How to Block Spam Callers

How to Block Inbound Spam/Unwanted Callers

Blocking Spam or Unwanted Callers

Blocking a caller is sometimes a necessary step to preventing unwanted calls from an outside caller. 
  1. If you have access to the Domain's Call Routing Users, you may prevent calls from reaching all of your Extensions.  Advanced User and Office Manager Permission Levels have access to the Domain Users. 

  2. If you only have access to your own Extension, you can still prevent calls from reaching your specific Extension.

In addition to blocking a "specific" caller, you also have options to handle all potential Spam Callers.  Your options include:
  1. Ring as Normal (still includes the Spam Label to alert you)
  2. Send to Voicemail
  3. Screen Call
  4. Drop Call (This setting is available, but not recommended as a best practice. )

Continue reading for instructions for both blocking specific callers, and also managing identified Spam Callers. 

Inbound Spam Options Video





 

Blocking a Specific Caller from Reaching Your Extension

If a caller simply needs to be blocked from reaching your specific Extension, follow these instructions.   Blocking a specific Caller from reaching your Extension does not affect your domain's Main Routing.


Instructions
  1. Choose the Answering Rules Tab.


  2. Choose Allow/Block.


  3. In the Blocked Numbers column, type in the number you would like to block into the field.

    1. Click the Add plus icon.

  4. The blocked number will now be in the Blocked Numbers list.
    1. Repeat for any additional numbers. 


  5. When you are finished adding phone numbers, choose Done.


Blocking a Specific Caller From Reaching All Extensions

If a caller needs to be blocked from reaching all of your Domain's Extensions, follow these instructions. 

You must be in your Manager View to block callers from reaching your Domain. If you are in your Extension View and need to toggle to your Manager View, click Manage Organization to toggle to your Manager View.
 


Instructions
  1. Choose the Users Tab.


  2. Search for the User that your Phone Number(s) points to.  Click on it. 
    1. If you do not see the User, make sure that System Users are not hidden. This option is on the bottom right.  Uncheck Hide System Users.

  3. Choose Answering Rules. 


  4. Choose Allow/Block.
    1. In the Blocked Numbers column, type in the number you would like to block into the field.
    2. Click the Add plus icon.


  5. The blocked number will now be in the Blocked Numbers list.  Repeat for any additional numbers. 
    1. When you are finished adding phone numbers, choose Done.


  6. Repeat this process for all Users that have your Domain's Phone Numbers pointed to them.  This will prevent the caller from reaching any of your Extensions from any of your numbers. 

Note:  As a general Spam Caller precaution, it is also a best practice to register all your numbers on the national Do Not Call List at www.donotcall.gov.  

(If you’ve previously registered your number, you will not need to do it again. Registrations do not expire.  You may check to see if your number has already been registered on the www.donotcall.gov site.)



Inbound Spam Call Options for Extensions or Call Routing

If you find that Spam or "robo" callers frequently contact your business, we do have proactive methods of preventing or screening their connection. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Depending on which Number you are setting the Spam for, additional Configuration by Clarity may be needed.   Continue Reading for these Conditions. 


Instructions
  1. Navigate to https://portal.clarityvoice.com and login as normal. Select Inventory and locate the Destination User(s) of your phone numbers.
    1. If your Destination User is an Extension, you may choose your settings of what to do with suspected Spam callers. 
    2. If your Destination User is a Routing User or Auto Attendant, special Rules may apply.   (see below)
  2. Navigate to the Users button and search for the Destination User.  In this example, the Destination User is 300.
    1.  If you receive a message that the Destination User is a System User, uncheck “Hide System Users”.


    2. Click the blue link of the Destination User.


  3. Select the Answering Rules tab.
      
    1. On the right side, select Allow/Block and a new window will pop up.
        


  4. Now, you may select what you would like to do with inbound calls marked as “Spam”.

    1. Ring as Normal: The call will have the Spam label and follow your current routing rules.   This choice is the Default and can be used for any type of Routing.  
    2. Send to Voicemail: The call is automatically forwarded to the voicemail box of that User.   
      1. If your destination if a Routing or Auto Attendant User, you must contact us for additional configuration.  We will enable your Voicemail box for the User and set your preferred notifications. 
    3. Drop Call:  The system will automatically disconnect the call.  This choice is not recommended, as legitimate callers can sometimes be temporarily flagged by a carrier as possible spam.  
    4. Screen Call: The caller is forced to record their name and press a digit before the call will connect. This recording will play prior to connection so that you may decide if you would like to answer.
      1. If your destination if a Routing or Auto Attendant User, you must contact us for additional configuration.  We will determine the best way for you to receive the Screened Name so that you can accept or decline the caller. 

  5. Once your selection has been made, close the pop-up window.  All calls to that Destination User with a label “Spam” will now follow the rule set for incoming potential spam calls. 
    1. Repeat this process with additional Destination Users for your telephone numbers.


Need to contact us for additional configuration?  No need to call!  You may submit a Ticket online for this change.   We will make your configuration change for you!
Click here to submit a ticket.

Note:  No matter which strategy you would like to employ, an additional best practice that we recommend is a one-time registration with the National Do Not Call Registry. 

There is no cost to register on this list.   Go here for registration:   https://www.donotcall.gov/

(If you’ve previously registered your number, you will not need to do it again. Registrations do not expire.  You may check to see if your number has already been registered on the www.donotcall.gov site.)


Need More Specific Information?

Try our Portal Guides!  Each Permission Level has a Guide specifically created for them with an interactive Table of Contents so that you may skip quickly to the relevant section. 

Admin/Manager Guides

Some Manager permission roles include the ability to assist other User/Extensions with their initial Settings and Configuration.
  1. "Office Manager" Admin Guide
  2. "Advanced User" Admin Guide
  3. "Call Center Supervisor" Admin Guide
  4. "Site Manager" Admin Guide

Only have access to your own Extension?  

Your Extension has access to your Voicemail, Profile Settings, Extension Routing, and more!  
  1. "Call Center Agent" Portal User Guide
  2. "Basic" User Portal User Guide


Want to learn more about options to block Spam callers? 

Give our Customer Service Team a call at 1-800-676-3995!   We are available Monday-Friday 8am-9pm EST. 

Prefer to open a Request?  Click here to open a Ticket Request!

We’re here to help you find better, easier ways to run your business.


    • Related Articles

    • Blocking Spam Callers Video

      Blocking Spam or Unwanted Callers Blocking a caller is sometimes a necessary step to preventing unwanted calls from an outside caller. In addition to blocking a "specific" caller, you also have options to handle all potential Spam Callers. Your ...

    • How to Remove Spam Caller ID Labels

      What Causes the “Spam/Scam Likely” designation on a Business Number? Each phone carrier maintains a list of numbers that they determine to be spam risks based on the history of the number. Phone Numbers on this list will have a "spam" label attached ...

    • Auto Attendants

      Auto Attendants Auto Attendants give you the ability to share information with your callers and/or give choices before routing the call to you. We will set up all of your Auto Attendants for you initially. After the Auto Attendant(s) are created, you ...

    • Removing Spam Label Video

      What Causes the “Spam/Scam Likely” designation on a Business Number? Each phone carrier maintains a list of numbers that they determine to be spam risks based on the history of the number. Phone Numbers on this list will have a "spam" label attached ...

    • How to Add Greetings to Your Auto Attendant

      Auto Attendants Auto Attendants give your Domain the ability to share information and/or give your caller choices before routing the call to you. We will set up all of your Auto Attendants for you initially. After the Auto Attendant(s) are created, ...