How to Block Spam Callers

Dear Spam Callers, you are the bane of my existence.

Spam - It's inevitable. It seems to be getting worse every day. When so many things are already demanding your attention, spam calls and texts still slip through the cracks. Your phone vibrates in your pocket, your brain gets a hint of serotonin, and you're instantly let down because a spammer wants to take you on a romantic date in Robo Hell. Here are 4 tips to break the cycle.

Tip #1: Never answer a spam call again. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on. This may seem drastic for a first step, but it will solve 90% of most people's issues. This will silence any number that's not in your contacts or recent outgoing calls. If a real person that's not in your contacts needs to get ahold of you, they'll probably leave a voicemail or text you afterward. Just call them back and/or add them to your contacts.

Tip #2: Modern smartphones and their carriers already have a built-in filter that will kick off some spam callers. If you can't use Tip #1 because you need to be able to accept some calls from unknown numbers, try downloading an app like RoboKiller or NomoRobo to enhance your spam filter.

Tip #3: Register your number on the national Do Not Call list. Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number that you want to register. This won't stop all of the calls, but it can't hurt... right?

Tip #4: For texts, go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders and turn it on. This won't stop spam texts, but it will separate them and clean up your inbox. Don't ever respond to spam texts (or calls, obviously).

Tip #4.5: If none of those helped, just give up. Throw your phone in a river. Thanks spam callers, you ruined everything.