Call Block by Area Codes?

[Sal9000]

I know it is possible in other apps, but can we stop having to put in all these computer generated numbers we keep getting hit by from the same area codes and exchanges by masking like using 518* or 518% for that area code and others?  It would save time, processing, and effort.  The spammers will just keep generating all the permutations under these.

[spooom]

See this Verizon article on call filtering. 

[Sal9000]

I appreciate the reply, but I think I need to elaborate as those pages do not seem to apply to us.  We just have a Home Phone, no app is possible.  We use the Call Block feature, but not sure if and how we can mask area codes.  The Call Filter I saw seemed to be for devices we do not possess.  I'll try some masking, but there was no notation that it was possible.

[dexman]

I do not think that it is possible to block entire area codes or even exchanges within a particular area code. 🤔 

What I did years ago was purchase & install an Avaya Partner ACS (including an auto attendant) business telephone system for use here at the house.

I have the auto attendant configured to answer incoming calls without ringing any of the phones.

In order to get past the auto attendant, the caller needs to enter an extension. If no extension is entered, the system drops the call.

The only way I know that a call rang in was by the word "calls" that appears on the display of the phone connected to extension #10.

If the caller does enter an extension, the call rings through to the extension. 🙂

The predictive dialer systems used by telemarketers do not have the ability to dial the extra digits to get past the auto attendant, so they never ring through to me.

[Sal9000]

The Sentry device I had for a long time was great.  Add to White List those who she knows, not many had to be added as her contacts are mostly gone and I handle affairs so the home phone is pretty mundane.  The Sentry asked a caller to push a button so robo callers were typically stopped there.  Anyone else had to leave a message and if bogus they got on the BList.  I found that Caption Call does not work with these things so I kept an old wireless phone and base to use these devices.  Never worked in serial or parallel lines at home. 

[spooom]

In that case get a phone with a good smart call blocker and screen all calls so the caller has to select a number or code to be let through to actually ring your phone. Robo calls can't do it and s-c-a-m-m-e-r-s normally don't bother listening to the screening message. 

[dexman]

The market for consumer telephone hardware is quite small at this point. It may take some digging to find such a telephone system for consumers. 🤔

[Sal9000]

I did go and purchase one today earlier.  Only option.  I had Sentry 3.1 from Amazon years ago, but it died which is why I am in this rut to add numbers.  $42 is good enough for some short term sanity.  LOL.  Thanks!

[Sal9000 · Accepted solution]

I did reach out to Amazon and bought a device.  Much like the one I had from there that died last year. Thanks for your help!

[spooom]

Cordless phone systems with a good smart call blocker are readily available. AT&T, Panasonic are a couple there's more. Check Amazon, Walmart and others. 

[Sal9000]

Thanks.  That was my first thought, but the elderly parent (late 90s) has caption call and the phone system would  not be for her, but only for blocking so its a waste.  Although I almost did it for my living later on if it could be used with my cell phone.  I found them, but too pricey for the need.   I did buy a call blocker again.