Your Free Guide to Reducing Junk Calls

Understanding How Junk Calls Work and Why They're Increasing

Junk calls — also called unwanted calls, spam calls, or robocalls — have become a serious problem for millions of Americans. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing over $8.6 billion to phone scams in 2022 alone. That number has continued to rise. The FTC received more than 4.7 million complaints about unwanted calls in 2023, making them one of the most common consumer complaints received.

Junk calls come in several forms. Some are automated calls from scammers pretending to represent your bank, the IRS, or tech companies. Others are calls from telemarketers selling products or services. Some calls are spoofed, meaning the caller uses technology to make their number appear to be from a local number, a government agency, or a company you recognize. This makes people more likely to answer.

Why are junk calls increasing? Technology has made it cheaper and easier for scammers to make thousands of calls in minutes. Caller ID spoofing costs almost nothing. Phone numbers can be purchased in bulk. Scammers often use overseas call centers, making them difficult to catch and prosecute. Additionally, when people answer scam calls, scammers add that number to lists they sell to other scammers, leading to even more calls.

Another reason junk calls are rising is that scammers are constantly adapting. When one scheme gets shut down, they create a new one. They use current events — like reports of data breaches or changes to government programs — to make their calls sound legitimate and urgent.

Understanding these basic facts helps explain why simple solutions don't exist. This is why the information in this guide focuses on layers of protection rather than a single fix.

Practical Takeaway: Junk calls are not your fault, and you're not alone. Knowing how scammers operate helps you recognize and avoid their tactics.

How to Use Your Phone's Built-In Call Protection Features

The good news is that both iPhone and Android phones come with call blocking and filtering tools that you can turn on right now. These features are free and built directly into your phone's operating system. They use technology to identify likely spam calls before they even ring your phone.

For iPhone users: Go to Settings, then Phone, then Call Blocking & Identification. You'll see options from apps you may have installed. You can also enable "Filter Unknown Callers," which sends calls from people not in your contacts to voicemail. This feature sends likely spam calls directly to voicemail. You can still see them in your voicemail list if you want to check later. To turn this on, go to Settings, Phone, and toggle "Filter Unknown Callers" to on.

For Android users: The steps depend on your phone manufacturer and Android version, but most modern Android phones have built-in spam protection. Open the Phone app and look for "Settings." Look for options labeled "Block numbers," "Spam protection," "Call Screen," or "Do Not Disturb." Enable spam protection if available. Many Android phones also have a "Call Screen" feature that can answer suspected spam calls automatically or require callers to state their purpose before your phone rings.

Beyond your phone's basic settings, several free apps can add extra layers of protection. Apps like RoboKiller, Nomorobo, and Truecaller use technology to identify and block known scam numbers. Some are available through your phone's app store at no cost. Note that some apps require you to grant them access to your contacts or call history — read what permissions each app requests before installing it.

It's also worth checking with your phone service provider. Most carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others) offer free spam-blocking tools as part of your service. You may need to turn them on in your account settings or contact customer service to learn about what's already active on your line.

Practical Takeaway: Start with your phone's built-in features today — they require no cost and minimal setup. These tools catch many scam calls before your phone even rings.

Recognizing Common Junk Call Scams and Red Flags

Learning to spot scams on the phone is one of your best defenses. Scammers use common scripts and tactics. When you know what to listen for, you're much less likely to fall for these schemes.

IRS and Tax Scams: Scammers call claiming you owe back taxes or that there's a problem with your tax return. They may threaten arrest, a lawsuit, or say your license will be suspended. The IRS doesn't contact people by phone about taxes they owe — they send letters first. The IRS also doesn't threaten arrest for owing taxes. If you get such a call, hang up. If you're worried about owing taxes, contact the IRS directly at the number on their official website or your tax documents.

Tech Support Scams: Callers say they're from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or another tech company. They claim your device has a virus, is at risk, or has security problems. They offer to fix it by having you install software or give them remote access to your computer. Real tech companies don't call you unsolicited about security problems. If you're concerned about your device, contact the company's official support number from their website.

Impersonation of Banks and Financial Institutions: Scammers pretend to work for your bank and ask you to confirm account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card information. Banks never ask for this information by phone. Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your card or banking app.

Prize and Lottery Scams: You receive a call saying you've won a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes — but you never entered one. The scammer says you need to pay fees, taxes, or shipping to receive your winnings. Legitimate lotteries don't require you to pay anything upfront to claim a prize. If you won something, you'd be asked to come in person to claim it.

Utility and Service Scams: Callers claim to be from your electric company, gas company, water utility, or internet provider. They say your service will be shut off unless you pay immediately using a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Real utilities don't demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. They send bills by mail or email and accept standard payment methods.

Red Flags That Apply to Most Junk Calls:

• The caller creates a sense of pressure or panic, demanding immediate payment or action
• You're asked to send money via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• The caller requests personal information like Social Security numbers, passwords, or banking details
• The caller blocks caller ID or uses a spoofed number that appears local
• The caller threatens arrest, legal action, or service disconnection
• You never initiated contact with this person or business
• The caller refuses to let you hang up or verify information independently

Practical Takeaway: If a call creates pressure to act immediately, asks for money or personal information, or makes threats, it's almost certainly a scam. Legitimate organizations don't operate this way.

What to Do When You Receive a Junk Call

How you respond to junk calls matters. The wrong response can actually increase the number of calls you receive, but the right response can help protect you and others.

If You Think the Call Is a Scam: Hang up immediately. Don't press any buttons, don't stay on the line to argue with the scammer, and don't ask questions. Simply disconnect. Scammers sometimes use your responses to confirm your number is active and monitored by a real person. If you stay on the line, they sell your number to other scammers or call you back with different schemes.

Don't Provide Information: Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you're certain about who you're speaking with. This includes Social Security numbers, birth dates, banking information, passwords, PIN numbers, or