Everyday Privacy
Stop Spam Texts and Robocalls
You will never block every spammer, but a few free steps cut the volume dramatically and stop you confirming your number is live.
First Rule: Don't Engage
- Do not reply, do not press 1, do not tap links. Any response confirms your number is real and worth more to spammers.
- Block and report instead.
Turn On Your Phone's Filters
iPhone
Silence unknown callersSettings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. In Messages, use Report Junk on spam iMessages.
Android
Spam protectionPhone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam → on. In Google Messages → Settings → Spam protection → on.
Any phone
Forward to 7726Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your carrier.
Use Free Carrier Tools
- AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield are free and block known scam numbers.
Reduce Future Spam
- Register your number at donotcall.gov.
- Stop putting your real number on forms, and remove it from people-search sites, see our data broker opt-out guide.
Common Questions
Why am I suddenly getting more spam?
Usually your number leaked through a data breach or a people-search site, or you replied to a previous spam and confirmed it is active.
Do blocklists actually help?
Built-in filters and carrier tools catch a large share of known scam numbers. Spoofed numbers still slip through, which is why not engaging matters.
Are these calls illegal?
Most unsolicited robocalls to cell phones are illegal in the US, but enforcement is hard because callers spoof numbers and operate overseas.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
Harbor Privacy blocks tracking and ad domains at the DNS level for every device on your home network, automatically. Get started here.