Blocking Spam and Scam Calls on Any Carrier
Published October 2026 · Last verified October 2026
The junk calls have gotten out of hand, and the worst of them are not just annoying — they are trying to take your money. The good news is your phone and your carrier both have free tools that cut the flood way down, and a few simple habits that keep the dangerous ones from working. This guide walks through all of it in plain English, no matter which carrier you are on. If you would like me to set it all up on your phone, the number is (330) 200-8042.
The junk calls have gotten out of hand, and the worst of them are not just annoying — they are trying to take your money. The good news is your phone and your carrier both have free tools that cut the flood way down, and a few simple habits that keep the dangerous ones from working. This guide walks through all of it in plain English, no matter which carrier you are on. If you would like me to set it all up on your phone, the number is (330) 200-8042.
What's inside this guide
The printable PDF walks through 25 short chapters, in plain language. It also includes at-a-glance pictures.
- Why your phone rings with junk all day
- The three layers that work together
- Verizon Call Filter
- AT&T ActiveArmor
- T-Mobile Scam Shield
- If you are on a budget carrier
- The iPhone setting that cuts the flood
- The Android and Pixel settings
- Why scammers fake a local number
- The National Do Not Call Registry
- Blocking one specific number
- What a scam call sounds like
- What to never do on a scam call
- Scam texts and voicemails too
- If you think you already gave something up
- Traps people fall into
- Questions I hear at the kitchen table
- Silencing Calls Only at Night
- Reporting a Scam to the FTC and Your Carrier
- Junk on the Landline vs. the Cell Phone
- Protecting a Parent Who Is Confused
- The Grandparent and Warrant Scams
- Letting Strangers Go to Voicemail
- Working with Bill — your Support Plan
- Your notes
Get the printable guide
Everything above is a quick summary. The full, printable guide — the same words, laid out to read and keep by the computer — is a free PDF.
Last verified October 2026. Information accurate as of October 25, 2026.
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Any prices or outside products mentioned in this guide can change over time — the details here were last checked October 2026 and this page is accurate as of October 25, 2026; please confirm current pricing before you buy. See how often we review our guides →