Published 16 June 2026 · Home Users · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995
There’s a difference between annoying marketing and dangerous scams — these steps reduce both. (To learn to recognise scam messages, see our Spot the Scam quiz.)
Block and silence
On most phones you can block a number straight from the call log or a message. Many phones also offer Silence Unknown Callers, which sends unrecognised numbers to voicemail. To cut marketing calls, register free with the Telephone Preference Service at tpsonline.org.uk.
Report the bad ones
Forward scam texts to 7726 (free) to report them to your network. Never press buttons or call back on a recorded scam message — just hang up. Your phone provider may also offer free call-blocking features or an app. If a scam has gone further, see what to do if you’ve been scammed.
Key points
- Block a number from your call log or message screen
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers if your phone offers it
- Register free with the Telephone Preference Service
- Forward scam texts to 7726 to report them
- Do not press buttons or call back on recorded scam calls
- Use your provider’s call-blocking features or app
- Hang up on anything that feels like a scam
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