Apps to stop robocalls

Are you getting hounded by robocalls and wondering what you can do about them? Reporting illegal robocalls helps the FTC and other law enforcement agencies go after the scammers behind them. But what can you do to stop those calls now? One option is a robocall-blocking app for your mobile phone.

Robocall blocking apps can give you the ability to do things like:

• prescreen your calls before the phone rings
• block certain types of calls, including calls that others have flagged as fraudulent or unwanted calls
• block anonymous calls that show up as “Unknown” callers
• use reverse lookup to detect fake caller ID information from call spoofing

Which app works for you might depend on your phone’s operating system. Before you consider downloading any app, think about the call protection that you need and do your research. CTIA, a trade association representing manufacturers and providers of wireless products and services, has a comprehensive list of call blocking apps.

Read Blocking Unwanted Calls for other ideas on stopping robocalls. You also can find out more about what the FTC is doing to fight illegal robocalls at ftc.gov/robocalls, including several initiatives to develop technology-based solutions.

If your mobile number isn’t already on the National Do Not Call Registry, it’s also a good idea to add it. If you continue to get sales calls, at least you’ll know the callers don’t respect the law. If you continue to get illegal robocalls or other unwanted calls, report them to the FTC. Your complaints not only help us target scammers, but also help telecommunications carriers and other industry partners that are working on call blocking solutions.