How to Block Fraud Calls – Android Phone

Blocking a number/contact will vary based on the manufacturer of your device. So, there are a few of different options to Block Numbers from ringing or alerting on an Android Phone. Below are some of those options, depending upon your phone version.

By blocking unwanted contacts, their calls will go directly to voicemail, and text messages will fail to deliver. Google’s “Suggested Contacts” feature will no longer suggest you as a Contact if the caller tries to manually enter your number.

1. Android allows phone makers some freedom with customization, so the process for blocking a number varies from device to device. You can tap the phone number and scroll to the bottom to block the call, or tap the ellipsis icon and select “Block Number” to add a number. However, there are other options.
2. From Call History (Quickest): First, open your Phone app or Message app. > Tap “Recents” or “Call History” > Then tap the number or contact you want to block > Select “Block” or “Block and Report Spam.”
3. Alternatively, From Phone app: Go to Phone app > tap the three-dot menu > then “Settings” > and select “Blocked numbers” to manually add numbers or block unknown callers.
4. On a Pixel phone, go to “Block Numbers” and enable “Unknown” to block out calls from people not in your contact list.
5. On a Samsung device, choose “Block Numbers” and enable “Block Calls from Unknown Numbers.” You can also select “Block Spam and Scam Calls”, then enable “Caller ID” and “Spam Protection” and “Block Spam and Scam Calls.” You’ll have the choice to block only High-risk calls or ALL Spam and Scam calls.

According to PC Magazine, some of the major wireless carriers in the US have apps that can be used to block calls. Each carrier features settings with premium upgrades available for even more call-blocking and other security options. are now required by the FCC to be part of an authentication system for real calls called the STIR/SHAKEN protocols. That system should already be cutting way down on the number of legit-looking spoofed calls, but it won’t make them go away entirely.

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-block-a-number-on-your-smartphone

What Does STIR/SHAKEN Mean?

STIR/SHAKEN is a framework of interconnected standards. STIR/SHAKEN are acronyms for the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) standards.

This means that calls traveling through interconnected phone networks can have their caller ID “signed” as legitimate by originating carriers and validated by other carriers before reaching consumers. STIR/SHAKEN digitally validates the handoff of phone calls passing through the complex web of networks, allowing the phone company of the consumer receiving the call to verify that a call is in fact from the number displayed on Caller ID.

STIR/SHAKEN protocols, according to the Federal Communications Commission, are “a set of technical standards designed to block fraudulent calls by verifying that the caller ID information is accurate. By using digital certificates, these standards, mandated by the FCC, allow voice service providers to authenticate the caller’s identity and prevent illegal spoofing.

https://www.fcc.gov/call-authentication

How STIR/SHAKEN Works to Block Calls

1. Authentication (STIR): When a call is made, the originating voice provider signs the call with a digital certificate, acting as a secure “stamp of authenticity”.
2. Verification (SHAKEN): The receiving (terminating) provider checks this signature to verify if the caller is authorized to use that phone number.
3. Attestation Levels: Providers assign one of three levels of trust to the call:
   • A (Full): The signer knows the customer and has verified they are authorized to use the number.
   • B (Partial): The signer knows the customer but cannot verify the authorized use of the number.
   • C (Gateway): The signer authenticates the call but has no relationship with the originator (often used for international calls).
4. Blocking/Labeling: If a call fails verification (low attestation or no signature), providers may block the call entirely or mark it as “Scam Likely” on your display.

Key Benefits for Consumers

• Reduced Spam/Scam Calls: It is much harder for scammers to fake, or “spoof,” a legitimate phone number.
• Increased Trust: Users can trust that the number on the caller ID is actually who is calling.
• Verification Indicators: Some phones now display a “Verified” checkmark or banner for authenticated calls.

Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry is a list of landline and wireless phone numbers that legitimate telemarketers agree not to call. You can register your numbers for free at donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.

Under FCC rules, telemarketers calling your home must provide their name along with the name, telephone number, and address where their employer or contractor can be contacted. Telemarketing calls to your home are prohibited before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m., and telemarketers must comply immediately with any do-not-call request you make during a call.

Other do-not-call lists

Many states now have statewide do-not-call lists for residents. Contact your state’s public service commission or consumer protection office to find out if your state has such a list and how you can sign up.