by Loan offers, credit card calls, fake KYC alerts, “your parcel is stuck” messages and robocalls – unwanted calls have become a daily headache for most Indians. Some are just annoying promotions, but many are fraud attempts designed to steal money or personal data. The good news is that you can block spam calls effectively using free government tools, telecom operator settings and features already built into your smartphone.
This guide explains how to block spam calls on Android and iPhone, how to activate DND (Do Not Disturb) through TRAI, how to report fraud calls on Sanchar Saathi, what CNAP caller name display means, how to block spam calls on Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL, and safety tips to protect yourself from scams.
Why You Get So Many Spam Calls
- Data sharing: Your number is collected when you fill forms in shops, online sites, contests and apps, and sometimes sold to telemarketers.
- Unregistered telemarketers: Many promotional calls come from ordinary 10-digit numbers instead of registered telemarketing headers.
- Auto-dialers and robocalls: Software dials thousands of numbers every minute.
- Fraud networks: Scammers use spoofed or rented SIMs, and even international numbers that look like Indian numbers.
Understanding the source helps you choose the right method to block spam calls – some methods stop promotions, while others stop unknown or suspicious callers.
Method 1: Block Spam Calls Using TRAI DND
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) runs a National Customer Preference Register, commonly called DND. When you register, registered telemarketers are not allowed to send you promotional calls and SMS in the categories you block.
Activate DND by SMS or call
- Send an SMS with START 0 to 1909 to block all promotional categories (fully blocked).
- Or call 1909 from your mobile and follow the voice menu to choose categories.
- You will receive a confirmation message. Activation is usually completed within a short period as per TRAI rules.
Use the TRAI DND app
- Install the official TRAI DND app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Register with your mobile number and verify the OTP.
- Choose your preferences – block all promotions or allow selected categories such as banking or travel.
- Use the app to report spam calls and SMS by selecting them from your call log or inbox.
Reporting through the DND app helps operators take action against violators. TRAI has said that lakhs of numbers have been disconnected based on such complaints.
Method 2: Block Spam Calls on Android Phones
- Open the Phone app (Google Phone on most Android devices).
- Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
- Select Caller ID & spam (or Spam and Call Screen).
- Turn on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls.
- To block a specific number, open the call log, tap the number and choose Block / report spam.
Samsung phones have a similar option: open the Phone app, go to Settings > Caller ID and spam protection, and also use Block numbers to block unknown or private numbers.
Method 3: Block Spam Calls on iPhone
- Go to Settings > Phone (or Settings > Apps > Phone on newer iOS).
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail and appear in recents.
- To block a number, open Recents, tap the info icon next to the number, and choose Block this Caller.
- Newer iOS versions also offer call screening options that ask unknown callers to state their reason before your phone rings.
Method 4: Report Fraud Calls on Sanchar Saathi (Chakshu)
For calls and messages that look like fraud – fake KYC updates, electricity disconnection threats, job offers asking for money, or someone pretending to be police or a customs officer – report them on Chakshu, a facility on the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi portal and app.
- Open the Sanchar Saathi website or app and choose Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication.
- Select the medium (call, SMS or WhatsApp) and the category of fraud.
- Enter the suspicious number, date and time, and upload a screenshot if available.
- Verify with OTP and submit.
Reports help DoT identify and disconnect numbers involved in fraud. If you have already lost money, do not wait – call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 immediately and file a complaint on the cyber crime portal.
Method 5: Block Spam Calls Through Your Telecom Operator
| Operator | How to manage spam / DND |
|---|---|
| Jio | MyJio app – DND settings; SMS or call 1909 |
| Airtel | Airtel Thanks app – DND and spam settings; network-level spam alerts |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Vi app – DND preferences; SMS or call 1909 |
| BSNL | SMS START 0 to 1909 or use the TRAI DND app |
Operators also use network-level filters and AI tools to label suspected spam calls. Keep your operator’s app updated to get the latest protection.
