In today's digital age, spam and scam calls have become an unwelcome part of our lives. With over 50 billion spam calls plaguing Americans last year, it's more critical than ever to find effective solutions to this nuisance. But how do you protect yourself without missing those important calls? Here are five essential tools that can help you regain control over your phone, filter out the noise, and keep your personal information secure.
Utilizing Built-in Phone Features
When it comes to fighting off unknown callers, your smartphone’s native features are a solid first line of defense. Both iPhones and Android devices come packed with options that let you filter or block calls from unfamiliar numbers without needing any extra apps.
iPhone: Silence Unknown Callers
Apple understands the nuisance of spam calls. The Silence Unknown Callers feature, found in your iPhone’s settings, sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions straight to voicemail. The phone doesn’t ring—unknown callers get silence, and you get peace of mind. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Open Settings
2. Tap Phone
3. Select Silence Unknown Caller
4. Toggle the switch to enable
Keep in mind, calls from emergency numbers and people you’ve called recently still come through. This means you’re less likely to miss something urgent.
Android: Caller ID & Spam Protection
Android users aren’t left out. Most modern Android phones offer Caller ID & Spam Protection. This feature flags suspicious calls and can even block known spam automatically. On Google’s own Phone app, just follow these steps:
1. Open the Phone app
2. Tap the three dots (menu), then Settings
3. Choose Caller ID & Spam
4. Toggle See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls
When enabled, spam calls are quietly filtered out, while legitimate calls still ring through.
These settings work quietly in the background—no extra effort required after setup.
It’s a smart starting point, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Persistent scammers find ways around these filters, so you might need more advanced solutions for complete peace of mind.
AI-Powered Call Screening
Scam calls are getting smarter. So are the tools used to stop them. AI-powered call screening now stands between you and unwanted interruptions, making sure that your phone rings only for the right reasons.
How AI Screens Calls
Modern call screening tools use artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls in real time. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
Pattern Recognition: AI algorithms look for signs of scam behavior, such as spoofed numbers, suspicious call origins, and high call volumes from a single source.
Database Checks: Incoming numbers are checked against constantly updated lists of known scammers and spammers.
Real-Time Assessment: The AI evaluates factors like call frequency, call history, and even the language used in voicemails to flag suspicious calls before they reach you.
If a call looks suspicious, the tool blocks or redirects it. If it looks genuine, it goes through. This keeps your phone a safe space for real conversations.
Examples: Aura’s Call Assistant
Take Aura’s Call Assistant as a prime example. This tool answers calls on your behalf, screens them using AI, and only passes along legitimate calls. Known spam and scam numbers are blocked immediately. You get notified about the blocked attempt, so you’re always in the loop without being bothered.
Why AI Makes a Difference
AI doesn’t just rely on static rules. It learns over time, adapting to new scam tactics:
Adapts to New Threats: As scammers change their approach, AI systems update themselves to spot new tricks.
Reduces Human Error: Manual screening is slow and often misses subtle clues. AI picks up on patterns people might miss.
Minimizes Disruptions: By filtering out junk calls, you save time and mental energy.
Where Cloaked Fits In
Cloaked takes privacy a step further with its approach to personal data protection. While not a call screening tool, Cloaked lets users create unique phone numbers for different situations, reducing the risk of exposure to scammers in the first place. If a number starts receiving spam, you can simply disable it—keeping your real phone number out of reach.
AI-powered call screening, combined with privacy platforms like Cloaked, gives you more control and peace of mind in an age where unwanted calls are everywhere.
Phone Service Provider Solutions
Modern phone service providers have stepped up their game to shield users from spam, robocalls, and unknown numbers. Most major carriers now offer dedicated apps packed with security features that give you more control over who can reach you.
Key Solutions from Major Carriers
Let’s break down what the top providers bring to the table:
AT&T ActiveArmor
ActiveArmor provides automatic fraud call blocking and suspected spam call warnings. It includes:
Real-time alerts for suspected scam calls
Blocking for unwanted and unknown numbers
Additional features like identity monitoring and data breach alerts for premium users
Verizon Call Filter
Call Filter helps identify, block, and report spam calls. It offers:
Spam detection with labels for potential robocallers
Blocking of high-risk calls before they ring your phone
Personal block list for added customization
Reverse phone lookup to investigate suspicious numbers
T-Mobile Scam Shield
Scam Shield combines several anti-spam tools, such as:
Automatic scam call blocking and scam ID notifications
Enhanced Caller ID to show verified callers
A dedicated proxy number to protect your real number
Extra Features Beyond Call Blocking
Many of these apps go beyond basic blocking:
VPN Services: Some offer a built-in VPN for safe internet browsing.
Reverse Phone Lookup: Lets users check unknown numbers for legitimacy.
Customizable Block Lists: Block specific numbers or entire area codes.
AI-Powered Call Screening: AI filters suspicious calls in real time, letting you decide how to handle them.
