Calls from suspicious numbers, SMS from “banking services” asking to transfer money, and intrusive robot operators - every second smartphone owner on Androidfaces these problems. According to data Kaspersky for 2026, the number of fraudulent calls increased by 43% compared to 2026, and the average damage from telephone fraud was 18,000 rubles. But there is good news: modern versions Android 13–15 offer built-in tools for blocking unwanted contacts, and third-party applications expand these capabilities to the level of “anti-spam shield”.

In this guide we will look all current methods of blocking scammers —from basic functions in the “Phone” menu to hidden operator settings and automated services like Google Messages or Truecaller. Important: the methods work on most devices (Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Google Pixel, Realme etc.), but some menu items may differ depending on the shell (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS). If your smartphone was released before 2020, check the version Android v Settings → About phone —older devices will require additional applications.

Warning: blocking numbers does not guarantee 100% protection. Fraudsters often use substitution of numbers (spoofing)when the call allegedly comes from a familiar contact or bank support service. In such cases, only specialized anti-fraud systems help (about them in the section about applications).

1. Standard blocking via the “Phone” application

The easiest way is to use the built-in functions Android. The interface may vary slightly, but the logic is the same for all devices. Here's how it works on Google Pixel 8 (pure Android 15) and Samsung Galaxy S24 (One UI 6.1):

1. Open the application Phone (handset icon).

2. Go to Call log and find the scammer's number.

3. Click on the number → select Block or Block/Mark as spam (on Samsung).

4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

On some devices (Xiaomi, Oppo) the path will be different: Journal → ⋮ (three dots) → Blocking numbers → Add to blacklist.

⚠️ Attention: B Android 14+ blocking via standard application “Phone” is automatically synchronized with your account GoogleThis means that blocked numbers will not be available on all your devices (for example, on a tablet). Contact synchronization Google Settings → Account Management → Personal Information → Contacts → Contact Sync.

The number is not saved in your contacts|This is not a delivery service or a bank (check in a search engine)|You are not expecting an important call from this number|You have Google synchronization enabled (if necessary)

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2. Blocking SMS spam in Google Messages

If scammers attack you through SMS (for example, messages “Your card is blocked, call back at +7..."), use the built-in filters in the standard messaging application on most smartphones. The algorithm automatically marks suspicious SMS as “Spam”, but you can strengthen the protection: Google Messages - the standard messaging application on most smartphones. Algorithm Google automatically marks suspicious SMS as “Spam”, but you can strengthen the protection:

1. Open Google Messages and find the spam message.

2. Press and hold the message → select ⋮ → More → Spam and blocking.

3. Check the boxes next to:

- Mark as spam (messages will be hidden in the Spam folder),

- Block number (complete blocking of calls and SMS).

To set up automatic filtering: Profile → Settings → Spam protection → Enable "Spam protection".

⚠️ Attention: There is a function Google Messages there is a function Spam reportthat sends data about fraudulent numbers to Google to improve the algorithms If you. this is confusing, disable it in the same settings. Also remember that blocking SMS does not always work for flood attacks (mass mailing from different numbers) - in such cases only specialized software will help.

Offers of loans/microloans|Messages from “banks”|Advertising of stores/casinos|Fake delivery notifications|Other

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3. Using applications to block scammers

Standard tools Android block only specific numbers, but do not protect against new attacks. For a comprehensive solution, install one of these applications (all are free, but there are premium features):

  • 🔍 Truecaller —a database of 500 million numbers marked “Spam”/“Fraudster”. Works offline, but registration is required for complete protection. Minus: collects data about your contacts (can be disabled in. settings).
  • 🛡️ Hiya — blocks robocalls and spoofed numbers. Integrates with the call log. Supports Russian-speaking scammers (for example, “fake banks”).
  • 📵 Should I Answer? — analyzes numbers in real time and shows the trust rating. There is a “Black list by mask” function (for example, block all numbers with a prefix). +375).
  • 🤖 Kaspersky Who Calls —from Kaspersky Lab. Marks dangerous numbers in red and offers to add them to the block list automatically.

🔹 How to configure Truecaller for maximum protection:

  1. Install the application and register (you can via Google).
  2. Enable Spam blocking in the settings.
  3. Activate Show warnings —this will allow you to see notes about scammers right during an incoming call.
  4. In the section Black list add numbers manually or import from the call log.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller require access to your contacts, call and SMS log. Before installation, check permissions in Settings → Applications → Truecaller → Permissions and disable unnecessary ones (for example, access to location). Also remember that no application blocks calls 100% - scammers constantly change numbers.