Common Types of Spam and Fraud Calls in India
| Type of call | What they say | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fake KYC update | “Your bank account or SIM will be blocked today” | Hang up; contact your bank directly; report on Chakshu |
| Electricity disconnection scam | “Pay now or power will be cut tonight” | Check bill on the official KSEB or utility app; never pay via links |
| Courier / customs scam | “Illegal items found in your parcel” | Police never investigate by phone; disconnect and report |
| “Digital arrest” scam | Fake police or officials on video call demanding money | No agency does “digital arrest”; call 1930 |
| Loan and credit card offers | Instant pre-approved loans | Block and report on TRAI DND app |
| Job and task scams | Earn money by liking videos or reviews | Never pay “registration fees”; block the number |
| Robocalls | Recorded voice messages | Activate DND and spam filter |
How to Block Spam Calls on WhatsApp
Fraudsters increasingly use WhatsApp voice and video calls, often from international numbers. To block spam calls on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Privacy > Calls.
- Turn on Silence unknown callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts are silenced but still appear in your call list.
- To block a number, open the chat or call info, tap the number, and choose Block and Report.
- In Privacy, limit who can see your profile photo, last seen and about to My contacts.
- Turn on Two-step verification under Account settings to protect your WhatsApp account.
How to Block Spam SMS
- Android: In Google Messages, go to Settings > Spam protection and turn it on. Long-press a spam message and choose Block & report spam.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages and turn on Filter Unknown Senders.
- Report: Use the TRAI DND app to report promotional SMS that violate your preferences.
- Never click links in unexpected SMS about rewards, KYC, electricity bills or parcels.
How India Blocks Spoofed International Calls
Many fraud calls come from abroad but display Indian numbers to look trustworthy. The Department of Telecommunications and telecom operators have introduced a system to identify and block incoming international calls that spoof Indian mobile numbers. This has reduced such calls significantly, but fraudsters keep changing tactics. If you get a call from an international number (starting with a country code other than +91) claiming to be from an Indian bank, government department or police, treat it as suspicious and do not share any information.
Should You Use Third-Party Caller ID Apps?
Caller ID apps can help identify and block spam calls using crowd-sourced data. However, keep these points in mind:
- Many such apps ask for access to your contacts and call logs. Read the permissions and privacy policy carefully.
- Built-in dialer spam protection and CNAP may be enough for most users.
- Install apps only from official app stores, and avoid unknown “call blocker” apps that ask for unnecessary permissions.
Protect Elderly Parents from Spam and Fraud Calls
Senior citizens are common targets of phone fraud. Help your parents block spam calls and stay safe:
- Activate full DND on their numbers by sending START 0 to 1909.
- Turn on spam filtering and Silence Unknown Callers on their phones.
- Save important numbers – family, doctor, bank branch – so genuine calls are easy to recognise.
- Teach them a simple rule: never share OTP, PIN, card number or Aadhaar details on a call.
- Write 1930 (cyber crime helpline) and 112 (emergency) near the phone.
What to Do If You Already Answered a Scam Call
- Disconnect immediately if the caller asks for OTP, PIN, passwords or remote access.
- Do not install any app the caller suggests, especially screen-sharing apps.
- If you shared bank details, call your bank’s official helpline right away and block cards or UPI.
- If money was lost, call 1930 within the first hours – the “golden hour” – to improve chances of freezing the money.
- Report the number on Chakshu and the TRAI DND app so others are protected.
- Change passwords of email, banking and social media accounts if you suspect compromise.
Lost your phone along with your SIM? Follow our checklist on what to do when your phone is lost or stolen.
What Is CNAP (Caller Name Presentation)?
Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) is a new service being rolled out in India that shows the name of the caller as registered with the telecom operator during SIM verification. Unlike crowd-sourced caller ID apps, CNAP uses KYC-verified names from operator records. This makes it harder for fraudsters to hide behind unknown numbers and helps you decide whether to pick up a call. As CNAP becomes available on more networks and phones, you may see the caller’s name even for numbers not saved in your contacts.
Block Spam Calls: Quick Summary by Device and Tool
| Where | Setting or tool | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Any mobile | SMS START 0 to 1909 | Blocks promotional calls and SMS from registered telemarketers |
| Android | Phone app > Caller ID & spam | Shows spam warnings and filters suspected spam |
| iPhone | Silence Unknown Callers | Sends unknown numbers to voicemail |
| Privacy > Calls > Silence unknown callers | Silences WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers | |
| TRAI DND app | Report spam | Sends complaints against violators |
| Sanchar Saathi | Chakshu | Reports suspected fraud communication |
| Bank fraud | Helpline 1930 | Helps freeze money lost to cyber fraud |
Smart Habits That Reduce Spam Calls
Settings help you block spam calls, but good habits stop your number from reaching spammers in the first place:
- Share your number carefully: Avoid giving your main number for loyalty cards, contests and random online forms. Use a secondary number or email where possible.
