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How to stop unwanted phone calls
We all know the pain in the neck that is getting a phone call from someone that you not only do not welcome, but that you outright cannot stand. This can lead us to essentially throwing our arms up in the air and proclaiming there is nothing we can do about it. You know in the back of your mind this issue is not going to go away until you proactively do something about it. Can we stop it?
Yes, you can. There are techniques you have at your disposal that you can use to stop those unwanted phone calls. First of all you should do a reverse phone lookup to find out who is the caller and get the name and address.If they call your landline phone number there is a good chance that you could block the caller. Most phone companies nowadays are now offering their landline customers the ability to block certain numbers from calling them. Call your local provider and have them clearly explain to you the steps to block a harassing phone number.
AT&T - If you are a customer of AT&T wireless, you can make use of a premium service called Smart Limits which will allow you to limit who can call or text you by blocking or allowing certain phone numbers. There is small additional monthly fee for this feature.
Verizon - Go to VerizonWireless and log into your account. You can use Call & Message Blocking available through Spam Controls. Go to My Verizon » My Services » Verizon Safeguards » Spam Controls. Here you can add up to five phone numbers that you do not want to call or text you.
Sprint - not an easy way to block unwanted callers, though there is a work-around. You can block all numbers which are not in your phone contacts. Go to Settings » Security » Others » Call settings. Here you will find that option.
The handset manufacturers have started providing features to help you block phone numbers. Look out for built-in or downloadable options to stop unwanted incoming calls.
Nokia symbian phone users can download apps like Blacklist which can block specific phone numbers from making a call.
Samsung gives you the ability to send an incoming call directly to voicemail, without it even ringing on your device. Look for the "block list" feature on your device.
Sony-Ericsson mobile phones have built-in blocking functions, simply go to Settings » Calls » Manage Calls » Accept Calls » Only from list, press Edit to choose the numbers.
Blackberry owners can use a program called "Efficient Call Blocker". It will block phone numbers that you specify and let you make the other party hear messages like your number is disconnected or no longer in service. Another such app is "CallsBlocker".
iPhone does not provide a straight-forward option. There is an app called "BlackList" ($1.99) which can free you from unwanted calls. Also there is a free app "Automatic Call Blocker" that can block all "private" numbers or one caller, whole area codes, or white-list all your contacts and block everyone else.
You do not have to sit back and take unwanted phone calls from strangers or telemarketers. You have options and tools to stop it.
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