Possible to "hang up" on call w/o picking up?

[Hankster]

Everyone hates robo, scam and telemarketing calls. In the last several years it's become worse and worse. Thankfully, the iPhone comes with a "block" feature which I use regularly. However, when a fake call comes in and I know it's a fake call there is no way to just hang up on the call...is there?

When a call comes in...

1. ...pressing the power button once stops the ringing, but after X rings the call goes to voicemail.
2. ...pressing the power button twice stops the ringing and the call, but it sends the caller to voicemail.
3. ...pressing the "decline" button sends the caller to voicemail.

Is there a way to simply send the caller to a dial tone? Most scam calls are scripts that just call your number to see if it's active. So, if you pick up or "press 1 to remove your..." or even if the call goes to voicemail the script knows the number is active. Then it gets sold to another scam company. I'd like a way to not have a call go to voicemail if I don't want it to. Is this currently possible?

 

[eyoungren]

Short of jailbreaking, not to my knowledge. And even then it'd be a matter of the call having to come through at least once.

 

[Applejuiced]

Nope, no such option exists on stock ios.
If you reject it then it will go to voicemail and not to dial tone.
No cellphone does that as far as I know, once you decline a call it just goes to voicemail.

 

[adrianlondon]

Most spammers and autodialler things don't leave a message. None of the ones I've received ever have, anyway.

When you reject the call (decline, don't answer, press the power button twice) it does just that - rejects the call. Your network provider then decides what to do with it, which is typically to send it to your voicemail. I can't think of any way any phone could bypass that. Best thing to do is to answer then hang up immediately as that way (a) it won't go to voicemail and (b) you make the spammer pay to connect the call.

Of course if you're roaming and this happens it's a pain, especially if the spammer stays online long enough to leave even a blank voicemail. Solution is to either turn off voicemail completely or divert all calls to voicemail before you leave your home country. Both those options affect every incoming call of course.

 

[Hankster]

Most spammers and autodialler things don't leave a message. None of the ones I've received ever have, anyway.

When you reject the call (decline, don't answer, press the power button twice) it does just that - rejects the call. Your network provider then decides what to do with it, which is typically to send it to your voicemail. I can't think of any way any phone could bypass that. Best thing to do is to answer then hang up immediately as that way (a) it won't go to voicemail and (b) you make the spammer pay to connect the call.

Of course if you're roaming and this happens it's a pain, especially if the spammer stays online long enough to leave even a blank voicemail. Solution is to either turn off voicemail completely or divert all calls to voicemail before you leave your home country. Both those options affect every incoming call of course.

Many of them leave messages for me. Most are about reducing credit or whatever. Problem is I don't even want that. If they are able to leave a message then they know the number is active. I've noticed scam calls come in quick waves, meaning 4-6 in a day. Then a week goes by and nothing, then 4-6 calls a day. Once a script picks up that your number is active it automatically sends it to other scripts, etc, etc...

Seriously, if Apple added a feature where the phone itself would block known scam calls...that's something I know many people would love as a feature. I realize the complexity of it since numbers change and can be spoofed, but that sort of feature is of serious value considering the horrific spam calls these days.

 

[eyoungren]

Seriously, if Apple added a feature where the phone itself would block known scam calls...that's something I know many people would love as a feature. I realize the complexity of it since numbers change and can be spoofed, but that sort of feature is of serious value considering the horrific spam calls these days.

I understand.

But one of the major reasons this is not an Apple feature is because that would be seen by the carriers as Apple crossing over into their turf.

All of the carriers have some form of phone number blocking. Some charge for it. They make revenue off it. It's one of the few remaining things they have. What was the outcry from the carriers when iMessage and Facetime came around? Other than being used as a data conduit the carriers make no revenue from this.

That said, if your carrier offers call blocking that might be a good place to start.

Last thing…being jailbroken allows you to use a tweak called iBlacklist. That tweak has options. Answer and Hangup is one of those options. It's done in a split-second and they never get to voicemail.

I'm only bringing that up so that you are aware it does exist as an option (possibly not one you can take advantage of though if you aren't on the right firmware). Not pushing you to jailbreak to get it.

 

[cbreze]

I've been using "true caller " and am happily pleased and also surprised as to how well it detects spam callers and sends them to dead air. It also makes it easy to block a number so you never get it a second time. 2 Thumbs up!

