How do I block a phone number?

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

I want to block the number used to call me saying she was with the IRS.

I know it's a scam. I have never blocked a number before. TIA

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

You need to go to your phone carriers website and see if it's an option.

If it is available, type the number in and hit save.

shaggygirl · ‎11-24-2011

Go to your telephone company's website and see if you can find instructions there on turning on your call blocking service or it might already be on and you just don't know it. When our phone company was bought out by a different one (used to be AT&T now it's Frontier) I had to turn it back on. I used to have a little handbook from the original company that explained lots of things including how to block numbers, (check to seeif you have one) but somehow it got misplaced or tossed out so I found instructions on the new company's website, printed it off and keep it handy because I probably block a number at least once a week from telemarketers that don't give up and start calling over and over again. You might have a limit on the amount of numbers you can block, in my case it's 20, but once you've reached that maximum you can eliminate a few of them, or all of them, and start over. I found the instructions for both blocking and eliminating blocked numbers on their site under Help Center. I start by getting a dial tone then pressing *60 then following the voice prompts. If you can't find it on their website I'm guessing if you call them they can give you instructions.

Toppers · ‎01-01-2015

@Big Sister wrote:
I want to block the number used to call me saying she was with the IRS.
I know it's a scam. I have never blocked a number before. TIA

There are different ways to do this.

You can call your phone provider like the previous poster said, and see if they offer a phone blocking service.

You can also see if your phone service qualifies for a free phone blocking service, like "nomorobo." Nomorobo works with the newer Voice Over Internet Protocol phone services. It won't work with older landline phone services, or with cell. phones.

You can also buy a phone that actually blocks phone numbers through the phone itself. There are different phone models that do this.

Then, there are phone blocking devices that block phone numbers, too.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

OP

I have a Panasonic phone that lets me block phone numbers, it is worth every penny I paid for it.

You may want to consider getting one.

The other option is paying your phone company monthly to do so

I would start by looking at the website to see if you can do that and the monthly fee.

shaggygirl · ‎11-24-2011

CelticCrafter just reminded of something I wanted to add. When my phone company was still AT&T I was able to do as she said and on the website itself, using a username and password to access my account, go to the call blocking feature, type in the number I wanted to add to the list and save it and also eliminate any to make room for more once I'd reached my limit. When it became Frontier I didn't bother to see if I could do the same, I just do it now using the phone itself from the instructions I printed off.

cotton4me · ‎03-09-2010

We get several scam calls a day. Our phone service provider doesn’t use Nomorobo so we decided to get a call blocking device. It was highly rated in Consumer Reports (Digitone). It can block up to 140 numbers (although it needs more). These scam artists change numbers frequently. I’ve already blocked 50 numbers. You can also block entire area codes which I’ve done with the 800 numbers. Hopefully technology can catch up to these thieves. Unfortunately, the Do Not Call registry only works with honest businesses.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@jackthebear wrote:
OP

I have a Panasonic phone that lets me block phone numbers, it is worth every penny I paid for it.
You may want to consider getting one.
The other option is paying your phone company monthly to do so
I would start by looking at the website to see if you can do that and the monthly fee.

We don't pay a monthly fee, it's included in the calling features.

If I told them I didn't want it, there would be no savings on the bill.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

@cotton4me wrote:
We get several scam calls a day. Our phone service provider doesn’t use Nomorobo so we decided to get a call blocking device. It was highly rated in Consumer Reports (Digitone). It can block up to 140 numbers (although it needs more). These scam artists change numbers frequently. I’ve already blocked 50 numbers. You can also block entire area codes which I’ve done with the 800 numbers. Hopefully technology can catch up to these thieves. Unfortunately, the Do Not Call registry only works with honest businesses.

@cotton4me

We also bought the Digitone Call Blocker too and it works fantastic!

It's taking me awhile to get used to how quiet it is, without the charity, political, sales, surveys and scam calls!

One of the best purchases I've ever made!

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.