Unsolicited telemarketing calls are one of the most frequent problems among mobile and landline users in Spain . Virtually any time of day is a chance to receive a call from a company trying to sell us a service, offer, or product we haven't requested. This practice causes discomfort, interruptions, and, in the most serious cases, constitutes a violation of our privacy.
Currently, most sales calls fall under the category of "telephone spam ." Although Spanish law prohibits unsolicited sales calls, many companies continue to resort to aggressive tactics, using blocked numbers or constantly changing lines, making the task of stopping them a considerable challenge. However, numerous methods, legal tools, and practical tips exist to block, reduce, and report these calls.
In this comprehensive article, you'll learn how to eliminate and prevent marketing calls and spam on your phone . We include specific solutions for Android, iOS, and landlines, detailing native tools, third-party applications, and effective legal options such as registering with the Robinson List or filing a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency. We provide you with a complete, up-to-date, and practical guide to protect your privacy and peace of mind from unwanted calls.
Why do we receive sales calls and how do they work?
Telemarketing companies , insurance companies, telecommunications operators, energy companies, and other sectors use databases acquired legally (and sometimes questionably) to launch mass calling campaigns. Regulations stipulate that such calls can only be made if the user has given explicit consent or if a prior contractual relationship exists. However, many companies outsource this service or subcontract it to third parties, making it difficult to track and identify them.
The persistence and recurrence of these calls is due to several reasons:
- The constant rotation of numbers:Every time you block a number, many companies simply call from another one.
- Hidden or international numbers: They use non-national prefixes or hidden numbers to bypass basic filters.
- Legislation still lax in effective prosecutionAlthough protection has improved, these practices are slow to be reported and sanctioned.
- Errors when granting consent on websites and forms: Many times, without realizing it, we give permission to receive commercial communications.
Therefore, it's advisable to protect our phones in several ways: technical, legal, and through personal awareness . Below, we show you all the existing methods to eradicate or minimize these types of unwanted communications.
1. Direct blocking of commercial calls from the phone
The first immediate step is to manually block each number from your device, whether on Android or iOS. While this isn't a permanent solution, it does help to reduce the persistence of calls from certain numbers.
Block commercial calls on Android
- Open the app Contact Us (phone icon).
- Enter the history or recent screen.
- Find the number you want to block. Tap it or the "i" for information.
- Tap on the menu (three dots icon or "More") and select Block number o Mark as spam.
The system will offer the additional option of reporting the number as spam, which helps strengthen databases of suspicious phone numbers and improves the protection of other users.
From Android 9.0 and higher , you can access a block list that's easy to manage and can be viewed at any time. If you receive a call from a blocked number, it won't ring and will only appear as an attempted call in your call history.
Filter calls from unknown or private numbers on Android
- Open the Phone app.
- Access the menu Configuration o Settings.
- Find the section Blocked numbers.
- Activate the option Block calls from unknown numbers o DesconocidosThis option varies by manufacturer and Android version.
Caution : By blocking all unknown numbers, you may miss legitimate calls from doctors, banks, or other services not in your contacts. Only use this method if you are not expecting important calls from unsaved numbers.
Blocking Commercial Calls on iOS (iPhone)
- Open the app Contact Us.
- Go to section Courses.
- Identify the suspicious number and press the “i” icon.
- Swipe to the end and tap Block contact.
From that moment on, the blocked number will no longer be able to call or message you . You can manage and review all blocked numbers in Settings > Phone > Blocked contacts.
Silence calls from unknown numbers on iOS
Apple includes the "Mute Unknown Callers" feature , which sends all calls from unsaved numbers to voicemail and displays them in the recent calls list without ringing the phone. This feature is useful for secondary or work phones, although there is a risk of missing important calls.
- From Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Calls, turn on the option.
The variety of native blocking and filtering options on Android and iOS allows you to adjust the level of protection to suit your needs. If you're looking for even greater protection, there are very effective third-party solutions, as we'll see below.
2. Register on the Robinson List: your best legal shield
The Robinson List is Spain's largest advertising opt-out system and an essential legal tool for curbing unsolicited advertising. Registering your phone number, email address, or postal address on this list obliges companies planning marketing campaigns to consult the database beforehand and refrain from contacting you if you are registered.
The procedure is completely free and is backed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency . Registration is not instantaneous: protection begins to take effect after approximately two months, the time needed for companies to update their databases.
Steps to sign up for the Robinson List
- Visit the official website of Robinson List.
- Click on «Join the list».
- Choose whether to sign up for yourself or a family member (with consent).
- Enter the required information: name, surname, ID, telephone number, email, address, etc.
- Accept the terms and confirm your registration from your email.
From your dashboard you can specify what type of advertising you want to reject (calls, SMS, email, postal mail), and you can also modify or cancel your subscription whenever you want.
What should you know about the Robinson List?
- companies are legally required to consult it before each campaign.
- If you are a current customer or have given express consent, they may continue to contact you.
- If after 2 months you are still receiving calls from the same company, you can claim or report.
- Calls from international companies or "front companies" can be difficult to trace even if they are on the Robinson List.
The Robinson List is your right as a citizen and is the most effective way to block most marketing calls. However, for complete protection, it's recommended to combine it with manual blocking and the use of apps.
3. Use specialized applications to block telephone spam
If you're looking for advanced protection, apps specializing in identifying and blocking phone spam offer the most comprehensive security layer . They work by combining large databases updated by users themselves with filtering algorithms and automatic spam flags.