 

[Applejuiced]

Many of them leave messages for me. Most are about reducing credit or whatever. Problem is I don't even want that. If they are able to leave a message then they know the number is active. I've noticed scam calls come in quick waves, meaning 4-6 in a day. Then a week goes by and nothing, then 4-6 calls a day. Once a script picks up that your number is active it automatically sends it to other scripts, etc, etc...

Seriously, if Apple added a feature where the phone itself would block known scam calls...that's something I know many people would love as a feature. I realize the complexity of it since numbers change and can be spoofed, but that sort of feature is of serious value considering the horrific spam calls these days.

I think Tmobile came out with a new spam blocking feature similar to what you're asking.
https://9to5mac.com/2017/03/24/how-to-block-scam-calls-iphone-t-mobile/

 

[pika2000]

It looks like you are in the US.
Sign up for Google Voice number and start using it as your phone number. Then you can filter the calls through Google Voice and mark certain numbers as SPAM. Google has good database itself that many calls are automatically classified as spam.

 

[charlyham]

Everyone hates robo, scam and telemarketing calls. In the last several years it's become worse and worse. Thankfully, the iPhone comes with a "block" feature which I use regularly. However, when a fake call comes in and I know it's a fake call there is no way to just hang up on the call...is there?

When a call comes in...

1. ...pressing the power button once stops the ringing, but after X rings the call goes to voicemail.
2. ...pressing the power button twice stops the ringing and the call, but it sends the caller to voicemail.
3. ...pressing the "decline" button sends the caller to voicemail.

Is there a way to simply send the caller to a dial tone? Most scam calls are scripts that just call your number to see if it's active. So, if you pick up or "press 1 to remove your..." or even if the call goes to voicemail the script knows the number is active. Then it gets sold to another scam company. I'd like a way to not have a call go to voicemail if I don't want it to. Is this currently possible?

You can reject the call then go to the missed call and tap the "i" icon to the right of it, scroll to the bottom of that page and select "block this caller". I don't know of a way to do this automatically.

 

[eyoungren]

You can reject the call then go to the missed call and tap the "i" icon to the right of it, scroll to the bottom of that page and select "block this caller". I don't know of a way to do this automatically.

But doing that just sends the caller to voicemail right? OP doesn't want them going to voicemail. He wants them disconnected before they even get there.

 

[Hankster]

You can reject the call then go to the missed call and tap the "i" icon to the right of it, scroll to the bottom of that page and select "block this caller". I don't know of a way to do this automatically.

Did you even read my post? In my post I state I used the block feature regularly. However, it doesn't solve the problem. The problem is robo/script/scam calls are designed to figure out of your number is active. If anyone picks up or if the call goes to voicemail then the script knows it's an active number. I'm looking for a way to stop that. I don't want the call to go to voicemail. I want it to hang up or just keep ringing so these companies can stop selling my number from one scam company to another.
[doublepost=1495138128][/doublepost]

I've been using "true caller " and am happily pleased and also surprised as to how well it detects spam callers and sends them to dead air. It also makes it easy to block a number so you never get it a second time. 2 Thumbs up!

I've read about several call filter apps, but never have I read about one that sends the call to "dead air". Are you sure True Caller sends spam calls to "dead air"? How would it do that? It would have to be part of the iOS.

 

[cbreze]

By dead air I meant hang up as opposed to going to vm. Robo calls are generally regarded as spam by the app. Noting is perfect but it is way better than nothing for sure. I still get calls I don't want or need but then once blocked, never again. YMMV of course. With iOS I find lots of simple things done well on android don't work as well here. I still use both systems regardless.

 

[bufffilm]

If you are bombarded with spam calls...let it go to voice-mail and simply block caller afterwards.

I actually create an actual identity first (prefixed with an X) and then block. Optional though.

 

[eyoungren]

If you are bombarded with spam calls...let it go to voice-mail and simply block caller afterwards.

I actually create an actual identity first (prefixed with an X) and then block. Optional though.

That isn't what OP wants to do. If OP allows that it indicates a valid phone number to the spam caller. The number gets shared with other spam callers and OP gets a new call from a different phone number.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

OP wants the cal to terminate before it ever gets to voicemail.

 

[C DM]

It looks like you are in the US.
Sign up for Google Voice number and start using it as your phone number. Then you can filter the calls through Google Voice and mark certain numbers as SPAM. Google has good database itself that many calls are automatically classified as spam.

I've read about several call filter apps, but never have I read about one that sends the call to "dead air". Are you sure True Caller sends spam calls to "dead air"? How would it do that? It would have to be part of the iOS.

