How to Spot and Block Scam or Robocall Phone Numbers
Last updated May 27, 2026
A scam or robocall usually gives itself away in the first few seconds: a recorded voice instead of a real person, urgent claims about a problem with your account or a package, or pressure to act immediately by pressing a button or calling back a number. The safest response is to hang up without pressing anything, then block the number using the steps below so it can’t reach you again.
Signs a call is a scam or robocall
- The call starts with a recorded voice, not a live person
- It claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, a bank, or “Amazon” and says there’s an urgent problem
- It asks you to press a number, call back, or “stay on the line” to speak to someone
- Caller ID shows a local-looking number you don’t recognize, or a number very close to your own
- It asks for personal information, payment, or gift cards to resolve an “issue”
Real government agencies and banks do not call demanding immediate payment or asking for gift card numbers. If you’re ever unsure, hang up and call the organization back using the number on your bank statement or their official website — never a number the caller gives you.
How to block a number on an iPhone
- Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
- Find the number you want to block and tap the (i) information icon next to it.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Confirm by tapping Block Contact.
How to block a number on an Android phone
- Open the Phone app and go to your Recent calls list.
- Tap and hold the number you want to block, or tap it and then tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Block number (wording may vary slightly by phone brand).
- Confirm when asked.
Turn on built-in scam call protection
Both iPhone and Android have features that can silence likely scam calls automatically:
iPhone: Go to Settings → Phone, then turn on Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail.
Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings → Spam and Call Screen, and turn on Filter suspected spam calls (wording varies by phone brand and carrier).
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
This won’t stop illegal scam calls (scammers ignore it), but it does reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, making it easier to tell real calls from scams:
- Go to donotcall.gov from a web browser.
- Click Register your phone number.
- Enter your phone number and email address.
- Check your email and click the confirmation link. Registration typically takes effect within a few days.
Ask your phone carrier about free call-blocking tools
Major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) offer their own free spam-blocking apps or features — search your carrier’s name plus “call protect” or “scam block” on their official website, or ask a representative next time you contact them, to see what’s available for your plan at no extra cost.
What to do if you already gave out information
If you already gave a scammer money, gift card numbers, or personal information, don’t be embarrassed — act quickly instead:
- Contact your bank or card company immediately if you shared account or card details, so they can watch for or reverse fraudulent charges.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Change passwords on any accounts where you may have shared login information.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I keep getting calls from numbers that look like they're from my own area code?
Scammers can fake, or "spoof," caller ID to show a local-looking number, even if they're calling from somewhere else entirely. Don't assume a call is safe just because the area code matches yours.
Is it safe to answer and just hang up if I'm not sure?
Yes, answering and hanging up is safe. What you want to avoid is pressing any numbers, staying on the line with a recording, or giving out any personal information.
Will blocking a number stop all future scam calls?
It stops that specific number, but scammers often call from new numbers each time. Turning on your phone's built-in spam filtering (see above) helps catch more of them automatically.
Can I get my money back if I sent a scammer a gift card?
It's difficult but not always impossible. Contact the gift card company's fraud department as soon as possible — the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovering some funds.
Should I answer calls from numbers I don't recognize at all?
If it's important, a legitimate caller will typically leave a voicemail. It's perfectly reasonable to let unknown numbers go to voicemail and call back only if it sounds legitimate.