Lance Whitney Details 4 Ways to Block Spam Calls as Carrier Tools Start at $3.99
Updated
Updated · PCMag · Jul 16
Lance Whitney Details 4 Ways to Block Spam Calls as Carrier Tools Start at $3.99
1 articles · Updated · PCMag · Jul 16
Summary
Built-in phone settings are the first line of defense: Android lets users block or report numbers as spam, while iPhones can silence unknown callers and screen them with AI before sending them to voicemail.
Carrier tools add another layer when device settings are not enough. AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter and T-Mobile Scam Shield all offer free spam filtering, with premium tiers starting at $3.99 a month.
Third-party apps broaden those options with caller databases, crowdsourced reports and automatic blocking. Call Control, Hiya, RoboKiller and Truecaller all sell paid plans, ranging from $3.99 monthly to $74.99 yearly.
FTC registration is still recommended even though scammers may ignore it: users can add numbers to the Do Not Call Registry, report robocalls at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
Spam calls may take weeks or months to subside, and Whitney says limiting where you share your real number—or using a secondary number such as Google Voice—can reduce future exposure.