Tired of annoying international calls disrupting your peace? Block them right away with these foolproof methods!
Why Block Overseas Calls?
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), international calls account for almost 50% of robocalls. These calls can be a nuisance, a security threat, and a source of financial loss.
Nuisance: Overseas robocalls often promote scams, fraudulent offers, or unwanted products. They can be disruptive and frustrating, especially during late hours or while in meetings.
Security Threat: Scammers may use international numbers to bypass caller ID and phishing techniques. They may try to obtain sensitive information such as your social security number, bank account details, or passwords.
Financial Loss: Overseas robocalls can lead to high telephone bills if you accidentally answer or return the call.
Methods to Block Overseas Calls
1. Carrier-Based Blocking:
Most major carriers offer free call blocking services. Contact your carrier and request them to block international calls. They may also have specific options for blocking calls from specific countries or regions.
| Carrier | Blocking Feature |
|---|---|
| AT&T | Call Protect Plus |
| Verizon | Call Filter |
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield |
| Sprint | Call Guard |
2. Third-Party Apps:
Numerous third-party apps can help you block overseas calls. These apps use sophisticated algorithms to identify and filter unwanted calls.
| App | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Caller ID, spam blocking, call recording | Free |
| Hiya | Spam protection, caller ID, call blocking | Free |
| RoboKiller | Robocall blocking, spam protection | $2.99 per month |
| CallApp | Caller ID, spam blocking, call recording | $1.99 per month |
3. DoNotCall Registry:
Registering your number on the DoNotCall Registry can reduce overall robocalls, including overseas calls. However, scammers often ignore this registry, so it may not be entirely effective.
4. Blocking Specific Phone Numbers:
You can manually add international phone numbers to your block list on your phone. However, this method is time-consuming and ineffective if scammers use different numbers frequently.
How to Identify Overseas Calls
Overseas calls typically have these characteristics:
- Country Code: The phone number begins with a country code, typically two or three digits.
- Area Code: The area code may be unfamiliar or not corresponding to any known domestic locations.
- Time Zone: Overseas calls often come during unusual hours, such as late at night or early in the morning.
Conclusion
Blocking overseas calls can significantly improve your phone experience, protecting you from annoyances, security threats, and financial loss. By utilizing carrier-based blocking, third-party apps, the DoNotCall Registry, or manual blocking methods, you can effectively reduce the influx of unwanted international calls. Remember, staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to your carrier is crucial in combating phone scams and protecting your privacy.
