How to block a number on your landline phone and reduce the amount of spam calls you receive

• There are several steps you can take to block a number on a landline phone and reduce the amount of spam calls you receive.
• You can purchase a physical call-blocking device and install it onto your landline's connection, which will let you block a specific number.
• Make sure to add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, which will block many of the biggest robocallers from contacting you.
• Your phone service provider might also offer call blocking features that you can activate on your landline for free.

Unwanted phone calls are a fact of life, with telemarketers and other spammers using robocalling systems to annoy you on both your mobile phone and landline.

Most mobile phone operators now offer services to help block spam callers. But if you're being flooded with calls on your landline phone, things are a bit more complicated.

It's hard to block every unwanted call on your landline phone. But there are some definite steps you can take to stem the flow.

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Uniden DCX309 Cordless Landline Phone (From $49.95 at Amazon)

CPR V5000 Call Blocker (From $89.95 at Amazon)

How to block a number on your landline

If there's a specific phone number that you're trying to block, you'll want to use a call-blocking device. This is a gadget that you connect between the phone's wall outlet and your phone, and it's designed to intercept and then approve or block all incoming calls.

These devices, like the CPR V5000 or the Mcheeta Call Blocker, typically cost under $100 and are easy to install and configure. They may use a combination of whitelists (phone numbers you have approved) and blacklists (numbers the device has been programmed to automatically reject) to keep your phone from ringing as often.

If you're dealing with a variety of spam calls from many sources, then there's a few different ways to stop them — however, none of them are surefire solutions.

If you haven't already, start by adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry.

This is a database operated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is a tool that reputable solicitors use to avoid calling people who don't want to receive those kinds of calls.

Unfortunately, only reputable companies comply with the Do Not Call Registry, so it won't stop illegal spammers.

Next, contact your phone service provider and see what call-blocking services it offers. This is your best option. If your home phone is actually a VoIP (Voice over IP, or internet-based phone service) service that's bundled with your ISP's internet service, your ISP may provide some online tools for managing unwanted calls.

Even if you have a traditional landline that isn't connected to the internet, your carrier may have options for blocking unwanted calls. Often, these services come free with your plan, though there may be fees involved.

One last tip: If you want to minimize the number of spam calls you receive, never interact with incoming calls you suspect are from telemarketers. If you answer a robocall, even if you hang up a second later, it increases the chances you'll be called back again in the future.

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