How to block unwanted calls

There are three things you can do to control which calls make it through to your house. These tactics can help you fend off telemarketers, robocalls, and other people whose calls you do not want to receive. 
 

1. Use one or more CenturyLink calling features to block incoming calls
2. Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry
3. Change your directory listing so it's more difficult for unwanted callers to find you

Here are some tools CenturyLink offers to limit unwanted phone calls and solicitations, including "robocalls" or computerized telemarketing calls and scams. Some calling features can be activated and managed by calling the CenturyLink Update Center. You can press *78 or call 888-(your area code)-8052 (except in locations noted below). 

• In Minnesota, calling from area code 763 or 952: call 888-612-8052
• In Iowa, calling from area code 641: call 888-515-8052
• In Arizona, calling from area code 928: call 888-520-8052
• In Oregon, calling from area code 971: call 888-503-8052
• In Oregon, calling from area code 458: call 888-541-8052

The National Do Not Call Registry (often referred to as the "Do Not Call" list) is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and gives people a way to stop unwanted calls from phone solicitors and telemarketers.

If you would like to block unwanted calls to your home or cell phone, you can add your number(s) to the Do Not Call list. It's a free service, and once your number has been on the list for 31 days, telemarketers should stop calling you. If they don't, you can file a complaint. 

The government recognizes that some business calls are legitimate, so even if your number is on the list, you may occasionally still receive calls you don't want. For example, you may get calls from political organizations, charities and telephone surveyors.

You may also receive calls from companies that you've purchased from within the last 18 months, or from companies you've given written permission to contact you. Be careful to read the fine print whenever you sign an agreement, as you may be granting that entity permission to contact you.

Did you know? If you ask a company to place your phone number on its internal do-not-call list, they must honor your request. It's always a good idea to keep a record of the date you made the request, just in case they fail to follow through and you need to file a complaint.

Limiting where and how your telephone number is published can make a difference. There are several ways for you to control how your name and number are shared. You can see more details about these options in our article about directory listing options.

• Non-listed (semi-private) listing: Your name and phone number aren't included in the printed telephone directory, but are available through Directory Assistance. 
  
  
• Non-published (private) listing: Your name, address and phone number don't appear in the printed telephone directory and are not available through Directory Assistance.
  
  
• Have your name removed, at no charge, from lists that we may provide to other companies for marketing purposes. Non-listed and non-published numbers are automatically excluded from these lists.

Call Trace is available in most areas, and is already installed on your line. You don't have to order it or have it installed, and you will only be charged if you successfully complete a trace. 

After three successful traces, contact the CenturyLink Annoyance Call Bureau at 800-582-0655 for help stopping the unwanted calls.