How to block spam calls: stop unwanted callers for good

We all know the feeling: your phone rings and an unknown number tries to sell you something, or worse, tries to steal your personal data. Spam calls are not just annoying, they can also be dangerous. In this in-depth guide, you'll learn how to block spam calls effectively and protect yourself against phone scams.

What are spam calls?

Spam calls are unwanted phone calls you receive without having asked for them. There are several types:

Telemarketing

Companies that call you to sell products or services. Although this can be legal, it is often unwanted, especially if you have not said you want to be called.

Scams (scam calls)

These are the dangerous calls. Scammers pretend to be your bank, the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) or a well-known company. They try to steal your personal data or money. Think of:

  • The well-known Microsoft scam, where someone claims your computer has a virus
  • Calls claiming you have won a prize
  • People pretending to be an employee of your bank
  • Fake debt collection agencies threatening legal action

Robocalls

Automated calls with a recorded message. These are often used for mass scams because they are very cheap to send.

Blocking spam on your iPhone

Apple has built in several features to fight spam calls.

Silence Unknown Callers

This feature sends calls from numbers that are not in your contacts straight to voicemail. Here's how to turn it on:

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Scroll down and tap Phone
  3. Tap Silence Unknown Callers
  4. Turn the switch on

Note: this also blocks legitimate callers who are not in your contacts, such as your family doctor or a delivery service. So check your recent calls and voicemail regularly.

Blocking numbers manually

Is a specific number bothering you? Block it like this:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Go to Recents
  3. Tap the i icon next to the number
  4. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
  5. Confirm by tapping Block Contact

Using spam detection apps

There are apps that recognize and block known spam numbers. Popular options are:

  • Hiya
  • Truecaller
  • RoboKiller

These apps have large databases of known spam numbers and warn you before you answer.

Blocking spam on your Android phone

Android phones also have extensive options to fight spam.

Turning on the Google spam filter

Google's default Phone app has a built-in spam filter:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the three dots in the top right
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Tap Caller ID & spam
  5. Turn on Filter spam calls

Blocking numbers on Android

To block a specific number:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Go to your call history
  3. Press and hold the number you want to block
  4. Tap Block number or Add to block list

Samsung phones

Samsung phones have extra features through Smart Call:

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the three dots and go to Settings
  3. Tap Caller ID and spam protection
  4. Turn on all options

Blocking through your provider

Besides the features on your phone, providers also offer solutions.

KPN

KPN offers the free service "Veilig Bellen" (Safe Calling). This service warns you about suspicious calls and blocks known scammer numbers. You can turn it on in the MijnKPN app or by calling customer service.

Vodafone

Vodafone has CallProtect, a free service that recognizes and blocks spam calls. Activate it in the My Vodafone app under "Mijn Producten" (My Products).

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers "Onbeperkt Veilig" (Unlimited Safe), including protection against unwanted calls. This is part of their security package.

Bel-me-niet Register

In the Netherlands, you can sign up for the "Bel-me-niet Register" (Do Not Call Register). This is an official register that telemarketers are required to check. After you sign up, companies may no longer call you for commercial purposes, unless you have explicitly given permission.

You sign up through the website of the Bel-me-niet Register. Signing up is free and stays valid for as long as you do not unsubscribe.

Recognize and prevent scams

Blocking is important, but recognizing scams is at least as crucial.

Warning signs

Watch out for these signs of a scam:

  • The caller pressures you to act quickly
  • You are asked for personal data such as your citizen service number (BSN) or bank details
  • The caller claims something is wrong with your computer or bank account
  • You are asked to transfer money or buy gift cards
  • The number looks like an official number but is not quite right

What to do with a suspicious call

If you get a suspicious call:

  1. Never give out personal information: Banks and government agencies never ask for it by phone
  2. Hang up: You are not obliged to stay on the line
  3. Call back yourself: If in doubt, look up the official number yourself and call back
  4. Report it: Report scams to the Fraudehelpdesk (Fraud Helpdesk)

Caller ID spoofing

Scammers can fake their number so it looks as if they are calling from a legitimate company or even the police. This is called spoofing. So never blindly trust the number you see on your screen.

Tips to receive less spam

Prevention is better than cure. Here are tips to get fewer spam calls:

Be careful with your phone number

  • Do not share your number unnecessarily on websites and forms
  • If possible, use a separate number for online registrations
  • Do not check boxes that give permission to call you

Do not answer unknown numbers

If you do not answer spam calls, spammers often consider your number less valuable. Legitimate callers leave a voicemail.

Do not respond to robocalls

If you get an automated message asking you to press a key, hang up. By responding, you confirm that your number is active, which leads to more spam.

Block international numbers

If you are not expecting international calls, you can block them through your provider or an app. A lot of spam comes from abroad.

Protecting your landline

Landlines are plagued by spam too. Here are solutions:

Phones with spam blocking

Modern landline phones have built-in spam filters. Brands such as Gigaset and Panasonic offer models with block lists and spam detection.

Call blocker devices

There are special devices you place between your phone line and your handset. They block known spam numbers and let you create your own block lists.

Turning on caller ID

Make sure caller ID is turned on for your landline. That way you can see who is calling before you answer. For anonymous numbers, you can choose not to answer.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I suddenly getting so many spam calls?

Your phone number may have leaked in a data breach, or spammers may have generated it at random. Your number may also have been sold on after you filled it in somewhere. Sign up for the Bel-me-niet Register and actively block numbers that bother you.

Can I stop spam calls completely?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to stop all spam calls, especially because scammers often change or fake their numbers. With the tips in this article, you can drastically reduce the amount of spam and protect yourself against scams.

What should I do if I accidentally gave my details to a scammer?

Contact your bank immediately if you shared your bank details. Change any passwords you may have mentioned. File a report with the police and report it to the Fraudehelpdesk. Keep a close eye on your bank statements over the coming months.

Are spam blocking apps safe?

Well-known apps such as Truecaller and Hiya are generally safe, but always read the privacy terms. Some apps upload your contacts to their servers. Choose an app with good reviews and a clear privacy policy.

Conclusion

Spam calls are a growing problem, but with the right measures you can protect yourself effectively. Combine your phone's built-in features with apps and services from your provider for the best protection. Stay alert to scams and do not share your phone number unnecessarily. By following these tips, you'll get your peace back and avoid becoming a victim of phone scams.

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