Americans get billions of robocalls every year, and many are scams pretending to be banks, the IRS, Medicare or a delivery company. You can’t stop every unwanted call, but a few free steps cut them sharply. Here is the 5-minute setup that works on any U.S. phone.
Do these 4 things today
- Register at DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to add. It’s free and never expires.
- Turn on your phone’s spam filter (iPhone and Android both have one).
- Turn on your carrier’s free call blocking.
- Report scam calls to the FTC at DoNotCall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
📱 Short on time? Swipe through the 1-minute Web Story version.
Step 1: Join the National Do Not Call Registry
Go to DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to register. Registration is free and doesn’t expire. Legitimate telemarketers have up to 31 days to stop calling. If sales calls continue after that, they are breaking the rules, and you can report them on the same site.
The registry doesn’t block political calls, charities, surveys, debt collectors, or companies you already do business with. And scammers ignore it, which is why the next steps matter.
Step 2: Turn on your phone’s built-in filter
| Phone | Setting | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers (or Call Screening) | Sends unknown numbers straight to voicemail |
| Android (Google Phone app) | Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam | Flags and can block suspected spam calls |
| Samsung | Phone app → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection | Identifies and blocks spam numbers |
Step 3: Use your carrier’s free blocking
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield app (free tier).
- AT&T: ActiveArmor (free tier).
- Verizon: Call Filter (free tier).
- Check your carrier’s app for the setting; paid upgrades add features, but the free versions block known scam numbers.
Step 4: How to handle the calls that get through
- Don’t press any button or say “yes”; just hang up.
- Never give your Social Security number, bank details or a one-time code to a caller.
- If someone claims to be your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the number on their official website or your card.
- Report the number at DoNotCall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then block it.
⚠️ Real government agencies, including the IRS, Social Security and Medicare, won’t call to threaten arrest or demand payment by gift card, wire transfer or crypto. Scam texts work the same way: see how to spot and report scam texts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Do Not Call Registry free?
Yes. Registering at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 is free, and your registration doesn’t expire.
Why do I still get robocalls after registering?
The registry stops legitimate telemarketers. Scammers ignore it, so also use your phone’s spam filter and your carrier’s blocking tools.
Should I answer and press a number to be removed?
No. Pressing a key or saying anything can confirm your number is active. Just hang up.
Where do I report a scam call?
At DoNotCall.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Last reviewed: October 15, 2026.
