As technology evolves, so does the sophistication of spam callers, making it imperative for individuals and businesses to stay a step ahead. Thankfully, call screening technology has emerged as a powerful ally in this battle.
Essentially, call screening is a service that works to identify incoming calls before they reach the user. It uses a range of methods, from simple caller ID checks to more advanced AI-driven analysis, to discern between legitimate calls and potential spam. By providing this initial filter, call screening can drastically reduce the number of unwanted calls reaching your phone, aiding in effective spam prevention.
There are several types of call screening options available today. Basic caller ID services will show the name and number of the incoming call, while advanced call screening apps may block suspected spam calls automatically or require callers to provide their name before the call is connected. Some services even offer a 'whitelist' and 'blacklist' feature, allowing users to specify which numbers are always allowed or always blocked.
A comprehensive guide on call screening technology can be found on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website here.
Top Call Screening Solutions Available in Australia
For those in Australia looking to safeguard their devices, there are numerous call screening apps and services that offer robust protection against unwanted calls. Let's look at a few of the best ones available in the Australian market:
- Telstra Call Guardian: A popular choice among Australians, Telstra's solution offers comprehensive call screening and blocking features, with the ability to allow trusted numbers and block specific ones. However, it is exclusive to Telstra customers.
- Truecaller: This globally recognized app offers caller ID services, spam detection, and blocking. While it boasts a vast spam number database, it does require access to your contacts, which may be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
- RoboKiller: This app not only blocks spam calls but also uses answer bots to waste the time of spam callers. While it offers a high level of protection, it is a subscription-based service.
- Google's Call Screen feature: Available on select Android devices, this feature screens calls and transcribes them in real-time. It's a free service but limited to certain Android devices.
- Apple's Silence Unknown Callers feature: Available on iPhones running iOS 13 or later, this feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions. It's straightforward and free but can be too restrictive for some users.
Remember, the best spam call blocker for you will depend on your specific needs, device, and comfort with sharing information. It's crucial to do your research and choose the solution that best fits your personal or business requirements.
How to Set Up Call Screening on Your Device
Whether you're an Android or iOS user, you have tools at your disposal to help set up call screening and combat spam calls. Let's walk through the steps for each platform.
Android Call Screening:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select 'Settings'.
- Tap on 'Spam and Call Screen'. This will take you to the call screen settings.
- Choose 'Call Screen'. From here, you can adjust how you want your device to handle potential spam calls.
Depending on your device and Android version, the steps may vary slightly. Also, some Android devices have manufacturer-specific call screening settings, so check your device's user manual for more information.
iOS Call Screening:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap 'Phone'.
- Tap 'Silence Unknown Callers'.
- Toggle the switch to the 'on' position.
This feature will silence all calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions. Be aware that this might block some legitimate calls from unknown numbers.
For both Android and iOS, remember to regularly update your device's software and the call screening app, if applicable. Updates often contain security enhancements that offer better protection against spam calls.
Other Practical Tips for Spam Call Prevention
While call screening technology is powerful, it's not the only way to prevent spam calls. Incorporating personal habits and best practices can significantly enhance your phone security.
- Don't answer unknown numbers: If a call comes from a number you don't recognize and it's not identified by caller ID, let it go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages.
- Never share personal information: Regardless of what the caller may claim, never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call to a trusted number.
- Register for the Do Not Call Register: This Australian government service can help reduce telemarketing calls. Register your number here.
Summing Up
Navigating the landscape of spam calls and robocalls can be daunting, but with the right tools and habits, you can effectively shield yourself from these unwanted intrusions. Remember, call screening technology, when combined with mindful practices, can drastically reduce the number of spam calls you receive, and allow you to use your phone with peace of mind.
For a more in-depth look at preventing unwanted voicemail messages, check out our Voicemail Spam Prevention blog. You can also learn more about identifying spam calls in our Spam Call Identification blog. If you're interested in learning more about the National Do Not Call Registry, we've also written a comprehensive guide here.
By taking these measures, you'll not only protect your own telecommunications security but also contribute to the wider effort against spam callers in Australia. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep those unwanted calls at bay.
