How to block unwanted calls on your landline

Unwanted calls have become the modern plague of landlines. Americans now receive an average of 6-8 spam calls daily, and the numbers keep climbing. Everybody wonders, “Can you block spam calls on landline? Is there a way to stop this madness?”

I can tell you that while no single method is perfect, there are some ways to greatly reduce or possibly eliminate the number of annoying spam you get.

In this guide, I'll walk you through practical solutions that actually work - from free government resources to advanced AI-powered screening tools - so you can hopefully find some extra peace and quiet from the non-stop ringing.

How to block spam calls on landline

National Do Not Call Registry: A necessary first step

The National Do Not Call Registry won't stop all unwanted calls, but it remains an essential first layer of defense. Registration is permanent and free, taking less than two minutes to complete.

Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. Within 31 days, legitimate telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you unless you give them permission to.

Sounding too easy? 

While actual telemarketers will stop dialing your number, the scammers and fraudsters simply ignore the registry. That's why additional measures are necessary, but registering with the Do Not Call Registry is an excellent first step.

Spam blocker devices: Hardware solutions that work

Physical call blockers provide a simple, one-time purchase solution for blocking unwanted calls. These devices sit between your phone and the wall jack, allowing you to block numbers with a button press.

There are countless products out there, but here’s how they generally work:

• Number matching: Most call blockers are pre-loaded with thousands to hundreds of thousands of spam numbers from a “blacklist”. They automatically detect these repeat offenders and auto-block them.
• Block list: On top of being loaded with auto-blocked spam numbers, you can also easily add numbers to your block list with a touch of a button. Some devices allow you to add 10,000 extra numbers to your block list.
• Spam detection: Some devices can analyze patterns in calls and phone numbers that resemble spam and robocalls, automatically adding them to your block list.
• Whitelisting: An option if you want to go completely nuclear. This feature allows you to create a list of contacts that you trust, letting only these numbers reach you.

Spam blocker devices come in handy if you’re a caregiver for an elderly person, since spam callers love to prey on them. You’ll be able to worry a little less about your grandmother being taken advantage of.

If you’re a business, you might be hesitant about purchasing a spam blocker since they've been known to sometimes be a little too generous in giving out blocks—and I’m sure you wouldn’t like to miss out on helping a customer or landing new clientele.

Call screening: an effective solution to robocalls

You answer the phone and an automated voice says, “Please don’t hang up and listen to this important message: you might be missing out on a gazillion dollars.” Okay sure, pal.

Robocalls don’t have to drive you mad. They’re easy to hang up on immediately, but they still waste moments of your time. 

With call screening, you can get a sneak preview into who’s calling you, and decide whether to answer or send it to your voicemail. Here are a few simple ways:

Google Voice Call Screening provides a free virtual phone number with basic spam filtering. You can set it up to forward to your landline, effectively adding a layer of spam protection. 

When someone calls your Google Voice number, it’ll prompt them to state their name, and then the system replays it back to you. From there, you can either press 1 to accept the call or press 2 to go to voicemail.

The downside is limited landline integration. You'll need to give out your Google Voice number instead of your existing landline number for the screening to work on incoming calls.

It’s worth noting that if you have a Google Pixel phone, you get access to Google Voice Assistant, which has a native feature to screen your calls for free. No need to forward your number to a service provider.

Upfirst is an AI-powered answering service that can screen calls on your existing landline. Unlike traditional answering services that charge hundreds of dollars to take messages, Upfirst uses AI to answer your calls at an affordable price.

Here's how it works: You forward calls from your existing landline to Upfirst. The AI receptionist answers, screens calls, takes messages, and can even schedule appointments. You receive an email with a call summary and transcript. For important calls, the service can forward them directly to you.

The benefit of this approach is that you keep your existing number while gaining advanced call screening, and letting an affordable receptionist greet the caller first. Then, based on your rules, can either forward the call to you or take a simple message. 

How to block specific numbers on your landline

Using *60 feature code

Most landlines, though not all, support the *60 feature code, which lets you block specific numbers directly from your phone:

1. Pick up your handset and dial *60. You’ll hear instructions on how to block a number.
2. Follow instructions to add the number you want to block, or dial #01# to block the most recent call.
3. If you have more numbers to block, just dial # followed by the number you want to block, and then # again. Make sure to include the area code.

While this method works fine, the 12-number limitation can quickly become problematic as new spam numbers keep calling.

Popular carriers that can use the blocking method above:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• Spectrum
• CenturyLink

Reporting unwanted calls: fighting back

Blocking a call gives you quick relief, but reporting it can help everyone in the long run. When you report a spam call, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re also helping authorities track down scammers.

For example, the FTC Complaint Assistant (ftc.gov/complaint) gathers data on spam calls to spot trends and take action against the worst offenders. Since 2015, these reports have helped secure $208 million in fines against illegal robocallers.

Also, check with your state’s Attorney General office. Many states have dedicated teams fighting phone scams, especially those targeting seniors. These offices can take legal action against companies that operate within your state, adding another layer of protection for everyone.

Combining methods for maximum protection

The most effective approach combines multiple methods:

1. Start with the National Do Not Call Registry as your baseline protection
2. Use your carrier's built-in blocking for known spam numbers
3. Consider a hardware blocker if you need a simple, one-time purchase solution
4. For complete protection, implement a call screening service like Upfirst

This layered approach addresses both known spam numbers and new, previously unidentified spam callers.

To wrap it all up

Unwanted calls don't have to be an inevitable part of having a landline. By combining these tactics, you can reclaim your peace from spam and robocalls, using your phone only as a useful communication tool like it should be.

The most effective approach depends on your specific situation. If you receive only occasional spam calls, the free National Do Not Call Registry combined with manual blocking might be sufficient. For those facing a daily volley of unwanted calls, an advanced solution like spam blockers or Upfirst can prove useful.

Whatever method you choose, the important thing is taking action. Every blocked call is one less interruption in your day and one less opportunity for scammers to reach you or your loved ones.

The best way to prevent spam calls for businesses

If you’re a service-based business, missing a potential lead or current customer because they were accidentally blocked would no doubt be frustrating. From moving companies to real estate agents, Upfirst makes call answering affordable for small businesses. 

We’ll answer each call, check for who it is, and based on your guidelines, we’ll forward the call right to you or take a message. You can even take it a step further and let us book appointments on your behalf, answer initial questions, qualify leads, and much more.

Never let a robocall bother you again while also staying on top of the most important calls. Try it for free today!

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