Unwanted spam calls and robocalls are a major annoyance for mobile phone users across the United States. They interrupt your day, clutter your voicemail, and can sometimes be scams trying to trick you out of personal information or money. Fortunately, if you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, the carrier provides tools designed to help you fight back and verizon block spam calls.
Verizon’s Call Filter App
The primary weapon in Verizon’s arsenal against unwanted calls is the Call Filter app. This service aims to identify, filter, and block robocalls and spam before they bother you.
verizon block spam calls
What is Call Filter?
Call Filter is an application and service available to Verizon Wireless customers with compatible smartphones. It leverages Verizon’s network intelligence and user reports to flag potentially unwanted calls. There are two versions: a free version and a paid subscription tier (Call Filter Plus).
Free Version Features
Most Verizon customers have access to the free Call Filter service, which includes:
- Spam Detection: Identifies suspected spam calls and alerts you on the incoming call screen.
- Spam Filtering: Automatically sends suspected high-risk spam calls directly to voicemail based on your chosen protection level.
- Spam Reporting: Allows you to easily report unwanted numbers, helping to improve the system for everyone.
- Neighborhood Filter: Blocks numbers that appear similar to your own (a common spam tactic).
Read more about: verizon international calling plan
Call Filter Plus (Paid Subscription)
For a monthly fee, Call Filter Plus offers enhanced features on top of the free service:
- Caller ID: Displays the name of incoming callers, even if they aren’t in your contacts.
- Spam Look-up: Allows you to look up unknown numbers to see if they have been reported as spam.
- Personal Block List: Lets you add specific unwanted numbers to ensure they are always blocked.
- Spam Risk Meter: Provides a visual gauge of how likely an unknown number is to be spam.
How Verizon Identifies Spam Calls
Verizon employs several methods to identify potentially unwanted calls:
Network-Level Analysis
Verizon utilizes network technology, including the STIR/SHAKEN framework mandated by the FCC. This technology helps verify that the caller ID information displayed is legitimate and hasn’t been spoofed, which is a common tactic used by spammers. The network analyzes call patterns and known spammer databases to flag suspicious activity.
Customer Reporting
User feedback is vital. When customers report numbers as spam through the Call Filter app, this information helps Verizon refine its detection algorithms and identify new spam campaigns more quickly.
Activating and Using Call Filter
Getting started with Call Filter is straightforward.
Eligibility
The service is available for most Verizon Wireless postpaid and prepaid customers with compatible iOS or Android smartphones. Some older devices may not be supported.
Getting the App
You can download the Verizon Call Filter app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. On many newer Android devices, the functionality might be integrated directly into the phone’s software.
Setting Up Filters
Once installed or activated, you can configure your desired level of protection within the app’s settings. You can choose to simply be alerted to potential spam or have high-risk calls automatically blocked or sent to voicemail.
Managing Block Lists
Within the app (especially Call Filter Plus), you can easily add numbers you want permanently blocked to your personal block list. You can also review calls that were filtered or blocked.
Additional Tips to verizon block spam calls
While Call Filter is a powerful tool, you can take further steps:
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
Visit donotcall.gov to add your number to the registry. While this primarily stops calls from legitimate telemarketers, it won’t stop illegal robocalls or scammers, but it’s still a good foundational step.
Be Cautious About Answering Unknown Numbers
If you don’t recognize a number, consider letting it go to voicemail. Scammers often rely on you picking up. Legitimate callers will likely leave a message.
Don’t Engage with Spam Calls
If you do answer a suspected spam call, don’t press any buttons or provide any personal information. Simply hang up. Engaging can sometimes mark your number as active, leading to more calls.
Report Spam Numbers
Actively report spam numbers through the Call Filter app or directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Conclusion
Spam calls are a persistent problem, but Verizon provides effective tools to help manage them. By utilizing the free or paid versions of the Call Filter app and following smart calling habits, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted interruptions you receive. Taking advantage of the features verizon block spam calls offers is key to reclaiming peace and quiet on your mobile device. Check your account or the app store to ensure you have Call Filter activated today.
