Block unwanted numbers immediately. Use your phone’s built-in call blocking feature or download a third-party app like RoboKiller or Hiya. These apps actively identify and block spam calls, including those offering unsolicited medications.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service significantly reduces unsolicited marketing calls, though some spammers ignore it. However, it’s a crucial first step in minimizing unwanted contact.
Report suspicious numbers. Forward unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-888-382-1222, or file a report online at ftc.gov. This helps authorities track and potentially shut down these operations. Providing details like the caller ID and any specific dialogue will assist them.
Be vigilant about online activity. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or engaging in online interactions that might expose your personal information. Scammers often obtain contact details through online scams or data breaches.
Consider using a call-screening app. Apps like Nomorobo pre-screen calls and block those identified as spam before they even reach your phone. This provides a proactive layer of protection against unwanted calls. This method offers an additional layer of security, alongside blocking already received numbers.
- How to Stop Viagra Calls
- Identify and Block Spam Numbers
- Utilize Your Phone’s Call Blocking Features
- Blocking Specific Numbers
- Using Your Carrier’s Services
- Third-Party Apps
- Number Identification Apps
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
- Register Your Numbers
- What to Expect
- Important Considerations
- Reporting Violations
- Report Spam Calls to Your Phone Provider
- Using Your Phone’s Features
- Employ Call-Blocking Apps and Services
- Choosing the Right App
- Using Your Phone Provider’s Services
- Consider Reporting to the FTC
- How to File a Complaint
- What Happens After Reporting?
- Beyond the FTC: Additional Steps
How to Stop Viagra Calls
Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This is the first and most effective step. It’s free and easy to do online.
Contact your phone provider. Many providers offer call-blocking services or apps that can identify and filter unwanted calls, including those related to pharmaceuticals.
Use a call-blocking app. Several reputable apps effectively screen calls and block spam. Research options and choose one with high user ratings and features suited to your needs.
- RoboKiller
- Hiya
- YouMail
Report unwanted calls. Report spam calls directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. This helps them track and address the problem.
Be cautious about clicking links or responding to texts. Don’t engage with the callers. Ignoring them is often the best strategy.
- Never provide personal information.
- Never click on any links in their messages.
- Never reply to their texts or calls.
Update your phone’s settings. Explore your phone’s built-in call-blocking features. Many smartphones allow you to easily block specific numbers.
Consider using a different phone number. If the problem persists, a new number might be necessary, especially if the number is widely accessible.
Identify and Block Spam Numbers
Use your phone’s built-in call blocking feature. Most smartphones offer this; check your settings. This usually involves adding the number to a blocked list, preventing future calls.
Utilize your phone provider’s call blocking services. Many providers offer additional call blocking features beyond the phone’s built-in options. Contact your provider for details on available plans and activation.
Employ third-party call blocking apps. Numerous apps are available on app stores, offering robust spam detection and blocking capabilities. Research options carefully, reading reviews before installing.
Report spam numbers to the appropriate authorities. Forward spam calls to your provider and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help combat these calls. The FTC website provides detailed instructions.
Regularly review your blocked numbers list. Delete any numbers you no longer need blocked to maintain an efficient system. This keeps the list manageable.
Consider using a call screening app. These apps allow you to screen calls, listening to a brief recording to determine if you want to answer. This helps you avoid unwanted calls without completely blocking numbers.
Beware of suspicious links or attachments. Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders; these often lead to malware or phishing attempts.
Remember: Be cautious about sharing your phone number online. Limit the websites and services where you provide your number to reduce the chances of it being obtained by spammers.
Pro Tip: Check for number patterns in spam calls. Sometimes, spammers use similar numbers; blocking these patterns can help prevent future calls from related sources.
Utilize Your Phone’s Call Blocking Features
Most smartphones offer built-in call blocking. Access your phone’s settings; the exact location varies by phone model but generally involves searching for “Phone,” “Calls,” or a similar option. Look for features like “Blocked Numbers” or “Call Blocking.” Add the Viagra spam numbers to this list.
Blocking Specific Numbers
Add numbers directly: After identifying a Viagra spam number, immediately add it to your blocked list. This prevents future calls from that number. Most systems allow manual entry of phone numbers.