TrueCaller: the world leader
Truecaller is the world's most popular app for identifying and blocking unwanted calls and messages. It incorporates a massive database of phone numbers reported as spam, allows you to block individual, unknown, and international calls, and filter them in real time.
- Download TrueCaller from Google Play or the App Store.
- Grant the required permissions (phone, contacts).
- The initial registration follows.
- Enter the tab Calls to view history and report/block numbers.
- Activate automatic spam protection and adjust filtering sensitivity.
Furthermore,
- Call Blocker: Lightweight alternative for Android, allows you to block calls and SMS, create white/black lists, and customize filtering rules.
- CallApp: Identifies and blocks commercial calls, call recording and advanced contact management.
- Whoscall: Another app with an extensive global and local phone spam database, useful for detecting fraudulent calls.
- Hiya: Recognizes commercial calls, fraudulent messages and protects against phishing attempts.
Remember that, although these applications drastically improve security , they always require advanced permissions (access to calls, contacts and logs) and you should choose apps from recognized and well-rated developers in the official stores.
4. Additional methods and rights to protect your privacy
Exclusion and opposition to the processing of personal data
Current legislation protects your right to object to certain companies using your data for advertising purposes . You can exercise your right to object by sending a request (email, free call, or web form) to the responsible company specifying that you do not wish to receive marketing communications. This option applies even if you are or have been a customer. If you are unsure how to exercise this right, consult the company's privacy policy or contact their customer service department.
Revocation of consent
If you previously consented to receive advertising, you can easily and freely withdraw your consent. This is especially useful after registering for a promotion or participating in online sweepstakes/contests. The company legally responsible for processing your withdrawal must handle it.
Do not give consent for new registrations
When filling out online forms, creating accounts, or participating in promotions, carefully check the consent boxes . Unless you are interested, do not agree to receive marketing information and check if any boxes are pre-ticked.
Right of suppression
You can request the complete deletion of your personal data from a company's database. This right is especially useful if you've never been a customer or simply want a company to have no record of you. Check the company's official website or contact their data protection department.
Removing your data from telephone directories
You have the right not to be listed in telephone directories or to have your data not used for advertising purposes. Contact your operator and request the removal of your personal data from their databases.
AUTOCONTROL mediation system
If you don't receive a response after filing a complaint with a telecommunications company (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Yoigo, etc.), you can contact AUTOCONTROL . This voluntary mediation system allows you to resolve disputes quickly and at no cost to the consumer. Contact them by phone at 91 309 66 37 or by email at [email protected ]
Submit a complaint or report to the AEPD
If you continue to receive unwanted calls despite having exercised your rights (opt out, unsubscribe, Robinson List), you can file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) . You must provide:
- Documentation proving that you requested the cessation of advertising.
- Copy of the contract or communication.
- Call details: number, company, date and time.
- Screenshots or recordings (if you have them).
The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) will investigate and, if it finds that your rights have been violated, may impose substantial fines on the offending companies. Repeated and unsolicited phone calls are considered a consumer protection violation of the law, specifically harassment.
Avoid international calls or calls with strange prefixes
Much of the spam calls come from international numbers or numbers that don't use the national prefix (+34 or 0034 for Spain). Don't answer or return calls from suspicious numbers , especially if they start with unfamiliar prefixes, to avoid potential scams or extra charges.
5. Recommendations, precautions and practical advice against telephone spam
- Never give personal or banking information over the phone. If you did not request the call or if you do not recognize the company, even if they appear to know your personal information.
- Distrust calls that generate a sense of urgency ("your account will be blocked", "a payment is missing", etc.).
- If you have doubts, Hang up and call the official company directly. (bank, energy company, etc.) to confirm the veracity.
- If they seem particularly insistent, record business calls or write down the data of the company, number and schedule; these can be essential evidence for future claims.
- Ignore calls arriving during non-business hours or outside of normal business hours, and filter out calls with international or unknown prefixes.
- Check online or with reporting apps to see if a number has been previously flagged as spam or fraud by other users.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sales Calls and Telephone Spam
Once I'm on the Robinson List, do they stop calling me completely?
Not necessarily . Most legitimate companies respect opt-outs, but some choose to circumvent the law or outsource calls to third-party companies. If you have an existing relationship with a company or have given them specific consent, they may continue to call you. In case of persistent calls, file a complaint or report them.
How do I identify if a commercial call is illegal?
All commercial calls made without your explicit consent and without a current contractual relationship are illegal . Furthermore, if you receive calls after having requested to stop receiving communications (or while you are on the Robinson List), you can file a complaint.
Can I claim compensation if I am harassed with sales calls?
The General Telecommunications Law and Spanish data protection legislation allow for claims for damages in cases of repeated harassment. Generally, the most successful claims result in sanctions and compensation following a formal complaint to the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).
What should I do if I receive threats or attempted phone scams?
Hang up immediately and never give out personal information . Report the incident to the police, the Civil Guard, or the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD). When necessary, record or save any evidence to aid the investigation.
Can I block commercial calls on my landline?
Yes, many modern landlines incorporate blocking and filtering features. You can also ask your provider to activate anti-spam services. The Robinson List and the rights to object, erasure, and mediation also apply to landlines.
The fight against unwanted marketing calls is a matter of awareness, technology, and exercising your rights . Manually blocking calls, using specialized apps, registering on the Robinson List, and knowing your legal options are the most effective tools for regaining control over your phone privacy.