How to Use These Solutions
Getting started is straightforward:
1. Download your carrier’s app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Enable call blocking and spam alerts.
3. Adjust settings to suit your needs—block all unknown numbers or just flagged spam.
For iPhone users, you can also go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers to send all calls from numbers not in your contacts, mail, or messages straight to voicemail.
Where Cloaked Fits In
Apps from providers do a solid job, but they don’t always address privacy at the source. That’s where a service like Cloaked stands out. Cloaked lets you create alternate phone numbers for online sign-ups, business dealings, or any situation where you want to keep your real number private. This adds another layer of protection, ensuring your personal number isn’t floating around for spammers to find.
Bottom line: Phone provider apps offer practical, easy-to-use tools for blocking unwanted calls, but combining these with privacy solutions like Cloaked provides stronger, all-around protection.
Reverse Phone Lookup Services
Reverse phone lookup services are a straightforward tool: enter a phone number, and you get details about the owner. These services pull from public databases, social profiles, and even marketing records. Their popularity has soared as spam calls and unknown numbers become a daily nuisance.
How Reverse Phone Lookup Works
Public Records Access: These services comb through public databases, social networks, and sometimes commercial records to connect a phone number with a name and, occasionally, an address.
Caller Identification: If you’re getting calls from an unknown number, a reverse lookup can quickly tell you if it’s a business, a scammer, or just a missed acquaintance.
Additional Insights: Some platforms go further, showing related addresses, previous owners of the number, or linked social media accounts.
Privacy Concerns
While reverse phone lookup seems harmless, it raises serious privacy flags:
Data Sharing: Many lookup providers share or sell your search data to third parties. Your curiosity about a number could end up on a marketing list or, worse, in the hands of data brokers.
Accuracy and Consent: Not all databases are up-to-date or accurate. Plus, the person you’re searching for hasn’t consented to have their information shared.
Your Own Exposure: Your number might be in these databases too, making your identity accessible to anyone who looks.
Staying Secure: Choosing the Right Service
If you need to use a reverse phone lookup, stick to reputable providers:
Transparent Privacy Policies: Look for clear terms that outline how your searches are used and how your own data is handled.
Opt-Out Options: The better services let you remove your number from their listings, limiting how easily strangers can find you.
Security Measures: Choose services that encrypt data and don’t store your queries indefinitely.
Cloaked steps in here for those who want genuine privacy. Instead of exposing your real number, Cloaked generates masked phone numbers—letting you communicate without giving away personal details. It’s a practical way to dodge both spam and unwanted data exposure when interacting with new contacts.
Reverse phone lookup services are useful, but always weigh convenience against the risk of sharing your information. The tools meant to protect you can sometimes become another way your data is passed around.
Third-Party Apps and Tools
Staying one step ahead of phone spam and scams often means looking beyond your device’s built-in features. Third-party apps have become essential for people who want extra control and peace of mind. Let’s break down what these tools offer and how to pick the right one.
Leading Apps: What They Do
Some apps stand out for their robust ability to block, identify, and report unwanted calls:
TrueCaller: A household name for caller ID. TrueCaller taps into a massive database to identify unknown callers and flag spam numbers. It lets you block specific callers and even auto-block the top reported spam numbers in your area.
TrapCall: Known for unmasking hidden or “No Caller ID” calls. TrapCall reveals the real number behind anonymous calls and offers spam call blocking features. It also provides options to record calls and blacklist persistent offenders.
These apps use large community-reported databases and, increasingly, AI-powered call screening to spot patterns of spam and scam calls, making them smarter over time.
Reverse Phone Lookup Services
Sometimes, you just want to know who’s behind a number before deciding what to do. That’s where reverse phone lookup services step in:
These services allow you to enter a phone number and see publicly available information linked to it.
Some, like Hiya and NumLookup, are integrated into call-blocking apps or available as standalone tools.
They’re useful for double-checking unfamiliar numbers, especially if you receive persistent calls from the same source.
Choosing Wisely: Reviews and Privacy
Not all apps are created equal. A few key points to remember:
Check User Reviews: Look for honest feedback about reliability, ease of use, and accuracy. If an app frequently misses spam calls or misidentifies numbers, users will talk about it.
Read Privacy Policies: These apps handle sensitive information, including your call logs and contacts. Make sure you’re comfortable with how your data is used. Some apps require more permissions than others—read the fine print.
Test Before Committing: Many top apps offer free versions with basic features. Try before you buy or subscribe to see if it fits your needs.
Going Beyond Built-In Features
While Android and iOS have call blocking and spam identification tools, third-party apps often offer:
Larger, more frequently updated spam databases.
AI and machine learning for smarter detection.
Community-driven reporting for faster response to new scams.
If you want even more privacy and protection, Cloaked offers digital identity tools that let you generate virtual phone numbers. This means you can shield your real number, filter calls, and manage who can reach you—adding a powerful layer of control that standard call blockers can’t match.
Key Takeaway: Third-party apps can offer more flexibility, smarter detection, and stronger caller ID features than your phone’s default settings. But always vet the tools you use, and pay close attention to privacy and reviews.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
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