How to Block Unknown Callers

Are you bothered by anonymous calls? Or do harassing repeat callers disturb your dinnertime? I’ll explain a few solutions to avoid these calls.

It is illegal for telemarketers to make calls without a valid Caller-ID passing along to the recipient.  However,  many still do this. It’s known as anonymous calling.

Another problem is with repeat calls from the same number that is unknown to you. There are solutions for all these problems.

How to Block Anonymous Calls

Most phone carriers provide a method to block calls that do not contain a Caller-ID.  You may need to contact your service provider and ask to block these calls. 

If your phone service includes a web portal to access your account, you may discover that you can select this option yourself, online.

If this is the case, log into your account and look for an option to block calls. Then make the appropriate selection.

How to Block Unknown Callers

You may have a situation where you do see the number on your Caller-ID display, but you don’t recognize it, and you don’t want to answer.  Or maybe you are finding that you get repeated calls from that number.  Several things can be done to block unknown callers.   

Once again, if you have online account access via the web to your account with your service provider, check to see if that includes a feature to enter a list of phone numbers to be blocked. My phone service allows me to enter the numbers to be blocked and, in addition, select how to handle these calls.

If you have that feature with your service provider, you may be able to specify if the blocked caller should hear a busy signal, a continuous ring, or an announcement stating that the call cannot be completed.

Phones that Block Calls

Some new telephones include a feature to block any phone number.  You enter the number into the phone’s directory and specify to block it.  

The phone detects the Caller-ID before ringing.  If it matches one of the blocked numbers, it just never activates the ringer. Some phones will even play an error message to the caller. 

Ask about this option at any retail phone store when you are selecting a new phone. Or read through your existing phone’s product manual (these are usually available online with a Google search) and look for a blocking feature.