1. Why Blocking Spam Calls and Texts Matters in the UK
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Protects you from phishing and scam attempts
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Reduces stress and distractions
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Prevents data theft and financial fraud
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Helps maintain privacy and control
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Stops unwanted telemarketing and robocalls
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Prevents accidental subscription to premium-rate services
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Avoids wasting mobile data and minutes
2. Signs That a Call or Text Is Spam or a Scam
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Unknown international numbers or odd area codes
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Offers too good to be true (lottery wins, job offers)
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Urgent threats or requests for immediate action
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Links asking for personal or banking information
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Misspelled messages or poor grammar
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Claiming to be from government, HMRC, or banks
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Numbers not saved in your contacts
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Generic greetings like “Dear customer” or “Hi there”
3. How to Block Spam Texts and Calls on iPhone (UK)
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Open Phone > Recents > Info > Block this Caller
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Open Messages > Tap on number > Info > Block this Caller
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Enable Silence Unknown Callers in Settings > Phone
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Report texts by forwarding to 7726 (free spam report)
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Use Focus Mode to restrict calls to contacts only
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Install third-party apps (Truecaller, Hiya, RoboKiller)
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Keep iOS updated for best protection
4. How to Block Spam Texts and Calls on Android (UK)
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Open Phone app > Recent Calls > Tap number > Block
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Open Messages > Tap conversation > Menu > Block
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Turn on Caller ID & Spam Protection in settings
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Use Do Not Disturb mode with contact filtering
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Report SMS spam to 7726 (free text spam reporting)
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Install apps like Truecaller, Call Control, or Nomorobo
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Keep Android OS and Google Play Services updated
5. UK Network-Based Blocking Options (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three)
EE:
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Text spam to 7726 or forward call details
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Block via My EE app or online portal
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Use Call Protect (free service for EE users)
O2:
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Forward spam to 7726
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Enable spam filtering via My O2 > Extras
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Use third-party apps for deeper control
Vodafone:
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Report spam texts to 7726
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Activate Call Filter service (free on selected plans)
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Use Vodafone Secure Net for added security
Three:
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Forward spam messages to 7726
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Use Three CallSafe (free call screening service)
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Enable call barring via My3 app or account
6. Registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS UK)
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Visit www.tpsonline.org.uk
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Register mobile and landline numbers for free
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Stops legitimate UK marketing calls, not scams
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Reduces cold calls over time (within 28 days)
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Works across most UK mobile networks
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Verify registration via email or SMS
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Report violators directly to ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)
7. Apps and Tools to Block Spam Effectively in the UK
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Truecaller – Identifies and blocks known spam numbers
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Hiya – Real-time spam alerts and caller ID
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RoboKiller – Auto-replies to robocalls with bots
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Call Control – Custom blocklist + community-reported numbers
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YouMail – Visual voicemail and spam protection
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Norton Mobile Security – Includes spam blocking features
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Google Phone App – Built-in spam ID for Android users
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Carrier Spam Filters – Enable in app or web account
8. Extra Tips to Prevent Future Spam Texts and Calls
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Never share your number publicly online
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Avoid clicking unknown links or replying to strange texts
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Don’t answer unknown international calls
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Use dual SIM or virtual number for online registrations
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Keep your contact list clean and updated
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Report every spam number to 7726 for national blocking
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Check call settings regularly and update spam filters
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Educate friends and family to avoid falling for scams
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Stay informed via Ofcom and Action Fraud UK updates
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Install antivirus or security apps with spam call protection
