SpamPath
Practical steps

Reduce Unwanted Calls & Texts

Practical ways to reduce interruptions, filter obvious spam, and report unwanted calls or texts through official channels.

Start with interruption reduction

No single tool stops every unwanted call or text. The useful approach is layered: registry protections where applicable, carrier filtering, device filtering, individual blocking, and reporting.

National Do Not Call RegistryUseful for limiting many telemarketing sales calls. Registration does not technically block calls.
Carrier spam filteringMany carriers offer call-labeling or blocking tools. Availability and behavior vary.
Device filteringPhones may offer unknown-caller screening, spam labeling, and message filtering.
Block individual numbersUseful for repeat contacts, although spoofed callers may rotate displayed numbers.

Be careful with suspicious messages

Do not open unexpected links or provide personal information merely to investigate a message. If an opt-out instruction is appropriate and you choose to use it, keep a record of what you sent and whether contact continued.

SpamPath does not recommend provoking additional contact to create a record.

Report through the right channel

The FTC and FCC accept reports about unwanted calls and texts. Their complaint systems serve different purposes, and a report does not mean an individual enforcement case or carrier traceback will automatically be opened.

Official resources

National Do Not Call Registry

Register a number or report covered unwanted calls.

Visit DoNotCall.gov
FTC guidance on blocking unwanted calls

Federal consumer guidance on call blocking, labeling, and reporting.

Read FTC guidance
FCC unwanted calls/texts complaints

File an FCC consumer complaint about unwanted calls, texts, or spoofing.

FCC complaint guidance
Related resources

Keep going

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