The Easiest Way to Stop Robocalls and Spam Calls

Few things are more annoying than answering the phone only to hear a robot voice or a stranger pretending to be from the IRS. Robocalls and spam calls have become a daily nuisance, especially for seniors.

But these calls are more than just irritating — they can be dangerous. Many scammers use phone calls to trick older adults into giving away personal information or even money.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce robocalls and protect yourself. This guide will walk you through the easiest methods, one step at a time.

Why Do Seniors Get So Many Spam Calls?

Robocallers often target seniors because:

• Phone numbers are easy to find in public directories.

• Seniors tend to answer the phone more often than younger people.

• Scammers assume older adults may be more trusting.

Some calls are just annoying sales pitches. Others are outright scams, pretending to be from Social Security, Medicare, or your bank. Knowing the difference is important — but blocking these calls altogether is even better.

Step 1: Add Your Number to the Do Not Call Registry

The first step is simple: put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.

• Visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.

• Once registered, legitimate telemarketers are required by law to stop calling you.

Note: This won’t block all calls — scammers don’t follow the rules — but it will reduce the number of legitimate sales calls.

Step 2: Use Call Blocking on Your Phone

Most modern phones have built-in tools to block spam calls. Here’s how to use them:

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.

2. This sends unknown numbers straight to voicemail.

On Android:

1. Open the Phone app and go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam.

2. Turn on Filter spam calls.

These features are free and can dramatically cut down on robocalls.

Step 3: Ask Your Phone Carrier for Help

Most major phone companies now offer free or low-cost tools to block spam calls:

• AT&T: Call Protect app (free version available).

• Verizon: Call Filter (basic version is free).

• T-Mobile: Scam Shield (free).

These services automatically block known spam numbers before they even reach you.

Tip: Call your carrier and ask what they offer. They can often activate protections for you.

Step 4: Use a Call Blocking App

If you still get too many spam calls, consider a third-party blocking app. Some of the most popular include:

• Nomorobo

• Hiya

• RoboKiller

These apps use large databases of spam numbers to block calls in real time. Most have free trials, but the best features may cost a few dollars per month.

Step 5: Don’t Engage With Robocalls

One of the simplest protections is how you handle the calls that do get through:

• Don’t press any buttons. Some robocalls say, “Press 1 to be removed from the list.” That’s a trick — pressing a button confirms your number is active.

• Don’t give personal information. A real company or government office will never ask for your Social Security number, Medicare ID, or bank details over the phone.

• Hang up immediately. You don’t need to be polite to scammers.

Rule of thumb: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Friends and family will leave a message. Scammers usually don’t.

Step 6: Report Scam Calls

Reporting spam calls helps authorities track and shut down scammers.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• You can also report calls to your phone carrier.

While reporting doesn’t always stop calls right away, it contributes to larger crackdowns on scam operations.

Common Phone Scams Seniors Should Watch Out For

Robocalls are often just a cover for these scams:

• Medicare scams: Callers pretending to be Medicare representatives asking for your ID or banking info.

• “Grandparent scam”: Someone claims to be your grandchild in trouble, asking for money right away.

• IRS or Social Security scams: Threatening calls claiming you owe taxes or benefits will be cut off.

• Charity scams: Fake fundraisers asking for donations.

Check out our recent post on ongoing scams to watch out for in 2025.

Remember: Government agencies and real charities will never pressure you for money over the phone.

What to Do if You Already Answered a Scam Call

If you accidentally gave out information:

1. For bank details – Call your bank immediately to freeze or monitor your account.

2. For Social Security number – Contact the Social Security Administration and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

3. For Medicare number – Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report potential fraud.

Acting quickly can limit the damage. Don’t feel embarrassed — these scams fool millions of people every year.

Everyday Habits to Stay Protected

Here are a few simple habits that can make a big difference:

• Let unknown numbers go to voicemail.

• Save important contacts in your phone so you can easily spot familiar calls.

• Use call-blocking tools — and keep them updated.

• Talk with family members about suspicious calls. Two heads are better than one.

Final Word

Robocalls and spam calls may never disappear completely, but you can make them far less of a problem. By registering your number, turning on call blocking, using your carrier’s tools, and knowing when to hang up, you’ll cut down on unwanted calls and keep scammers at bay.

At ShieldWise, we’re here to help seniors and their families feel confident and safe in the digital age — starting with something as simple as protecting your phone.

And don't forget, we're here to help. Check out our services here.