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Tips to protect your Cell (Mobile) phone against unwanted calls

Stopping receiving SMS

If you are receiving SMS that you don’t want, you can easily stop receiving SMS messages on your handset for a while. Just turning off incoming SMS messages for a couple of days might stop the person who is texting you, as they may think that you have changed phone numbers. Note that this will stop all incoming text messages, it is not possible to block just one number - so it is obviously an inconvenience..

If the harassment is more extreme, for example you are getting threatening or malicious phone calls you can change your telephone number. Some networks will let you change without cost to a new number, and then will place your old number in quarantine for a while so that you can change back when the problem has been resolved if you wish. This service may not be available to all pre-pay customers

Other tips to protect your Cell (Mobile) phone

• Register your phone to prevent nuisance calls and annoying text messages (SMS spam and cold calling)
• Make a record of your Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and/or your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You can find out your IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your mobile phone's keypad, it will display a 15 digit number - that is your IMEI number.
• Mark your phone with a security pen so that it can be identified if recovered.
• If your phone is lost or stolen, report it to your local police station and your network operator immediately.

In the US

The National Do Not Call Registry makes it easier and more efficient for consumers to stop getting telemarketing sales calls they don't want. You can register online or you can call toll-free: 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236), from the number you wish to register.

Follow this link to visit the National Do Not Call Registry Web site and register your phone >>

In the UK

If you have lost your phone or it has been stolen, you must report it to your network operator. If you are not sure of the right number for your network, you can call the Immobilise information line on 08701 123 123 to find out. You can also register your phone for free with the National Mobile Phone Register, making it easier to trace if it is lost or stolen.

Follow this link to visit the Immobilise Phone Crime Web site and register your phone >>

An opt-in protection which applies to individuals, but not corporate means that SMS messages can only be sent with the prior consent of the subscriber (unless the subscriber has already given his or her mobile telephone number direct to a company in the context of the purchase of a product or service). If you are receiving unsolicited SMS messages, report them to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Telephone: 01625 845 700 or e-mail: mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk

Follow this link to visit the TPS Online Web site to register your phone and prevent unsolicited sales and marketing calls >>

For all other countries try making a country specific search on Google for: "phone spam"

For example: http://www.google.com.au/ will let you search pages just from Australia. We will add more information for other countries as we compile it. If you can help with information, please contact us.

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