Best Practices for Handling Unknown Callers

Handling unknown callers can be a challenge, but there are several strategies and tools that can help you manage these situations effectively. Here are some of the best practices recommended by online users:

General Advice

• Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: Many suggest not answering ANY calls from numbers you don't recognize. If the call is important, the person will likely leave a voicemail.

"Most people, especially recruiters, understand that many people don't answer unknown calls anymore because it's the best practice."

• Use Voicemail: Let unknown callers leave a voicemail. This allows you to screen the call and decide if it's worth responding to.

"If it's important, they'll leave a message."

• Block and Report: If you do answer, and it's a spam or scam call, hang up immediately and block the number. You can also report the number to the relevant authorities or services.

"If it’s a scam call, I just block the number."

Tools and Apps

• Call Screening and Blocking Apps: There are several apps that can help screen and block spam calls. Some popular options include Truecaller, Hiya, and YouMail.

"Truecaller is pretty good, but in the phone settings itself, you can block unknown numbers and withheld numbers, which reduces some spam calls."

• Google Pixel's Built-in Features: Google Pixel phones have a built-in call screening feature that can be very effective.

"Get a pixel phone, it has the best call screening."

• iPhone's "Silence Unknown Callers": This feature sends all calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.

"There is a setting called Silence Unknown Callers that would help."

Additional Tips

• Use "67" to Hide Your Number: If you need to make a call and want to keep your number private, you can dial "67" before the phone number.

"Put *67 before the number when you're dialing it."

• Be Cautious with Personal Information: Never share personal information over the phone with someone you don't know, especially if they ask for it.

"Best practice is to not answer phone calls from numbers you don't know."