Are you tired of receiving unwanted calls from a phone number that just won’t stop calling? You’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are plagued by nuisance calls every day, and it can be frustrating and stressful. But there is hope. In this article, we’ll show you how to report a phone number that keeps calling and provide you with the tools and resources you need to take back control of your phone.
Understanding the Types of Nuisance Calls
Before we dive into the steps to report a phone number, it’s essential to understand the types of nuisance calls you may be receiving. There are several types of unwanted calls, including:
Robocalls
Robocalls are automated calls that use pre-recorded messages to deliver a sales pitch or scam. These calls are often made using auto-dialers, which can dial thousands of numbers per hour. Robocalls are a significant problem, with billions of calls made every year.
Telemarketing Calls
Telemarketing calls are made by live agents who try to sell you a product or service. While some telemarketing calls may be legitimate, many are not, and can be a nuisance.
Scam Calls
Scam calls are made by individuals or organizations that try to trick you into giving them money or personal information. These calls can be particularly damaging, as they can lead to financial loss and identity theft.
How to Report a Phone Number That Keeps Calling
Now that we’ve covered the types of nuisance calls, let’s move on to the steps to report a phone number that keeps calling. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather Information
Before you report the phone number, gather as much information as possible. This includes:
- The phone number that’s calling you
- The date and time of the calls
- A description of the calls, including any messages or conversations you’ve had with the caller
- Any other relevant information, such as the caller’s name or company
Step 2: Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a database of phone numbers that are not to be called by telemarketers. Registering your number on the registry can help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. You can register your number online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
Step 3: Report the Phone Number to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is responsible for enforcing the National Do Not Call Registry and investigating complaints about nuisance calls. You can report the phone number to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Step 4: Report the Phone Number to Your Phone Carrier
Your phone carrier may also be able to help you block or report the phone number. Contact your carrier’s customer service department to report the number and ask about any additional steps you can take to block the calls.
Step 5: Use Call-Blocking Apps and Features
There are several call-blocking apps and features available that can help you block unwanted calls. Some popular options include:
- Nomorobo: A call-blocking app that uses a unique algorithm to detect and block robocalls.
- Truecaller: A call-blocking app that uses a database of known spam numbers to block unwanted calls.
- Call Block: A feature available on some phones that allows you to block specific numbers or types of calls.
Additional Tips for Dealing with Nuisance Calls
In addition to reporting the phone number, here are some additional tips for dealing with nuisance calls:
Don’t Answer the Call
If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. Let it go to voicemail, and if the caller leaves a message, you can decide whether or not to respond.
Don’t Engage with the Caller
If you do answer the call, don’t engage with the caller. Don’t give them any information, and don’t try to argue with them. Simply hang up the phone.
Use a Call-Blocking Device
There are several call-blocking devices available that can help you block unwanted calls. These devices can be installed on your phone line and can block calls from specific numbers or types of calls.
Conclusion
Dealing with nuisance calls can be frustrating and stressful, but there are steps you can take to report a phone number that keeps calling. By gathering information, registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, reporting the phone number to the FTC and your phone carrier, and using call-blocking apps and features, you can take back control of your phone and reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. Remember to stay vigilant and don’t engage with callers who are trying to scam or harass you. With the right tools and resources, you can stop the ringing and enjoy a more peaceful phone experience.
What is the first step in reporting a phone number that keeps calling?
The first step in reporting a phone number that keeps calling is to identify the type of call you are receiving. Is it a telemarketing call, a scam call, or a harassing call? Knowing the type of call will help you determine the best course of action to take. You can check your phone’s caller ID or look up the number online to see if it has been reported by others.
Once you have identified the type of call, you can start gathering information about the call. Take note of the date and time of the call, the phone number that called you, and any other relevant details. This information will be useful when you report the number to the relevant authorities or register it on a do-not-call list.
How do I report a phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry?
To report a phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website at donotcall.gov. You will need to provide your phone number and the number that is calling you. You can also report the number by calling 1-888-382-1222. The FTC will add the number to the registry, which will prevent telemarketers from calling you.
It’s worth noting that the National Do Not Call Registry only applies to telemarketing calls. If you are receiving scam or harassing calls, you may need to take additional steps to report the number. You can also report the number to your phone service provider or file a complaint with the FTC.
Can I report a phone number to my phone service provider?
Yes, you can report a phone number to your phone service provider. Most phone service providers have a process in place for reporting unwanted calls. You can contact your provider’s customer service department and report the number. They may be able to block the number or provide you with additional information about the caller.
When you report the number to your phone service provider, be prepared to provide them with as much information as possible about the call. This may include the date and time of the call, the phone number that called you, and any other relevant details. Your provider may also ask you to confirm that you want to block the number.
How do I block a phone number on my phone?
To block a phone number on your phone, you can use the built-in blocking feature on your device. The steps to block a number may vary depending on the type of phone you have. For example, on an iPhone, you can go to the Phone app, select the “Recents” tab, and swipe left on the number you want to block. Then, tap “Block this Caller.”
On an Android device, you can go to the Phone app, select the “Recents” tab, and long-press on the number you want to block. Then, select “Block/report spam.” You can also use a third-party app to block numbers on your phone. These apps may offer additional features, such as the ability to block numbers based on certain criteria.
What is the difference between a do-not-call list and a block list?
A do-not-call list and a block list are two different ways to prevent unwanted calls. A do-not-call list is a registry of phone numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. When you add your number to a do-not-call list, telemarketers are prohibited from calling you. However, this does not prevent scam or harassing calls.
A block list, on the other hand, is a list of phone numbers that are blocked from calling your phone. When you add a number to your block list, it will not be able to call your phone. You can add numbers to your block list manually or use a third-party app to block numbers based on certain criteria.
Can I report a phone number to the police?
If you are receiving harassing or threatening calls, you can report the number to the police. You can file a report with your local police department and provide them with as much information as possible about the calls. The police may be able to track down the caller and take action against them.
However, if you are receiving telemarketing or scam calls, it’s unlikely that the police will be able to take action. In these cases, it’s best to report the number to the National Do Not Call Registry or your phone service provider. You can also file a complaint with the FTC.
How long does it take for a reported phone number to be blocked?
The time it takes for a reported phone number to be blocked can vary depending on the method you use to report the number. If you report the number to the National Do Not Call Registry, it may take up to 31 days for the number to be added to the registry. If you report the number to your phone service provider, they may be able to block the number immediately.
If you use a third-party app to block numbers, the number may be blocked immediately. However, it’s worth noting that these apps may not be able to block all types of calls, and you may still receive unwanted calls.