How to stop spam calls

Spam calls come from automated dialling systems that try thousands of numbers a day. If your number is in one of their lists, it is likely to be called again. You cannot stop every call, but you can reduce them a lot.

Why you keep getting them

Your number may have been shared by a website, a competition, an old company database or a data breach. Callers can also dial random numbers, so you may be called even if you have never given your number to anyone. Many calls use a fake or "spoofed" number that looks local, which is why blocking one number rarely solves the problem.

Steps that help

• Register your number for free with the Telephone Preference Service at tpsonline.org.uk. This stops legitimate marketing companies.
• Turn on Silence Unknown Callers on your iPhone, or the Block unknown callers option on Android.
• Block the numbers that call repeatedly from your recent calls list.
• Do not answer or call back numbers you do not recognise. Calling back a premium rate number can cost you money.
• Never say yes to a question. Some scammers record a short "yes" and use it later.

How to tell a spam call from a real one

Be suspicious if the caller creates pressure, asks you to act quickly, asks for a code, password or card details, or claims to be from your bank, HMRC, the police or your internet provider. Real organisations do not ask you to move money to a "safe account". If you are unsure, hang up and phone the organisation yourself using the number on its official website or the back of your card. For banks, you can also dial 159 to reach your bank through a trusted route.

Report it

Forward details of scam calls to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk, or in Scotland call Police Scotland on 101). Report unwanted marketing calls to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.

Let an app do the filtering

VerovaShield blocks nuisance, sales and scam callers before they ring, and lets you check any number in seconds if you are not sure about a call.