What to do if the application does not block calls?

If calls continue to come in after installing the anti-spam application:

1. Check if battery optimization is disabled for the application (for example, in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

2. Update the database of spam numbers in the application settings.

3. Try another application - some scammers bypass the protection Truecaller, but not Hiya, and vice versa.

4. If calls come from different numbers, use the blocking function by mask (for example, all numbers with the prefix +37 or +92).

4. Blocking through the telecom operator settings

Russian operators (“Beeline”, “MegaFon”, “MTS”, “Tele2”) offer their own services to combat spam. They are free, but require a connection:

Operator Service How to connect What. blocks
MTS "Spam protection" Send an SMS with the text PROTECTION to the number 111 or through your personal account. Robocalls, SMS spam, fraudulent numbers from the operator's database.
Beeline "Antispam" In your personal account: Services → Security → Antispam. Calls from suspicious numbers (including spoofed ones).
MegaFon "Spam filter" Send SMS from text FILTER to 0500. SMS mailings and some robocalls.
Tele2 "Protection against fraudsters" In the mobile application: Security → Protection from fraudsters. Numbers from the blacklists of banks and government agencies.

🔹 Important: Operator services only block numbers from their database. If the scammer uses a new number, the call may go through. Also, some services (for example, Antispam from Beeline) can block legitimate calls (for example, from delivery services). In this case, the service can be temporarily disabled with the command TURN OFF USAGE PROTECTION (for MTS).

⚠️ Attention: Connection conditions and tariffs for services may change. For example, MegaFon previously provided the Spam Filter for free, but since 2026 some functions have become paid (0.99 rubles/day). Before connecting, check the details in your personal account or with the operator at number 0500 (for MegaFon).

5. Hidden Android settings for blocking unwanted calls

In Android 12+ hidden functions have appeared to combat spam, which not all users know. For example, you can block all unknown numbers or set up filtering by keywords in SMS.

🔹 How to block all calls from unknown numbers:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Security.
  2. Select Protection against spam and fraud.
  3. Activate the option Filter spam calls.
  4. Enable Block unknown numbers (in some firmware this option is called Contacts only).

🔹 How to set up SMS filtering by keywords:

  1. Open Google Messages.
  2. Go to Profile → Settings → Spam protection → Additional settings.
  3. Add words and phrases (for example, “your card is blocked,” “call the number back”) to the list of filters.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking all unknown numbers can result in missing important calls (for example, from a courier or a doctor). Use this function only in extreme cases - for example, if you are inundated with robocalls. Also remember that keyword filtering in SMS sometimes incorrectly marks legitimate messages as spam (for example, notifications from a bank with the phrase “your transfer”).

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6. Blocking scammers at the SIM card level (USSD commands)

Few people know, but telecom operators allow you to block numbers directly at the SIM card level using USSD command. This method works even if the phone is turned off or is out of coverage area. Here are the basic commands:

  • 📞 To block a number: dial 367[number without +7]# and press call For example, for the number +79123456789 the command will be *367*9123456789#.
  • 📵 To unblock a number: #367*[number]#.
  • 🔍 To check the list of blocked numbers: *#367#.
  • 🚫 To disable all blocking: ##367#.

🔹 Important: USSD commands do not work for all operators. At the time of writing, they are supported by MTS and Beeline, but can be disabled without warning. Also, blocking via USSD only applies to the current SIM card - if you change the number, the list of blocked contacts will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: Some scammers use phishing USSD commands that can redirect your calls or SMS to their numbers. Never enter USSD codes received via SMS or from strangers! Official commands always begin with * or # and do not contain letters.

7. What to do if a scammer calls from different numbers

If you are attacked by call center. scammerswho uses hundreds of different numbers, standard blocking will not help. In this case, you need:

  1. Use applications with the “block by mask” function (for example, Should I Answer?). Set up a filter to block all numbers with certain prefixes (for example, +37*, +92*, +234*).
  2. Enable the “Not” mode disturb" with exceptions: Settings → Sound → Do not disturb → Allow calls only from contacts.
  3. Complain to Roskomnadzor through the form on the website pd.rkn.gov.ru (section “Illegal calls”). Screenshots of call logs will be required for a complaint.
  4. Change number (extreme case). If the scammers have bothered you to such an extent that it interferes with your life, contact your operator for a SIM card replacement while maintaining the tariff.

