Spam calls and emails have become a daily nuisance, interrupting our lives with unwanted offers, scams, and phishing attempts. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize and even eliminate these disruptions. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to opt out of spam calls and emails, register on the National Do Not Call Registry, and protect your personal information from unwanted solicitation.
Understanding Spam Calls and Emails
Spam calls and emails are unsolicited messages sent to a large number of recipients with the intention of selling products, gathering personal information, or scamming victims. These communications can come from telemarketers, scammers, or even legitimate businesses that acquired your contact details.
Types of Spam Calls
Robocalls – Automated calls delivering pre-recorded messages.
Telemarketing Calls – Calls from sales representatives attempting to sell products or services.
Scam Calls – Calls impersonating banks, government agencies, or other institutions to steal personal information.
Spoofed Calls – Calls appearing to come from local numbers to trick recipients into answering.
Types of Spam Emails
Phishing Emails – Fraudulent messages attempting to steal sensitive data.
Marketing Emails – Promotional messages from businesses you may or may not have subscribed to.
Malware Emails – Emails containing viruses or malicious attachments.
Lottery & Prize Scams – Emails claiming you won a prize but require payment or personal details.
How to Opt Out of Spam Calls
1. Register Your Phone Number on the National Do Not Call Registry
One of the most effective ways to reduce unwanted calls is to register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Visit www.donotcall.gov.
Click on "Register Your Phone" and enter your details.
You will receive an email confirmation to complete your registration.
Telemarketers are required by law to stop calling registered numbers after 31 days.
2. Block Spam Callers Manually
Most smartphones allow users to block specific phone numbers.
On iPhone: Open the recent calls list, tap the "i" icon next to the number, and select "Block this Caller."
On Android: Open the Phone app, go to "Recent Calls," tap the number, and select "Block/Report Spam."
3. Use Call-Blocking Apps
Several apps can automatically block spam calls, including:
Hiya (iOS & Android)
Nomorobo (iOS & Android)
RoboKiller (iOS & Android)
Truecaller (iOS & Android)
4. Enable Carrier Spam Protection
Most major carriers offer spam protection services:
AT&T Call Protect
T-Mobile Scam Shield
Verizon Call Filter
5. Report Spam Calls
If you receive persistent spam calls, report them to:
FTC Complaint Assistant: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
FCC Unwanted Calls Report: www.fcc.gov/complaints
How to Opt Out of Spam Emails
1. Mark Emails as Spam
Most email providers have a "Report Spam" or "Mark as Junk" option to filter future spam emails.
Gmail: Open the email, click the three-dot menu, and select "Report Spam."
Outlook: Right-click the email and choose "Report Junk."
Yahoo Mail: Select the email and click the "Spam" button.
2. Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails
Legitimate marketing emails usually include an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom.
Click on the link and follow the instructions to remove yourself from their mailing list.
Be cautious: Only unsubscribe from trusted sources, as some scammers use fake unsubscribe links to confirm your email is active.
3. Use Email Filtering Tools
Most email providers offer custom filters to block spam emails automatically:
Gmail Filters: Go to Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses > Create a New Filter.
Outlook Rules: Go to Settings > View All Outlook Settings > Rules > Add New Rule.
4. Use a Secondary Email for Sign-Ups
Avoid giving your primary email address for online subscriptions, promotions, or surveys.
5. Report Phishing Emails
If you receive suspicious emails:
Gmail: Click the three-dot menu and select "Report Phishing."
Outlook: Right-click the email and select "Report Phishing."
Forward phishing emails to: reportphishing@apwg.org (Anti-Phishing Working Group)
Additional Tips to Prevent Spam Calls & Emails
Never share your phone number or email on public forums or social media.
Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
Use temporary email services for short-term sign-ups (e.g., Temp Mail, Guerrilla Mail).
Keep your software and spam filters updated.
Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
While it’s impossible to eliminate spam calls and emails completely, following these steps can significantly reduce their frequency. By registering on the National Do Not Call Registry, reporting spam emails, and using blocking tools, you can better protect your privacy and avoid falling victim to scams.
Have you successfully reduced spam calls and emails using these methods?
Let us know in the comments below!
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