- Read consent boxes: Untick options that allow companies to share your data with “partners” for marketing.
- Limit app permissions: Do not give contacts and call log access to apps that don’t need it.
- Don’t call back unknown numbers: Some scams use missed calls from premium-rate or international numbers.
- Keep your phone updated: Updates improve built-in tools that block spam calls and protect against malware.
Why Reporting Spam Calls Matters
When you only block spam calls on your own phone, the spammer simply moves on to the next person. When you report the number through the TRAI DND app or Chakshu, the complaint reaches operators and the Department of Telecommunications. Repeated complaints against the same number or entity can lead to warnings, blacklisting and disconnection. In recent years, authorities have disconnected large numbers of mobile connections linked to spam and fraud based on user complaints and analysis. Every report you make helps protect other users, including elderly people who are more likely to be cheated.
Block Spam Calls at Work: Tips for Small Businesses
Shop owners, doctors, tutors and small business owners often publish their mobile numbers publicly, which makes them easy targets for spammers. You can still block spam calls without missing genuine customers. Use a separate business number listed on Google Business Profile and social media, keep your personal number private, and turn on spam filtering on the business phone. WhatsApp Business offers labels and quick replies that make it easier to manage genuine enquiries. If you receive repeated fraud calls pretending to be from GST, income tax or utility departments, verify on the official websites and report the numbers on Chakshu.
Train your staff to recognise common scams. A simple office rule – never share OTPs, payment links or customer data over the phone – can prevent costly mistakes.
Block Spam Calls on BSNL and Landline Numbers
If you use a BSNL mobile, the same DND method works: send START 0 to 1909 or use the TRAI DND app. For landline numbers, call 1909 from the landline and follow the voice instructions to register DND preferences. Some newer landline phones also have a built-in call blocking feature where you can save numbers to a block list.
Spam and fraud tactics keep changing, so review your settings every few months. Check that DND is still active, your phone’s spam filter is on, and WhatsApp privacy settings are set to contacts only. Share these steps with friends and family too, because the more people who block spam calls and report fraud numbers, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. A few minutes spent on these settings today can save you from stress, wasted time and even financial loss tomorrow.
Remember that no genuine bank, telecom company, electricity board, courier service or government agency will ask you to share an OTP, install a remote access app or transfer money to “verify” your account over a phone call. Whenever a caller creates urgency or fear, pause, disconnect, and verify independently using the official website or helpline number. This single habit, combined with the tools that block spam calls, is your strongest protection against phone fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest way to block spam calls in India?
Send START 0 to 1909 to activate full DND, and turn on spam filtering in your phone’s dialer app. Together, these block most spam calls.
Does DND block calls from unknown 10-digit numbers?
DND mainly stops registered telemarketers. Calls from unregistered 10-digit numbers should be reported on the TRAI DND app, and you can block them individually on your phone.
Where should I report fraud calls?
Report suspected fraud calls on Chakshu in the Sanchar Saathi portal or app. If money is lost, call 1930 immediately.
Will blocking spam calls stop OTP messages?
No. DND does not block transactional messages such as OTPs and bank alerts.
Is it legal to block spam calls on my phone?
Yes. You can block spam calls using phone settings, operator apps and the TRAI DND service. These are official and legal methods.
Can I block spam calls without installing any app?
Yes. Send START 0 to 1909 for DND, and use the spam filter in your phone’s built-in dialer. These two steps block spam calls without any extra app.
Why do I still get spam calls after activating DND?
DND stops registered telemarketers, but some spammers use unregistered numbers. Block those numbers individually, turn on spam filtering, and report them so that action can be taken.
Conclusion
You don’t have to live with endless spam. Activate DND through 1909, enable spam filtering on your Android or iPhone, report suspicious numbers on the TRAI DND app and Sanchar Saathi, and use your operator’s app for extra protection. Combine these steps with smart habits and you can block spam calls effectively and keep scammers away.
