In the US, robocalls and scam calls continue to frustrate households, even with the FCC’s anti-robocall laws in place. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon now offer built-in call-blocking services, but many people find that standalone devices—such as CPR Call Blocker—provide more consistent results.
This article compares how carrier services and landline call blockers work, their pros and cons, and which option offers the best protection.
How Do Phone Carrier Services Block Scam Calls?
Leading US carriers include built-in spam filters:
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AT&T ActiveArmor: Uses AI to identify and block high-risk calls.
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Verizon Call Filter: Labels or blocks likely spam numbers automatically.
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Spectrum Call Guard: Detects robocalls before they reach your landline.
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Xfinity Voice Protection: Integrates FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN caller authentication.
These systems operate at the network level, analysing massive data sets to prevent known spam numbers from connecting.
Summary: Carrier services block known robocalls at the network level using AI, fraud databases, and caller authentication systems.
Advantages and Limitations of Carrier-Level Blocking
Advantages:
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Free or low-cost with your phone plan.
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Updated automatically with new scam data.
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Stops many robocalls before they reach you.
Limitations:
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Some spoofed calls still get through.
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Limited personal control over who’s blocked.
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Occasional legitimate calls are filtered by mistake.
Example: In 2025, the FCC reported that carrier filters cut robocalls by around 60%, but billions of unwanted calls still reached US households.
Summary: Carrier blocking reduces scams substantially but can’t fully eliminate spoofing or allow detailed user control.
How Do Landline Call Blockers Work?
Call blockers attach directly to your home phone. Once connected, they:
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Allow one-touch blocking of new scam numbers.
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Include thousands of pre-programmed known robocallers.
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Work independently from your carrier or internet.
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Let you create safe lists of trusted contacts.
Popular brands like CPR Call Blocker and Nomorobo complement carrier filters to stop persistent scam calls.
Summary: Call blockers provide local, manual control, blocking unwanted numbers instantly and reducing scam calls by up to 95%.
Conclusion
Carrier spam filters are an excellent first step, but standalone call blockers provide precision and peace of mind. The combination delivers the most comprehensive protection from scams, robocalls, and nuisance calls on US landlines.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a call blocker if I already use my carrier’s filter?
A: Yes—devices catch calls that slip past automated filters.
Q: Are call blockers legal in the US?
A: Absolutely. The FCC supports their use under the TRACED Act.
Q: Do they work with VoIP or digital landlines?
A: Yes, most modern devices are compatible with VoIP systems.
Q: Which combination works best?
A: Using your carrier’s filter plus a CPR Call Blocker offers the strongest coverage.