Using Your Carrier’s Services
Check your carrier: Many mobile carriers provide call blocking services as part of your plan or as an add-on. These services often offer more advanced features than basic phone blocking, such as blocking calls from unknown numbers or those identified as spam. Contact your carrier to learn about their options.
Third-Party Apps
Explore reputable call-blocking apps available on app stores. Many apps use community-reported spam numbers to identify and block unwanted calls. Read reviews carefully before installing, paying attention to both functionality and privacy policies. Remember to check permissions requested by the app.
Number Identification Apps
Some apps identify incoming numbers before you answer. This gives you the chance to avoid answering potential spam calls, even if you haven’t added the number to a block list. These services frequently rely on community reports, so their accuracy can vary.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Visit the official website, donotcall.gov. This is the primary step to reducing unwanted calls.
Register Your Numbers
Register all your phone numbers–home, cell, and any other lines you use. Accurate information is key to success. The website provides a simple form for this purpose. Ensure you use only numbers with US area codes.
What to Expect
It takes 31 days for your number(s) to be fully added to the registry. While it won’t stop all calls, it significantly reduces the number of telemarketing calls. You’ll notice a difference within a few weeks.
Important Considerations
Legitimate businesses exempt from the Do Not Call Registry can still contact you. This includes charities, political organizations, and debt collectors.
| Category | Can Still Call |
|---|---|
| Charities | Yes |
| Political Organizations | Yes |
| Debt Collectors | Yes |
| Survey Companies | Potentially |
Reporting Violations
If you continue receiving calls after 31 days, report the numbers to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) using their online complaint form or by phone.
Report Spam Calls to Your Phone Provider
Contact your phone provider immediately. Most providers offer easy ways to report unwanted calls. Look for a specific spam reporting option on their website or in your account settings. This often involves providing the number. Some providers may even automatically block the number after reporting.
Using Your Phone’s Features
Many phones have built-in call-blocking features. Check your phone’s settings to identify these. You can typically add numbers directly to a blocked list, preventing future calls. Utilize these features alongside reporting to your provider for maximum protection.
Remember to keep detailed records of the spam calls, including date, time, and the number. This information may be useful if you experience persistent issues or need to escalate your complaint. Your provider will appreciate this information when processing your report.
Employ Call-Blocking Apps and Services
Download a call-blocking app. Many free and paid options exist. Popular choices include RoboKiller, YouMail, and Nomorobo. These apps often utilize community-based blacklists, constantly updating their databases to identify and block unwanted numbers.
Choosing the Right App
- Read reviews: Check app store ratings and user reviews to gauge the effectiveness of different blockers.
- Consider features: Some apps offer advanced features like spam identification, reverse phone lookups, and voicemail transcriptions. Weigh the benefits against the cost.
- Check compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS).
Explore your phone’s built-in features. Many modern smartphones include native call-blocking capabilities. Learn how to utilize these features within your device’s settings menu. This is a simple first step before installing a third-party app.
Using Your Phone Provider’s Services
- Contact your mobile provider. Inquire about their call-blocking services. Many providers offer premium call-blocking packages or integrate blocking features directly into their accounts.
- Review your account settings. Check for existing call-blocking options already available through your phone company’s online portal or app.
- Utilize their reporting features. Report Viagra spam calls directly to your provider; this helps them build and improve their own blocking databases.
Remember to regularly update your apps and phone’s operating system. This ensures access to the latest blocking databases and security features.
Consider Reporting to the FTC
Report unsolicited Viagra calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC combats deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair business practices. Reporting these calls helps them build cases against these companies and potentially stop them from contacting others.
How to File a Complaint
Filing a complaint is straightforward. Visit the FTC website, reportfraud.ftc.gov. Provide details including the caller’s phone number, the date and time of the call, and any specific claims made. The more information you provide, the more effective the report will be. Include any text messages or emails related to the call.
What Happens After Reporting?
The FTC investigates complaints and takes appropriate action. While they may not contact you directly about the status of your specific report, your information contributes to broader investigations and enforcement efforts. Reporting helps protect yourself and others from similar scams.
Beyond the FTC: Additional Steps
Block the number: Immediately block the phone number on your device. This prevents further calls from that specific number. Don’t engage: Avoid answering or responding to these calls. Any interaction can encourage further calls. Remember, silence is your best defense.
