Spam calls and texts aren’t just annoying—they can also be dangerous. Every day, scammers target millions of Americans, often pretending to be trusted organizations or creating a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly. In fact, billions of dollars are lost each year to fraud, and adults over 50 are among the most frequently targeted.
The good news? You have more control than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can reduce unwanted calls, spot suspicious messages, and protect yourself with confidence.
QUICK TIPS: HOW TO STOP SPAM CALLS
iPhone
- To set up your spam filter by going to Settings > Apps > Phone and enable Silence Junk Callers or Silence Unknown Callers under the “Call Filtering” section
- Block a caller by opening the Phone app, go to “Recents”, tap the “i” info icon next to the number you would like to block, scroll down, and select “Block this Caller”
- Use a trusted third-party blocking app if needed
Android
- To set up your spam call filter, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu then go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam Protection> and enable Filter spam calls
- Block a caller by opening the Phone app, go to “Recents”, press and hold the number you would like to block, then select “Block/Report Spam”
- Use a trusted third-party blocking app if needed
Samsung
- To set up your spam call filter, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu then go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam Protection> and enable Filter spam calls
- Block a caller by opening the Phone app, go to “Recents”, tap the number you would like to block, tap the three-dot menu icon, tap “Block” in the navigation menu at the bottom of your screen, tap “Block” once more
- Use a trusted third-party blocking app if needed
QUICK TIPS: HOW TO STOP SPAM TEXTS
iPhone
If you use iPhone, iOS includes built-in junk message blocking features you can activate in just a few taps:
- Enable Filter Unknown Senders
Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders and turn it on. This automatically moves texts from people not in your contacts into a separate tab. - Block and Report in Messages
Open the spam text > tap the sender > Info > Block this Caller. If you see the Report Junk option in Messages, tap it to notify Apple directly. - Report to Carrier via 7726
Forward the spam text to 7726 (SPAM). This is free for most carriers and helps them better identify scam sources. - Use Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking to be even more vigilant in your fight against spam texts, you can try well-reviewed third-party spam blocking apps like Nomorobo, RoboKiller, Truecaller or Hiya.
Android
Like iPhones, Android phones also offer strong spam-fighting tools, but the menu options may vary slightly by device:
- Enable Spam Protection
Open Google Messages > Settings > Spam Protection > Enable Spam Protection. - Block and Report in Messages
Tap and hold the spam text, then select Block or Report spam. - Forward to 7726 (SPAM)
Same as with iPhone, forwarding the spam text to 7726 is free and works on most U.S. carriers, including Consumer Cellular. - Install Trusted Third-Party Apps
For even more spam text prevention, trusted third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, Nomorobo and RoboKiller offer large spam databases for increased protection.
How to Tell if a Call or Text is a Scam
Scammers often rely on urgency and confusion. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid falling victim:
- Unexpected messages asking for personal information
- Urgent requests like “Act now or your account will be closed”
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or unusual methods
- Links in texts from unknown senders
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you or ask for sensitive information unexpectedly.
Tips to Prevent Spam Calls and Texts
While you can’t stop every spam attempt, these steps can significantly reduce them:
- Don’t answer unknown numbers—let them go to voicemail
- Avoid sharing your phone number publicly online
- Never click on suspicious links in texts or emails
- Don’t reply to spam messages, even to say “stop”
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry
Taking these precautions helps limit your exposure and keeps your number off scammers’ lists.
How to Handle Spam Texts
Spam texts are becoming more common—and more convincing. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Delete suspicious messages immediately
- Block the sender through your messaging app
- Never tap links from unknown sources
- Do not provide personal or financial information via text
Remember: even if a message looks like it’s from a bank, delivery service, or government agency, always verify through official channels before taking action.
Reporting Spam and Fraud
Reporting spam helps protect not just you—but others as well. You can report suspicious calls and messages to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or through your phone carrier.
Many smartphones also allow you to report numbers directly when blocking them, which helps improve spam detection systems.
Stay In Control – Spam calls and texts can feel overwhelming, but you’re not powerless. By using your phone’s built-in tools, staying cautious with unfamiliar messages, and taking a few preventative steps, you can dramatically reduce unwanted contact.