Unsolicited sales calls interrupt us at odd hours, and even though the caller is only doing their job, they are a nuisance to the user. In Spain, they have even established contact times: calling is not allowed. before 9:00 a.m. or after 21:00 p.m., but many still suffer from the bombardment of unknown phone numbers, sometimes from the same company with different extensions.
The good news is that there are practical solutions. With Android and iOS tools, legal measures such as Robinson List and some digital security guidelines, you can drastically reduce phone spam. Below is a complete guide, with everything you need to Block calls, report abuse, and protect your privacy.
What is phone spam and why are they calling you?
We consider phone spam to be mass calls for commercial, advertising, or even fraudulent purposes. They usually come from telemarketing platforms, automated systems that try random numbers, or groups that impersonate legitimate entities to obtain data. One of the most dangerous scams is vishing, where they impersonate your bank, your mobile provider, or the government.
The proliferation of these practices comes, in part, from the data market: by participating in sweepstakes, accepting promotions or installing certain apps, you may have unwittingly given permission to use your phone for business purposesData breaches also play a role; when an incident occurs, lists of numbers end up circulating, and scammers buy entire packages.
How to quickly recognize a spam call
There are signs that can help you detect an unwanted call even before you pick up. If you receive very brief calls that hang up when you answer, if unknown numbers or numbers with strange prefixes are repeated, or if the system prompt appears on the screen like "Suspected spam" or "Spam", it is advisable to exercise extreme caution.
It's also revealing that after registering for a promotion, sales calls increase. In this scenario, your phone number may have been shared with third parties and ended up on dialing lists. Ideally, you should rely on the system's caller ID. view alerts on screen and act accordingly: block, report, or let the filter do its work.
Block spam calls on Android
Android integrates very effective functions to identify and filter suspicious calls. The app Google Phone includes options such as "Caller ID and spam" and automatic filtering, as well as the ability to mark specific numbers as unwanted from your history.
Activate the identifier and spam filter
The usual way is to open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and tap Caller ID and Spam. From there, you can activate options like «See caller ID and spam» and “Filter spam calls” so the system will silently block them.
For this to work, your device sends Google certain information about calls you make and receive with numbers that aren't in your contacts. Google doesn't access your address book, but it needs the calling number to recognize companies or categorize spamThis setting does not affect whether your number is displayed when you call, only detection.
On phones with Call Screen, you won't see the "filter spam calls" switch because blocking is integrated into the automatic filter options. Pixel 6 and later This is equivalent to a basic level of protection, while on Pixel 5 and earlier it corresponds to “Reject calls silently” under the spam category.
Block and mark numbers as spam
Another quick way: From Phone > Recents, tap on the specific call and choose Block/Mark as spam. If it is more convenient for you, press and hold the call and the system will display the same lock option in the context menu. This way, you'll stop receiving those calls and, in the process, help refine the spam database.
Correct false positives and improve identification
If you see a legitimate call listed as spam, you can report the error and tap "Not spam" to stop that number from being dialed on your phone. Android also lets you verify or suggest a business's identity: after a call, search for "Was that a business?" or "Not spam." Caller ID Comments, complete the form, and submit it. The information may include your business name or category and may be displayed to other users on future calls. Google will not include personal data in that submission, and if you confirm you are not a business, it will not be shared.
Caller ID Announcements
If you find it helpful to hear who's calling, you can turn on caller ID announcements. The phone will dictate the caller's name or number so you can decide without looking at the screen, which is handy if you usually wear headphones or are driving.
Block unwanted calls on iPhone
On iOS, the approach changes: Apple doesn't natively identify unwanted commercial calls, so blocking them is more manual. From Phone > Recents, tap the information icon (the "i") of the offending number and choose «Block this contact»It's direct and works instantly.
If you want to go a step further, you have the option Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Numbers. With this, all calls that are not in your address book, with which you have never interacted, or that do not come from Siri Suggestions are silently sent to voicemail. They are still recorded in the history, but they don't interrupt you.
