Robocalls can be a real headache, no matter what type of phone you use. If you’re like many people who prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, you might be wondering how to tackle this issue. 

Donna reached out to us with a simple but great question, asking, “Is there a way to eliminate robocalls from a flip phone?”

We’ve reported extensively on how to stop spam calls from coming to your smartphone, but what if you don’t like using a smartphone and prefer a flip phone? While flip phones are generally harder to block spam calls from, it’s not impossible, but it’s not as easy as dealing with robocalls on your smartphone.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

How to deal with robocalls on a flip phone

Dealing with robocalls on a flip phone can be challenging, but you can take a few steps to minimize them. You’ll have to make some phone calls, so it won’t be as simple as blocking spam callers on a smartphone. But if you’re willing to place a few phone calls and do some extra work, you can live happily without spam calls on your flip phone. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Avoid answering unknown numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.

2. Be cautious with your number: Be mindful of where you share your phone number to reduce the chances of it being added to robocall lists.

3. Register on the Do Not Call List: Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. This can help reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. You can register a phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry online at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to be registered with the Do Not Call Registry.

Man looking at a flip phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AN ALARMING SPIKE IN SCAM CALLS COMING FROM ROBOCALLS

4. Contact your carrier: Many carriers offer call-blocking services. Contact your carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and ask if they provide robocall-blocking features for flip phones. Many carriers do, but it depends on the brand of flip phone you have and which carrier you have.

5. Manual call blocking: If your flip phone has the option, you can manually block specific numbers. Check your phone’s user manual for instructions on how to do this. While this feature is common with all smartphones, many newer flip phones can also manually block callers, but, as we mentioned, you’ll need to check your instruction manual.

Flip phone   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

END OF ANNOYING ROBOCALLS? FTC CRACKS DOWN ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

6. Report robocalls to the FTC: Report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps authorities track and take action against robocalls. While this method doesn’t block robocalls from calling your flip phone, it does help the FTC locate robocalls and prevent them from calling. It’s a good way to help the FTC fight back against robo-spam callers. Here’s what you need to do to report a robocall to the FTC:

• Go online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
• When filling out your report, you’ll need the robocaller’s number and the date and time of the call.

FTC logo  (Federal Trade Commission)

7. Consider using a data removal service: Regrettably, there is a high probability that your phone number is readily available on many lists sold by data brokers to hundreds of people search websites.  However, removing it from the web can reduce the likelihood of spammers and telemarketers obtaining your number and contacting you.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Robocalls can be a real nuisance, especially for flip phone users. To tackle this issue, consider registering your number on the National Do Not Call List and avoid answering unknown numbers. Additionally, check with your carrier for any call-blocking services it may offer. With a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce those pesky interruptions.

What do you find most frustrating about robocalls, and how do you typically handle them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter 

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.

These days, our phones are constantly buzzing with notifications, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between legitimate messages and potential scams. Bill from Mesa, Arizona, recently shared an experience that highlights this growing concern:

“Twice in the last week I’ve received texts supposedly sent elsewhere. The last one asked if I was ‘available tomorrow evening.’ I did not recognize the number but am active in an old people park so receive many calls and texts from unfamiliar numbers. I texted back that my wife thought we were available. A few minutes later, a text came asking if I was Mrs. Amy. I texted that I wasn’t Mrs. Amy and had never been, but it was a problem. 

“A return text came thanking me for being so polite and the texter’s appreciation for polite people and if I were ever in LA, I would be welcome to a backyard BBQ. Looking back, there were a couple more texts ending with ‘I like to make friends with polite people.’ The first text which I deleted was in a very similar vein and format. Is this a scam and why, for what?”

Bill’s experience is not unique. Many people receive similar messages that seem harmless at first glance but could potentially be part of a more sinister scheme. Let’s dive into the world of text message scams and learn how to protect ourselves.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

The anatomy of a text message scam

Text message scams, also known as “smishing,” a combination of SMS and phishing, have become increasingly sophisticated. Scammers use various tactics to engage potential victims and gain their trust. Here are some common elements:

Unfamiliar numbers: The message comes from a number you don’t recognize. For instance, you receive a text from +1-555-123-4567, a number not in your contacts.

Unsolicited contact: The text arrives unexpectedly, often with a friendly or urgent tone. Example: “Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?”

Personal touch: The scammer might use your name or reference a common activity to seem legitimate. Example: “Hi Sarah, it’s Mike from the book club. Are you coming to the meeting next week?”

Too good to be true: Offers of prizes, invitations, or other enticing propositions are common. Example: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card. Click here to claim your prize!”

Requests for information: The scammer may ask for personal details, either directly or indirectly. Example: “This is your bank. We need to verify your account. Please reply with your account number and PIN.”

Remember, these are all examples of potential scams. Always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages, especially those asking for personal information or containing suspicious links.

A person texting on a phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS

Understanding the scammer’s strategy

In Bill’s case, the scammer employed a “long-play” strategy. By engaging in friendly conversation and offering invitations, the scammer aims to build trust over time. The end goal could be:

Phishing for information: Gradually collecting personal details that can be used for identity theft.

Malware distribution: Eventually sending a link that, when clicked, installs malicious software on your device.

Financial scams: Building trust to eventually request money or financial information.

A person texting on a phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO EASILY ACTIVATE AUTO-REPLY FOR TEXT MESSAGES ON IPHONE AND ANDROID

How to identify suspicious texts

To protect yourself from text message scams, follow these steps:

• Check the sender: Look at the full email address or phone number, not just the display name.
• Analyze the content: Be wary of messages with urgent subjects, grammatical errors, or strange URLs.
• Verify independently: If the message claims to be from a known entity, contact them through official channels to confirm.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t let politeness override your judgment.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

A man texting on his phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SECRET TRICK TO SEND A TEXT MESSAGE AGAIN WITH IOS 18’S NEW “SEND LATER” FEATURE

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you believe you’ve received a scam text, here are six steps to follow:

1. Don’t respond: Avoid engaging with the scammer to prevent further attempts.

2. Block the number: Use your phone’s built-in blocking features to prevent further contact.

• For iPhone: Open the message, tap the sender’s name or number, select “Info,” then “Block Caller.”
• For Android: Open the message, long-press the conversation, tap the three-dot menu and select “Block” or “Block & Report Spam.” You may be asked to confirm your decision by clicking Yes. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

3. Report the message: Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM). Also, report it directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

4. Keep your information safe: Never click on links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts.

5. Have strong antivirus software: Install and run strong antivirus apps on your phone to scan for malware and ensure your device is secure. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider using a data removal service to eliminate your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce spam, decrease the risk of identity theft and clean up your online presence by automating the removal of your data from hundreds of data broker sites.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

While it’s natural to want to be polite, as Bill was, remember that your safety and personal information are paramount. Trust your instincts, verify unfamiliar contacts and never hesitate to ignore or block suspicious messages. Remember, a true friend won’t mind if you take extra steps to verify their identity, and a legitimate organization will have official channels for communication.

How have you or someone you know been affected by text message scams, and what steps did you take to protect yourself? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter 

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.