Is Spamcalls.net Legit or Scam? User Reviews and Complaints

Spam phone calls have become an increasing nuisance in recent years, with Americans receiving over 50 billion robocalls per year according to the Federal Communications Commission.

This proliferation of unwanted calls has led many consumers to seek out call blocking services and apps to try and reduce the number of spam calls they receive.

One such service that has grown in popularity is Spamcalls.net. But is Spamcalls.net a legitimate and effective solution for blocking robocalls?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Spamcalls.net, how it works, its features, legitimacy, and effectiveness to help you determine if it’s the right spam call blocking solution for you.

Let’s dive right in.

Overview of Spamcalls.net – Is Spamcalls.net legit

Spamcalls.net is a call blocking service that provides a database of known spam phone numbers. The service offers apps for both iOS and Android devices that allow users to block calls from numbers in the Spamcalls.net database.

The database is crowdsourced, meaning it relies on users to report spam calls they receive so the number can be added to the database. As more users report unwanted calls, the database grows to supposedly block a larger percentage of spam calls.

In addition to the call blocking apps, Spamcalls.net provides a searchable online database of reported spam numbers that anyone can access for free without an account. The company also offers a paid subscription service called Spamcalls.net Premium that provides enhanced features like the ability to block entire area codes and import contacts to block specific numbers.

According to the Spamcalls.net website, the service has helped users block over 100 million calls and counting. The company claims its algorithm and crowdsourced database allows it to stay ahead of telemarketers and robocallers as they change numbers. But does the service actually work as well as advertised? Let’s take a deeper look at Spamcalls.net’s features and claims.

Key Features of Spamcalls.net

Here are some of the key features included with Spamcalls.net’s apps and premium service:

Crowdsourced database – The core of Spamcalls.net’s service is its database of user-reported spam call numbers. As more users report unwanted calls, those numbers are added to the database.

Block calls automatically – The mobile apps will automatically block any incoming calls that match a number in the Spamcalls.net database. No need to add numbers manually.

Online number lookup – Even without the app, you can check if a suspicious number is in the Spamcalls.net database through the website.

Contacts blocking – With a premium subscription, you can block entire contacts or groups by uploading your phonebook.

Area code blocking – Premium users can also block full area codes to prevent unknown calls from high spam regions.

Custom blocklists – Create your own blocklists in the app to easily block specific sets of numbers.

Blocked call logs – The app keeps logs of all calls blocked for your review. You can report any errors.

Block text messages – In addition to calls, the premium service can block known spam SMS numbers as well.

Call screening – Premium users can turn on call screening where unknown callers must identify themselves before the call connects.

Effectiveness of Spamcalls.net: Does it Actually Block Spam Calls?

The most important question about Spamcalls.net is simple – does it work? With over 100 million calls blocked, it would seem to be an effective solution. However, some users have raised concerns about the legitimacy and accuracy of Spamcalls.net’s spam call blocking capabilities.

One of the main issues cited by reviewers is the number of false positives where legitimate calls are erroneously blocked. This appears to happen most frequently with business calls as a store or doctor’s office may change their outgoing call ID which then flags it as a spam number to Spamcalls.net.

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The crowdsourced database only works well if users consistently report the spam calls they receive. If users don’t diligently report numbers, the database can quickly become outdated. However, the service claims to have measures in place to constantly identify and add new robocall and telemarketing numbers as they change over time.

Many users also complain Spamcalls.net fails to block obvious and verifiable spam calls that come through from clear robocallers. This suggests potential flaws in Spamcalls.net’s claims that their algorithm stays ahead of new spammer tricks and number changes.

Independent call blocking tests done by reviewers like CNET and Wirecutter found Spamcalls.net successfully blocked only 60-80% of spam test calls. While not perfect, that does represent a significant reduction in unwanted calls compared to using nothing. However, some competing services like Nomorobo and YouMail performed better in head-to-head tests.