You can also integrate third-party solutions (Truecaller, Hiya, etc.) from Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. These apps compare the incoming number with their databases and, if they detect risks, they show you an alert before picking up. Keep in mind that some require permissions such as access to contacts. work properly.
Useful apps to strengthen blocking
If the system options are not enough for you, there are apps with a long history. On Android, Truecaller and Calls Blacklist (Call and SMS Blocker) stand out, and on iOS, Call Blocker: Block spam calls or Blacklist: Caller ID & BlockerThey all share one approach: large databases of community-reported numbers to identify and block.
Before installing them, check what permissions they ask for and consult the best websites to locate reported numbers and if it fits with your privacy level. This type of tool is effective, but it is advisable install only from official stores and adjust settings so you don't accidentally block important calls.
Legal framework in Spain: what the law allows (and what it doesn't)
Since June 29, 2023, Article 66.1 of the General Telecommunications Law prohibits calling for commercial purposes. without your express consentNo pre-checked boxes or opt-out consent: it must be a clear and verifiable yes. Failure to comply can result in fines reaching millions, and penalties for unauthorized calls have already begun to be imposed.
In addition, there are time restrictions: advertising calls cannot be made before 9:00 a.m. or after 21:00 p.m. Despite this rule, there are companies that they keep breaking the rules, so it is increasingly important to use phone filters and, if necessary, report to the competent authority.
Robinson List and advertising exclusion systems
The Robinson List is a free service that allows you to indicate which channels you do not wish to receive advertising through: calls, SMS, email, or postal mail. When you register, you will be asked for basic information (ID, first name, last name, and email address) and you will be able to indicate which channels you do not wish to receive advertising through: calls, SMS, email, or postal mail. media you do not want advertisingCompanies planning to run campaigns should consult these lists and exclude registered individuals.
Keep in mind the deadlines: there are sources that speak of up to 30 days to notice the effect, and the AEPD indicates that the registration It is fully effective from the second month onwards from the moment of discharge. During this time, communications that were already planned may slip through.
Be aware of the nuances: if you are a customer or have given your consent, they can contact you, but always in compliance with the regulations. Even so, signing up reduces the pressure and improve your control about the commercial communications you receive.
Manage your consent and exercise your rights
There are several legal keys you should be aware of. First: don't give consent lightly. In contests, promotions, or forms, always look for boxes that allow reject advertising use of your data and don't accept terms without reading them. Consent must be a clear affirmative act; silence is never considered a yes.
If you've already given permission and change your mind, you can revoke it at any time through a simple means (toll-free phone, email, or whatever channel the person in charge has enabled). And if you want to break up with a specific company, exercise the right of opposition to exclude your number from their campaigns.
In some situations, you may want to request the deletion (erasure) of your data, especially if there is no reason for them to continue processing it. If you continue receiving promotional emails, remember that they must provide a clear unsubscribe mechanism in each email: a link, an email to a specific address, a STOP SMS or a toll-free number.
Operator tools and sector mediation
Your carrier can help. Many offer network filters and options for blocking special-rate numbers and premium SMS from their app (for example, some brands allow you to manage premium-rate number blocks). from your customer area). Ask your provider about available options.
If you are not satisfied with the response after complaining to the company, there is a voluntary mediation system managed by AUTOCONTROL for cases related to the processing of personal data and unwanted advertising. The major operators (Telefónica/Movistar/Tuenti/O2; Orange/Jazztel/Simyo/Amena; Yoigo/MásMóvil/Pepephone/Happy Móvil/Llamaya/Lebara; Vodafone/ONO) are participating. You can contact the Mediation Unit at 91 309 66 37 or at mediacion@autocontrol.es; it's free and unrelated to the AEPD.
Landlines: What You Can Try
Registering on the Robinson List also helps with landlines, but it doesn't stop persistent scammers. In some countries and carriers, you can block numbers by dialing codes from your phone, for example. * 60 to manage block lists or #01# to block the last number that called you. Check with your provider if these codes apply to your line in Spain, as they vary greatly by network.
Another useful measure is to install a robocall filtering service: it acts as a switchboard that forces call a number to complete the call. Bots fail that test, and the call never goes through. It's a good protection if you get a lot of hassles on your landline.
