How to Block People from Calling You on Your Home Phone

Tired of having your evening meal or family time interrupted by annoying telemarketers? Are you receiving harassing or threatening calls and don't know how to make them stop? While it is nearly impossible to put an end to all unwanted calls, they can be minimized. There are a few easy steps you can take to finally get some peace at home.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Stopping Specific Callers

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You can identify the caller before picking up the phone and, if it is an unwanted call, hang up or let the call go to your messaging service.
Nearly all phone companies have ways in which you can block calls from specified numbers. With some companies, it can be done by entering a code and then typing the number to be blocked. Check with your telephone service provider to see their procedure.^{[1]XResearch source} ^{[2]XResearch source}
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If you have a "trap" applied to your phone , incoming phone calls will be tracked back to their real destinations (not the fictitious tracking information that robocalls provide on caller ID) and can be blocked in the future. Trap lines are now offered by private companies and many telephone service providers.^{[3]XResearch source}^{[4]XResearch source}
While many people know of the national Do Not Call list, private companies are also mandated to remove anyone who asks from their call lists. As with the national Do Not Call registry, your request must be renewed every five years.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Communications CommissionIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communicationsGo to source}
If your phone company has failed to protect you from unwanted calls so far, ask to be put in touch with their Annoyance Desk/Annoyance Department the next time you talk to one of their representatives. Most companies have a such special group, and usually they largely deals with harassing calls.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Minimizing All Incoming Phone Calls

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This does not stop businesses you have recent dealings with (including debts and collectors) from calling, nor does it stop not-for-profit organizations. However, if you are plagued by telemarketers, this will significantly reduce your calls. This project is headed by the federal trade commission and located online at www.donotcall.gov . State programs exist as well and you can often join them online too.
Most phone companies will now let you block all calls that do not display a caller ID number or come through as "Private." This will specifically remove a large number of telemarketing calls.^{[6]XResearch source}
Some phones have a feature that will allow you to designate a special ring tone for any specific phone number that might call in. Select a different ring tone than your normal ringtone for their number and when you hear it, lift and lower the receiver quickly. This will keep you from having to speak to them. (or you can let the machine get it.)
Alternatively, buy a phone made for hearing impaired that features a flashing light (and which can be muted) that alerts you to calls.
Phone books are a bit out of date, but phone number listings still exist online, and companies capture as many of these as they can. You can tell your phone company that you no longer want your number publicly listed. It should instead be considered a non-published or private number, not even available through directory assistance.^{[7]XResearch source}
Obviously this is a last resort, but it can be highly effective. Most cell phones can be easily set up to block certain callers, and additional apps can be downloaded that will allow you to send all calls from outside your contacts list directly to voice mail. Best of all, the federal government bans all use of automated dialers (the devices used by the vast majority of telemarketing firms) to call cell phones.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceFederal Trade CommissionWebsite with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade CommissonGo to source}

Community Q&A

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Question
I want to block one phone number from calling my home phone and my mobile, how do I do this?
Community Answer
Go to that person in your contact list and there should be an option to block him/her. You cannot block them from calling you altogether, though. They can still call whenever they wish to, it'll just either say 'Blocked Number' or 'Unknown Number'.
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