Is Spamcalls.net Free or Paid? What’s Included in Each Plan?

Spamcalls.net offers both free and paid subscription options:

Free Version Features

Crowdsourced spam call database
Online database lookup
Basic call blocking Android and iOS apps

Premium Version Features

Enhanced crowdsourced database
Area code blocking
Contacts blocking
Custom blocklists
Text message blocking
Call screening
Advanced call blocking apps

The Premium version costs $4.99 per month if billed annually or $7.99 month-to-month. Many of the features like contacts blocking and call screening require the Premium version.

For most individuals, the free service should provide adequate basic protection using the crowdsourced database. However, Premium may be worth the cost for the extra features and more aggressive blocking approach for frequent spam call recipients.

Both versions utilize the same underlying database. The paid Premium service adds additional call blocking features on top of the basic free version.

Can Spamcalls.net Block Calls on Landlines?

One major limitation of Spamcalls.net is that it only works for blocking calls on mobile devices. The service does not currently offer any way to block calls through a traditional landline phone.

Landline users can still utilize the free online database to check numbers and add numbers they want manually blocked by their phone provider. However, this requires contacting the provider directly instead of relying on Spamcalls.net’s apps and algorithms.

For a true landline call blocking solution, consumers typically have to use a third-party call blocking device that connects to the landline. Popular options include the CPR Call Blocker and the Sentry 2.0 Call Blocker.

Hopefully in the future Spamcalls.net will develop a call blocking solution tailored specifically for landlines. But at this time, the service only focuses on mobile call blocking through smartphones.

Can Spamcalls.net Block Text Messages?

In addition to blocking calls, Spamcalls.net’s Premium service claims to also block spam text messages. The Premium mobile apps allow users to report spam SMS numbers so they can be added to the blocklist.

However, Spamcalls.net’s text blocking capabilities are much more limited compared to its voice call blocking. While users have reported significant reductions in unwanted calls using Spamcalls.net, its effectiveness at blocking spam texts appears to be much spottier.

One issue is that many unwanted text messages come from email-to-SMS gateways which all share an common SMS short code. So blocking one specific number often doesn’t help when the spammers can instantly use a different shared gateway number.

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Automated spam text blocking is also technically more challenging compared to voice calls. The content of a text message can’t be used to judge whether its spam in the same way a robocall using an auto-dialer can be flagged.

Overall, Spamcalls.net does offer some help blocking known spam text messages, primarily for one-time SMS spam campaigns that reuse the same originating numbers. But its text blocking capabilities are fairly basic and not nearly as robust as what it can do for voice calls.

Can You Use Spamcalls.net on a VOIP or Virtual Number?

Spamcalls.net is designed to work by blocking calls that come to your regular 10-digit phone number registered on the mobile network. But can it also effectively block unwanted calls on virtual phone numbers provided through VoIP apps?

The major issue is that many VoIP apps don’t provide access to the built-in call blocking interfaces on smartphones. Calls are received through the app’s own software which doesn’t integrate with Spamcalls.net’s apps.

However, some VoIP services like Google Voice do allow adding apps as an integrated call screener. In these cases, Spamcalls.net can successfully function to block identified spam calls from ringing through.

But for VoIP apps that fully manage their calls internally, Spamcalls.net won’t be able to automatically block them even if a spam number is identified. Instead, you would have to check the number against the online database and manually block within the VoIP app.

So Spamcalls.net compatibility with virtual numbers depends entirely on the specific app and whether it enables third-party call blocking tools. It’s best to check with the VoIP provider directly to confirm if Spamcalls.net will work or if manual screening is required.

What Are the Main Alternatives to Spamcalls.net?

While Spamcalls.net is a popular call blocking solution, there are a number of competitive services that take a similar crowdsourced database approach:

Nomorobo – One of the pioneers in crowd-sourced call blocking with both free and paid tiers. Frequently rated as more effective than Spamcalls.net.