You can even use Google Voice simply as your voicemail with your regular cell/mobile number--that way you can still mark calls as spam and I believe those wouldn't be sent to regular voicemail but elsewhere when they call again.

Similarly some other services like YouMail can be used for that kind of thing: https://www.youmail.com/home/feature/stop-robocalls

 

[bufffilm]

That isn't what OP wants to do. If OP allows that it indicates a valid phone number to the spam caller. The number gets shared with other spam callers and OP gets a new call from a different phone number.

Rinse, lather, repeat.

OP wants the cal to terminate before it ever gets to voicemail.

I know what he typed...just pointing out that within his original post is a way to cutting down the number.

As for trying to fool spammers that his number is invalid...since he can't, it's a rather moot point, I'd say. I'd be satisfied with just blocking future calls. If his number is circulated, the blocked list will grow but eventually, it will be better.

People are too open with providing their personal numbers to every eform (or paper) when it asks. There's a consequence!

His device isn't JB...so his possible choices are very limited.

 

[eyoungren]

I know what he typed...just pointing out that within his original post is a way to cutting down the number.

As for trying to fool spammers that his number is invalid...since he can't, it's a rather moot point, I'd say. I'd be satisfied with just blocking future calls.

His device isn't JB...so his possible choices are very limited.

I get the impression that OP's situation is unique in the sense that the normal way this would be handled (mentioned by OP and suggested at least twice now) is an insufficient answer to the problem.

I agree that outside of stock iOS the point is indeed moot, which is why OP was asking questions about a third party solution available in the app store.

It's unfortunate that Apple has never seen fit to offer an option of call rejection (accept and hangup) that is manually possible, albeit infinitely slower than what a digital device would be capable of.

 

[bufffilm]

I get the impression that OP's situation is unique in the sense that the normal way this would be handled (mentioned by OP and suggested at least twice now) is an insufficient answer to the problem.

I agree that outside of stock iOS the point is indeed moot, which is why OP was asking questions about a third party solution available in the app store.

It's unfortunate that Apple has never seen fit to offer an option of call rejection (accept and hangup) that is manually possible, albeit infinitely slower than what a digital device would be capable of.

Does Android offer anything like that? It would be a definite plus if they did.

 

[eyoungren]

Does Android offer anything like that? It would be a definite plus if they did.

Via third party apps on the Google Play store. Not sure if it can be done stock, but I'm not Android saavy so I can't be certain.

 

[Tinmania]

You could try using a special information tone sequence (doo-dee-oooo) at the beginning of your voicemail greeting which should trigger an instant hang-up by the robodialer (and number marked as no good).


Mike

 

[bufffilm]

Does Android offer anything like that? It would be a definite plus if they did.

I have iblacklist (demo) loaded...if I ever need it, I can simply register.

 

[cbreze]

Does Android offer anything like that? It would be a definite plus if they did.

I use "Extreme Call Blocker" on my HTC 10 and it works great in that I can allow the call to go to vm or hang up, no ring. There are a whole slew of similar apps for android. Apple is to locked up in that regard.
Not sure if even android will automatically send spam to vm or hangup on it unless that particular number is blocked.
True caller is ok, but does let stuff come thru somewhat, Doesn't bother me since I never let it come thru again. I don't get that much spam, rob call stuff just lucky I guess.
I don't think the OP will find what he wants at least not with Apple.

 

[chscag]

I think Tmobile came out with a new spam blocking feature similar to what you're asking.
https://9to5mac.com/2017/03/24/how-to-block-scam-calls-iphone-t-mobile/

Thanks. It works as advertised.

 

[bufffilm]

I use "Extreme Call Blocker" on my HTC 10 and it works great in that I can allow the call to go to vm or hang up, no ring. There are a whole slew of similar apps for android. Apple is to locked up in that regard.
Not sure if even android will automatically send spam to vm or hangup on it unless that particular number is blocked.
True caller is ok, but does let stuff come thru somewhat, Doesn't bother me since I never let it come thru again. I don't get that much spam, rob call stuff just lucky I guess.
I don't think the OP will find what he wants at least not with Apple.

Interesting... these options that you mention are better than nothing (of course), but a far cry from what is offered with iBlacklist.

Wonder why the iBlacklist author won't port his app to Android.

Is he afraid of others stealing his code, it being not feasible perhaps, or something else entirely? Or maybe he just doesn't have any interest?