You just don’t expect calls to be disrupted by a call that, what’s more, comes from an unknown number. And it’s not always a good idea to dismiss it, it might come from someone who simply you didn’t have it on the agenda yet. Are you considering returning the communication or forgetting it? First make sure that this unknown number was not spam, because you will surely save yourself more than one disappointment.
Spam calls are too common, even if you sign up on platforms like the Robinson List (which we recommend, you will greatly reduce annoying communications). And the best part is that your Android mobile has an excellent tool to combat unwanted commercial communications: Google Phone. This application along with spam number lists is the best strategy to get rid of these communications.
Say goodbye to unwanted calls
Spam call filter in Google phone app
Not all unknown numbers will have commercial intentions; so you may not want to block all communications outside your contact book: there’s a good chance it’s someone you know. Although yes, it’s not a bad idea to use your phone app’s anti-spam options. And, as an additional recommendation, the Robinson List will help companies not contact you if you have not expressed this intention beforehand. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty close.
Do you want to make sure that your mobile filters all unwanted communications? The Google phone application, pre-installed on most Android smartphones, is a great ally:
- Open the phone app on your Android.
- Click on the three dots on the top menu and click on “Settings”.
- Enter “Caller ID and spam“.
- Make sure you have checked both options: “Show caller ID and spam” And “Filter unwanted calls“.
- Additionally, if you have a Pixel, you can ask Google Assistant to answer communications you don’t want to answer: when you see the call on the screen. Click the filter calls button, the one that appears with the assistant icon. The conversation will appear written on your mobile phone and you can decide whether to answer directly or hang up the call.
With the above you will largely avoid being disturbed, but the number will always appear in the call list. Google can tell you if one matches a business if it previously had it in the database, but that doesn’t always happen. And since it is better not to return calls to avoid possible deception and fraud, we recommend that you first check who the unknown number belongs to.
Was the missed call spam? Check this
Spam calls received and attempted fraud
You have an unknown number in your calls list and you want to know why it called you. Since it may be spam, you might pick up the phone and they end up selling you something you don’t really need. Or worse: There are scams that take advantage of curiosity to commit recall fraud. Stay vigilant: if they really have a reason to call you, they will contact you again.
Let’s see. How do you know who owns an unknown number and if it is spam? There are four good methods aside from the phone app.
- Google the number. The most basic: copy the phone number and paste it into Google. You will surely find information about the person or company behind it.
- Google Maps. Just like Google, although applied directly to businesses: Maps can tell you who the number belongs to and what its exact location is.
- spam list. A great business number directory with information about the companies, why they’re calling, and the opinions of those who received the communications before you. Access the page from this link.
- Who called? Website similar to the previous one which has an extensive database with business telephone numbers. User feedback will help you take action against future calls – you can visit the page here.
Once you have detected that the number that called you belongs to the Spam category, the best thing to do is to add it to the blocked list of your mobile: press and hold said number in the call list and choose “Block/Mark as spam“. It won’t bother you anymore.
Cover image | DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT edited
In Xataka Android | Record calls on your mobile
