow the law. The Registry is a list that tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call — it doesn't block calls. So being on the Registry won't stop calls from scammers making illegal calls.
How To Get Fewer Spam Emails
The Do Not Call Register is a secure database where you can list your Australian numbers to opt out of receiving most unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes. You can list your home, personal mobile and/or fax number to reduce telemarketing calls.
The best course of action is to report them, so providers can develop better ways to identify harmful or unwanted messages. This will improve their chances of detecting them before they hit your inbox. Deleting these emails makes them useless to anyone.
Yes, *69 can work in Australia for Call Return on some networks like Optus, but Telstra uses *10# for a similar service, and it often involves per-use charges; however, mobile networks often store caller ID, making landline-style codes less universal, with features depending on your specific provider and service plan.
The star code *60 is used by many network providers to help block spam calls. Simply dial *60 and follow the instructions to block either the most recent number or a specific number. Check with your provider to see if they offer this service. The star code *77 automatically rejects blocked or unidentified numbers.
You should be wary of answering calls from Caribbean area codes like 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada), 268 (Antigua & Barbuda), 284 (BVI), and 649 (Turks & Caicos), as these are frequently linked to one-ring scams, lottery fraud, and investment scams, where a brief ring prompts you to call back, incurring high charges. Letting calls from unknown international numbers go to voicemail is best, as scammers often spoof local numbers or use these hotspots for fraud, and legitimate callers usually leave a message.
Dial *77 to stop all no caller ID calls
After you dial *77 on your cell phone or landline, you should hear an automated message confirming that calls from private numbers are now blocked. Spam callers using an anonymous number will receive a recorded message that you don't accept calls from private numbers.
The answer may be hiding in the fine print. The Do Not Call list doesn't actually block everyone from reaching out to you unsolicited. The FTC rules still allow calls about political campaigns, charities, debt collections and surveys to go through, even if you're on the registry.
Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726. If you forward a text to 7726, your provider can investigate the origin of the text and arrange to block or ban the sender, if it's found to be malicious.
You can call the Do Not Call Register contact centre on 1300 792 958 from Monday to Friday, between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm (excluding national holidays).
The person you blocked will not realize you blocked them when they try to call you. On their end, they'll hear the phone ring a few times. Then, their call will go straight to voicemail.
Why am I getting so many spam calls? If you have answered a number of robocalls, it may be because the spam caller sold your number to other scammers or telemarketing companies. Remember, if the call is important enough, the caller will leave a voicemail message.
Yes, a scammer can potentially access your bank account with just your phone number, primarily through a SIM swap scam, where they trick your mobile provider into transferring your number to their SIM, letting them intercept 2FA codes, or by using your number for phishing/social engineering to get more info and bypass bank security. While having only the number isn't usually enough for direct access due to bank security, it's a powerful tool for identity theft and account takeover, especially when combined with other stolen info.
Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register. If you register your number at donotcall.gov, you will get an email with a link you need to click on within 72 hours to complete your registration.
Phone companies have the technology to block unwanted calls, but some haven't prioritized doing so. Scammers can disguise their identity by making numbers look like they're coming from your local area or a trusted organization.