YouMail – Provides virtual voicemail combined with smart spam call blocking. Also integrates with Google Voice.

RoboKiller – Uses audio lures to waste robocallers’ time in addition to blocking known numbers.

TrueCaller – A hugely popular global spam call database. They recently launched U.S. blocking.

Hiya – Includes advanced caller profile identification in addition to spam blocking. Works across Android and iOS.

CPR Call Blocker – Hardware device for landlines that also generates crowdsourced call data.

TNS Call Guardian – Blocks known spam calls through a nationwide phone carrier database.

AT&T Call Protect – Free spam call blocking for AT&T mobile customers on eligible plans.

Verizon Call Filter – Blocks spam calls and identifies unknown callers for Verizon subscribers.

The major telecom carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile also offer their own spam blocking solutions for subscribers. Overall there are many competitive options beyond Spamcalls.net to reduce unwanted calls.

Pros and Cons of Using Spamcalls.net

Pros

Free basic service with decent baseline blocking
100 million calls blocked with crowdsourced data
Easy to use automated call blocking apps
Premium service with enhanced blocking options
Ability to block text messages in Premium

Cons

Still lets many spam calls through (60-80% success rate)
Accuracy issues leading to false positives
Requires persistent user reporting for optimal results
Doesn’t cover landlines, only mobile
Limited text message blocking effectiveness
Must pay for full Premium features

Is Spamcalls.net Ultimately Worth Using? Our Verdict

Spamcalls.net provides a reasonable service for blocking known spam calls and texts. The crowdsourced database allows it to build up numbers over time based on user reporting. However, it is clearly not perfect and alternative services tend to rate higher in independent testing.

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The free Spamcalls.net app is worth trying just for the potential reduction in nuisance calls. But spending for Premium should depend on how severe your spam call problem is and if you need the expanded blocking options. Services like Nomorobo may provide better blanket coverage, albeit for a higher subscription cost.

In the end, while Spamcalls.net looks legit based on user reviews and basic effectiveness, it doesn’t stand out as a top tier spam blocking solution. But as a zero-cost option, it can still help cut down on at least some unwanted calls. Just be aware of its limitations and the potential for missed blocks compared to other tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spamcalls.net

Q: Is Spamcalls.net a scam?

A: Spamcalls.net is a legitimate service based on user reviews and test results, though not perfect at blocking spam calls. It’s definitely not a scam but has some accuracy issues leading to complaints.

Q: Does Spamcalls.net work on iPhones?

A: Yes, Spamcalls.net offers a free iOS app compatible with iPhones. It blocks calls in the background using iOS CallKit integration.

Q: Does Spamcalls.net drain your battery?

A: The Spamcalls.net app shouldn’t drain your battery much more than normal call blocking apps. Reviews don’t indicate significant battery issues.

Q: Is Spamcalls.net better than other call blockers?

A: Test results suggest Nomorobo blocks a higher percentage of spam calls than Spamcalls.net. But Spamcalls.net does offer a free basic service.

Q: Does Spamcalls.net block telemarketers?

A: It attempts to block known telemarketer numbers as they are reported. But it may miss newly switched numbers unlike anti-robocalling devices.

Q: Is Spamcalls.net FDA approved?

A: Spamcalls.net doesn’t require FDA approval as it isn’t a health product. It’s simply a call blocking app/database service.

Wrapping Up

Spamcalls.net provides a moderately effective service for blocking robocalls and spam texts using crowdsourced reporting. It’s easy to set up and use with the free mobile apps. However, paying the subscription fee should depend on your call volume and patience for misses since it doesn’t catch every spam call based on testing.

Alternative services like Nomorobo tend to have better coverage and accuracy. But as a starting point, Spamcalls.net is worth evaluating, especially if you receive tons of unwanted calls. Just adjust your expectations in terms of its filtering capabilities compared to a 100% solution.

With spam calls only increasing every year, having basic protection through tools like Spamcalls.net is better than nothing.