🔹 How to block an entire range of numbers in Truecaller:

  1. Open the application and go to Blocklist.
  2. Click Add number → Blocking by pattern.
  3. Enter mask (for example +375 to block all Belarusian numbers).
  4. Save the rule.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking entire ranges may result in missing legitimate calls (for example, from foreign colleagues or support services). international services (for example, WhatsApp with foreign numbers).

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8. Additional measures to protect against telephone fraud

Blocking numbers is only part of the solution. To minimize risks, follow these rules:

  • 🔐 Do not save important data on your phone (passwords, PIN codes, scans of documents). password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden.
  • 📱 Disable the display of numbers in instant messengers (for example, in WhatsApp or TelegramFraudsters can use your number for targeted attacks.
  • 💳 Connect notifications from the bank about all transactions via SMS or push. This will help you quickly respond to unauthorized transfers.
  • 🔍 Check the numbers before answering through services like zvonilka.ru or nomernik.ru. Even if the number seems familiar.
  • 📵 Don't use your phone for two-factor authentication (2FA) in important services (bank, mail). It is better to use hardware keys (YubiKey) or authenticator applications (Google Authenticator).

🔹 How to check if your number is compromised:

  1. Go to the site haveibeenpwned.com and enter your phone number (with country code).
  2. If the site shows that the number participated in data leaks, urgently change the passwords for all accounts linked to this phone.

⚠️ Attention: If you have already become a victim of fraud (for example, transferred money or provided a code via SMS), immediately:

  1. Block the card through mobile banking.
  2. Call the bank using the official number (not the one from which the scammers called!).
  3. Write a statement to the police (you can do it online through the portal Ministry of Internal Affairs.rf).

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking scammers

Can scammers bypass blocking a number?

Yes. If you have blocked a specific number, scammers can call from another. To protect against this, use applications with a database of spam numbers (Truecaller, Hiya) or block entire ranges (for example, all numbers with the prefix +37). Also, scammers sometimes replace numbers. (spoofing), posing as banks or government agencies. In this case, only specialized anti-fraud systems help.

How to block SMS from scammers if they come from different numbers?

In Google Messages you can set up filtering by key numbers. words:

  1. Open Settings → Spam protection → Additional settings.
  2. Add phrases like “your card is blocked,” “call the number back,” “you won a prize.”
  3. Enable option Automatically delete spam.

Also install the application SMS Filter —it allows you to create complex blocking rules.

Why doesn't blocking via USSD commands work?

Possible reasons:

  • Your operator does not support USSD blocking (relevant for Tele2 and some virtual operators).
  • You entered the command incorrectly (for example, you forgot # at the end).
  • Your SIM card has the Antispam service enabled from operator, which conflicts with USSD blocking.

Check the team support from your operator on the official website or call the support service.

Is it possible to return money if you transferred money to scammers?

The chances are slim, but they are there:

  1. Block the card via mobile banking.
  2. Call the bank and report a fraudulent transaction. Find out if you can cancel the transfer (sometimes this is possible within 1-2 hours).
  3. Write a statement to the police (can be done online via Ministry of Internal Affairs.RF).Attach screenshots of correspondence and call logs.
  4. Contact the bank with a request for a refund (according to the law “On the National Payment System”, the bank is obliged to consider your appeal).

If the money went to the account of another bank, the chances of getting it back are close to zero. If the transfer was to an electronic wallet (Qiwi, UMoney), write to the support of the payment system - sometimes they block fraudulent accounts.

How to protect elderly relatives from telephone scammers?

People of the older generation more often become victims of scammers. Here's what you can do:

  • 📵 Install an anti-spam application (for example, Truecaller) and set up blocking of all suspicious numbers.
  • 🔕 Disable incoming calls from unknown numbers in your phone settings.
  • 💳 Connect SMS alerts about all transactions on the card and explain that the bank never asks you to confirm data by phone.
  • 📞 Give your relative a list of official numbers (bank, police, ambulance) and ask to call only them.
  • 🎥 Show a video about telephone fraud (for example, videos Central Bank on YouTube).

You can also buy a separate phone with minimal functions (for example, Nokia 105) and transfer the main SIM card to it, leaving the smartphone for instant messengers.