The Simple Trick to Stop Telemarketers Forever

We’ve all been there: you’re just sitting down to dinner, and suddenly your phone rings. The number looks vaguely familiar—but the moment you pick up, it’s someone trying to sell you a car warranty, a cruise, or worse… asking if you’re the homeowner. 😑

Telemarketers are relentless, and while robocalls and spam seem like an unavoidable part of modern life, there’s good news: there’s a simple trick that can help you stop telemarketers forever.

Yes—forever.

Here’s the Trick: Don’t Say a Word—Just Press This Button

When you get a suspicious call from an unknown number:

👉 Let it go to voicemail, or
👉 Pick up and immediately press the “#” (pound) key or “*” (star) key, then hang up.

Why?

Many robocall systems are designed to detect whether a number is “active.” If you say “hello” or engage in any way, your number gets flagged as a live target, and you’ll likely get more calls in the future.

By not responding or using certain tones, you confuse or “break” the automated system. You’re essentially telling the bot: this number is not worth calling again.

Additional Tricks to Cut Them Off Completely

If you’re serious about cutting off spam and telemarketers, pair that simple trick with these quick steps:

1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

In the U.S., visit donotcall.gov and add your number. It won’t stop all calls (especially from scammers), but it helps reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.

2. Block Numbers Manually

On iPhone or Android, you can block specific numbers after a spam call comes through. It’s a bit tedious, but effective over time.

3. Use a Call-Blocking App

Apps like Hiya, RoboKiller, Nomorobo, or Truecaller can screen incoming calls and automatically block known spam numbers.