Blocking Unwanted Calls: A Guide To Stop Belarus Calls

If you are receiving scam calls from Belarus, you are not alone. This is a common issue that many people face, and it can be challenging to stop these unwanted calls. The good news is that there are several strategies you can use to reduce the number of scam calls you receive. Here are some suggestions:

- Do not answer calls from unknown international numbers, especially if you are not expecting a call from that country.

- Block the numbers individually on your iPhone or Android phone after receiving a scam call. On an iPhone, go to Phone, tap the information icon, and choose Block this Caller. On Android, tap the caller's name, then long-press the number, and select Block/Report Spam.

- Use call-blocking apps provided by your carrier, such as Verizon's Caller Name ID app or AT&T's Mobile Security & Call Protect Plus. These apps screen or block suspicious calls before they reach you.

- Utilise third-party apps like Nomorobo and RoboKiller, which offer free trials and then a small monthly fee.

- Enable spam-blocking software on your device, such as Samsung's Smart Call feature or Google's AI-based technology on Pixel phones.

- As a last resort, enable Do Not Disturb mode and allow calls only from your contacts. While this may be restrictive, it will effectively block all unwanted calls.

Block individual numbers

If you are receiving scam calls from Belarus on your iPhone, you can block the caller by selecting "Phone", tapping the information icon (the encircled lowercase "i"), and then choosing to "Block this Caller".

If you are using an Android device, you can block the caller by tapping on the caller's name, then long-pressing the number and tapping "Block/report spam". This method may vary slightly depending on the Android device you are using.

You can also use third-party apps such as TrueCaller to identify unknown numbers. Do not pick up or call back an unidentified number unless TrueCaller provides you with information about the caller.

Use a call-blocking app

If you're tired of getting unwanted calls from Belarus, a call-blocking app could be a great solution. Here's everything you need to know about using a call-blocking app to put a stop to those pesky calls for good.

First, let's talk about why you're getting these calls in the first place. It's likely that your number has been targeted by scammers or telemarketers who use VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to make cheap international calls. They may be trying to sell you something or trick you into giving up your personal information. Either way, it's definitely annoying and possibly even dangerous.

Now, let's discuss how call-blocking apps can help. These apps use a variety of methods to block unwanted calls. Some common features include:

• Blacklisting: You can manually add numbers to a blacklist, and the app will block any calls from those numbers. This is useful if you notice that you're getting calls from the same area code or prefix as your own number, which is a common scammer tactic.
• Whitelist Only: Some apps allow you to only receive calls from numbers on your contacts list, effectively blocking all unknown callers.
• Spam Lists: Many apps maintain up-to-date lists of numbers associated with spam or scam calls and automatically block them.
• AI-Powered Screening: More advanced apps use artificial intelligence to screen your calls and block potential spam.

Now, let's take a look at some specific apps that can help you block those calls from Belarus:

• Robokiller: This app blocks up to 99% of spam calls by using a global database of analysed calls. It also includes a fun feature called Answer Bots, which answers spam calls with pre-recorded messages designed to waste the scammer's time.
• Hiya: Hiya uses your device's location to block long-distance calls while still allowing calls from local businesses and institutions. It also has a premium caller ID feature.
• Truecaller: This app offers comprehensive caller ID and SMS phishing protection. It's a good choice for simple, automated phone scam protection.
• Call Control: This app uses crowdsourcing to identify and block spam calls. The premium version includes CommunityIQ, which references community reports and Do Not Call complaints to identify spammers.
• Nomorobo: Available for a $20 annual fee, this app is recommended by a user on Reddit for blocking 99% of calls.

When choosing a call-blocking app, consider your specific needs. For example, if you're concerned about accidentally blocking important calls, look for an app that uses location-based blocking like Hiya. If you want to block both calls and texts, make sure to choose an app with SMS blocking capabilities, like Robokiller.

In conclusion, a call-blocking app can be a highly effective way to stop those annoying calls from Belarus. By leveraging features like blacklisting, whitelisting, spam lists, and AI-powered screening, you can take back control of your phone and enjoy a spam-call-free life.

Contact your service provider

If you're receiving scam calls from Belarus, you can contact your service provider to discuss your options. Here are some steps you can take:

• Contact your phone service provider: Get in touch with your mobile or landline phone service provider and explain the situation. They may have specific procedures in place to deal with scam or spam calls.
• Provide details: Give them as much information as possible about the calls you're receiving. Note down the frequency of the calls, the phone numbers or area codes you're seeing, and any patterns you've noticed.
• Explore blocking options: Ask your service provider if they offer call-blocking features or apps that can help prevent these calls from coming through. They may have built-in tools or recommend third-party apps that can block or filter calls from specific regions or unknown numbers.
• Report the issue: Service providers often take scam and spam calls seriously. By reporting the issue, you can help them identify and address the problem, potentially benefiting other customers as well.
• Discuss call filtering settings: Inquire about any call filtering or privacy settings they can enable on their end. They may be able to adjust your account settings to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
• Follow up: If the issue persists or you continue to receive scam calls, don't hesitate to contact your service provider again. They may need to take additional action or provide further guidance based on your experience.

Remember that your service provider should be able to offer tailored advice and solutions based on your specific situation and their available tools. By working together, you can hopefully put a stop to those unwanted calls from Belarus.

File a complaint with the FTC

If you are receiving scam calls from Belarus and wish to put an end to them, you can file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The FTC is the nation's Consumer Protection Agency, and they want to hear about your experiences with scams and fraudsters. Filing a complaint is straightforward and can be done via the FTC's online Complaint Assistant, ftc.gov/complaint, or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

The FTC's online Complaint Assistant has been designed with mobile users in mind, offering a simple format that is easier to navigate on smaller screens and without a keyboard. However, if you are reporting identity theft, it is recommended that you use a desktop or laptop computer due to the sensitive personal information required.

When you file a complaint, you will be asked to answer questions about your experience. This may include details about the specific scam, such as the nature of the promises made, how you were cheated out of your money, or any other relevant information. Your complaint will be entered into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database accessible to over 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the US and abroad.

It is important to note that filing a complaint with the FTC is not the same as sharing your story or experience. While sharing your story can contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts, it does not constitute an official complaint. Therefore, if you wish to take direct action against the scam calls from Belarus, be sure to follow the steps outlined above to file a formal complaint with the FTC.

Use an international calling service to call friends and family in Belarus

If you want to stay connected with your friends and family in Belarus without worrying about high costs and connection issues, you can use an international calling service. Here are some options you can consider:

VIP Communications

With VIP Communications, you can make cheap international calls to Belarus from any phone, including landlines, mobile phones, or smartphones. Setting up an account is easy and only takes a few minutes. Because your account is prepaid, you don't have to worry about surprise charges. You can also easily keep track of your account online and add calling credit whenever your balance gets low.

BOSS Revolution

BOSS Revolution is a trusted international calling and texting app that allows you to stay connected without spending a fortune. To get started, simply download the app, create an account, and you're ready to make calls. You can add credit to make international calls to any landline or mobile number. There are no subscription fees, and you only need to add credit when you want to make a call. The app offers affordable call and text rates, and you can save even more with handy promotions and offers.

Talk360

Talk360 is another affordable and reliable international calling app that allows you to make calls to any mobile and landline number in Belarus. The app offers clear connections and low per-minute rates. Only the caller needs to have the app installed, while the receiver won't even notice that you're calling through an application. Talk360 does not require a contract or a new SIM card, and you can use your phone number as the caller ID.

Frequently asked questions