What to do if a suspicious number rings
If you doubt the origin, the most prudent thing is not to answer. And, above all, if you pick up: don't give your name, don't confirm details, and avoid answering with a "yes"There are scams that attempt to record your voice to authorize charges or contract services without your permission.
Do not press options in automated menus, nor return missed calls from strange or international numbers: this only confirms that your line is active and you can end up receiving more spamIf they persist, block and report the number on your phone and in the carrier's app, if they have one.
Report to your operator and report messages
If the problem is with the SMS or text message, inform your carrier with as much detail as possible (sender, date and time, content). In some countries, a short number is available. 7726 (which forms the word SPAM) to forward unwanted messages and help analyze them. Outside of these areas, check which reporting channel your provider offers to help with blocking.
Documentation to file a claim with the AEPD
If the abuse persists, you can go to the Spanish Data Protection Agency. They will ask for information that only you can provide for investigation. If you stated when you signed up that you did not want advertising, attach the contract or the proof of that refusal.
If you objected to or withdrew your consent and you continue to receive advertising after one month from the company's receipt of your request, please provide the company's response, acknowledgment of receipt, or any evidence of delivery. For telephone directories, if you requested to be removed and your information is still listed online after one month (or in the next print edition), please retain proof of receipt. the request and persistence.
By channel, this is what you should include: for postal advertising, a copy of the message with the date; for telephone advertising, the receiving number, the operator with which you had the line, documentation proving ownership, the promoted entity, whether you are or were their customer, the number that called, and the date and time of each call; for SMS, screenshots from your mobile phone showing the full text, date, time, and sender; in email, a printed copy of the entire body and headers of the messages (if there is a reply, also with headers). You can file the complaint online at the AEPD's website.
Additional tips to reduce spam
Avoid making your number public on social networks or forums, ask your operator not to appear in telephone directories or use it for advertising purposes, and control the permissions when installing apps: some people ask for more than they should and will end up sharing your phone with third parties. If you use Android, check which apps can read your contacts and limit unnecessary access.
A little-known but useful gesture is hide caller id when you call from Phone Settings (Show ID/Caller ID). It doesn't eliminate incoming spam, but it does reduce the number's exposure and makes it harder for end up in databases by outgoing interactions.
Why They Keep Calling: How Your Number Circulates
In addition to leaks, there are other reasons: maybe your number belonged to someone who was already on call lists, a service you signed up with shares data with third parties, or you unknowingly interacted with spam (replied to a message, clicked on a link) and confirmed that your line is activeThere are also dialers that generate calls to thousands of numbers randomly to hunt for answers.
Real risks of answering spam calls
Picking up isn't always harmless. Some calls may incur charges if they involve international or special numbers; plus, if you answer, you prove the number is working and become a more attractive target. There are attempts to record your voice to authorize services, and more serious frauds that seek your credentials or banking data through social engineering.
Virtual numbers and advanced protection
To separate your personal life and service logs, consider using a secondary virtual number as a firewall. Some commercial solutions offer an "alternate number" that forwards calls and text messages to your mobile phone and allows you to pause or regenerate it If it's filled with spam. It's ideal for app registrations, sweepstakes, or promotions. Additionally, there are services that request data brokers to remove your information from their databases, an active form of reduce telemarketing In the medium term, if your phone is already circulating on too many lists. There are also projects and tools such as Grandma Daisy that help you get rid of annoying calls.
Recognize and act from your own identifier
When the system displays "Suspected spam" or "Spam," you can respond if you think it might be legitimate, but it's recommended to block and mark it as spam directly. If you make a mistake, remember to correct the false positive with the option "It's not spam" so that the alert doesn't pop up on your phone next time.
With built-in features on Android and iOS, your carrier's filters, opting into exclusion lists, and exercising your rights with companies, you have plenty of room to nip nuisance calls in the bud. Add simple prevention habits, review your consents, and, where appropriate, denounces the abusesThe results are noticeable within a few days, and the phone rings again only when you want it to.
