Spam calls in Pakistan have exploded: loan apps, fake prize schemes, marketing robocalls and numbers that ring once and cut. You cannot stop spammers existing — but you can make almost none of them reach you. These are the layers, from simplest to strongest.

1. Block a specific number (the repeat caller)

Open the Phone app → Recents, long-press the number → Block / Report spam → confirm, and tick "Report spam" when shown. On Samsung Phone: tap the number → ⓘ → Block. The number can never call or SMS you again; repeat for each persistent caller.

2. Turn on built-in spam protection

  • Google Phone app: Phone → three dots → Settings → Caller ID & spam → turn on "See caller and spam ID" and "Filter spam calls" — known spam is silenced automatically and does not ring.
  • Google Messages: Messages → profile → Settings → Spam protection → On — spam SMS are filed away instead of buzzing you.
  • Samsung: Phone → Settings → Block numbers → "Block spam and scam calls" (Smart Call / Hiya) → set to block high-risk scam calls, or all spam.

3. Silence unknown callers during focus time

For work or night hours: Settings → Sound / Notifications → Do Not Disturb → allow calls only from Contacts (or starred contacts). Unknown and spam numbers stay silent while family and saved contacts ring normally. Schedule it automatically for night.

One-ring missed calls ("wangiri"): A missed call from an unknown international number, especially at odd hours, is often a callback scam — calling back dials a premium-rate number. Never call back unknown foreign numbers; if it was important, a real person will call again or message.

4. Be careful with caller-ID apps

Apps like Truecaller do identify many spammers — but they work by uploading your contacts and making your own number searchable. If you use one, review its privacy settings, deny permissions it does not need, and never use such apps for OTP-sensitive work. The built-in Google/Samsung protection in step 2 is enough for most people, with no extra data sharing.

5. Stop the source: where did they get your number?

  • Never enter your number on prize, "free recharge" or loan-approval websites.
  • Untick pre-selected "send me offers" boxes when ordering online.
  • Do not say "yes" and do not press keys on robocalls — just cut. Interacting marks your number as active and increases calls.
  • Loan-app harassment calls: uninstall the app, revoke its Contacts permission, and report — such apps are a known PTA/FIA complaint category in Pakistan.

6. Complain to PTA when spam does not stop

For persistent promotional SMS/calls from a company, PTA runs a complaint system: you can lodge a complaint via the PTA CMS app / website (complaint.pta.gov.pk) or by calling 0800-25625, with the number, date and time of the spam. For promotional SMS specifically, networks also act when you forward/report the sender ID through their helpline. Keep screenshots as evidence.

Never engage with prize/lottery calls: Any call saying you won a car, plot or cash prize and asking for a "processing fee", Easypaisa transfer or OTP is a scam — 100% of the time. No real prize asks for money first. Cut the call and block the number.
Read also: Also check: 9 signs your phone is hacked — and how to fix it →

Frequently asked questions

Will blocking stop SMS from that number too?

On most Android phones, blocking a number in the Phone app blocks its calls and, in Google Messages/Phone, its SMS as well. Short-code/bank sender IDs (like your bank's name) work differently and should never be blocked.

Why do I get spam calls even after blocking many numbers?

Spammers rotate numbers constantly, so blocking one by one never fully ends it. The automatic filter (step 2) plus Do Not Disturb rules (step 3) are what actually reduce the daily volume.

Can I block all unknown numbers completely?

Yes — Phone app settings on many phones offer 'Block unknown/hidden numbers', and DND contacts-only mode achieves a similar result. The trade-off: courier riders, bank fraud departments and new genuine callers also cannot ring you, so most people prefer filtering over total blocking.