Washington, D.C., Aug. 21, 2025 — If you feel like you’re getting more than your fair share of unwanted phone calls, you’re not alone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering simple steps to help reduce these calls, many of which lead to scams.
The FTC’s first recommendation is to register your phone number for free with the National Do Not Call Registry. This can help reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. However, the registry won’t stop scam calls, and some organizations are still allowed to contact you.
Another important step is to hang up on robocalls, which are often illegal. If you receive a recorded message trying to sell something, the FTC advises not to press any numbers or call the number back. Instead, you should hang up and report the call at DoNotCall.gov. Consumers are also encouraged to use the call-blocking features available on most smartphones. Many phones allow users to block specific numbers or send unknown calls straight to voicemail. These settings can help cut down on unwanted interruptions.
The FTC also recommends checking with your phone provider for additional call-blocking or call-labeling services. Many phone companies offer these tools to help manage unwanted calls, and you can contact customer service for more details.
For those looking to filter calls before they come through, the FTC suggests researching call-blocking apps. Some of these apps are free, while others charge a fee. Before downloading, consumers should check reviews, ratings, and expert opinions. A list of recommended call-blocking apps is available at ctia.org. For more information about how to stop unwanted calls, visit ftc.gov/calls.
