Unwanted calls from unknown numbers can be a nuisance, often involving spam or fraudulent attempts to obtain personal information. FritzBox users can effectively block these calls using built-in features or the free software SpamBlockUp. This tool automates the process of identifying and blocking spam calls, offering customizable options for handling incoming calls. The article provides a detailed guide on configuring FritzBox and installing SpamBlockUp to enhance call blocking capabilities.
Have you ever answered a call from an unknown number, only to find it’s another annoying advertisement? These calls can range from market surveys to aggressive sales pitches and even deceptive sweepstakes. While legitimate phone marketing does exist, it often gets overshadowed by a multitude of unscrupulous callers.
Adding to the problem are fraudsters posing as representatives from BKA or Microsoft, attempting to obtain your personal information or money. In such cases, simply hanging up is a wise choice. However, wouldn’t it be even better if these nuisance calls never reached you in the first place?
Effortless Call Blocking with FritzBox
If you own a FritzBox, you’re in luck! The device offers a variety of methods to block unwanted calls. Moreover, if you’re looking for an automated solution, consider the free software SpamBlockUp. Previously known as FritzBlock, the developer has rebranded it to avoid confusion with official FritzBox tools.
The software has evolved over the past five years, introducing exciting new features. One notable addition is the audio option, which allows you to play a custom audio file for incoming calls. You can also have a message read aloud, which may include the caller’s phone number. If the number is saved in your FritzBox contacts, the caller’s name will be announced instead. After analyzing the call, SpamBlockUp can even provide a recommendation on whether to answer or decline.
How to Block Unwanted Calls on FritzBox
First, let’s explore the built-in features of your FritzBox. Within the latest models, there’s an easy way to block unwanted calls. Navigate to the ‘Telephony’ section in your FritzBox interface and click on ‘Calls’. The tab labeled ‘Incoming Calls’ is particularly useful. If you’re using the FritzBox phonebook, you’ll see caller names in the list. For numbers not saved, only the number appears with the option to add it to your contacts.
To block a specific number, click the phonebook icon next to the number and select ‘Call Blocking’ from the menu. This action adds the number to a block list, which you can view and manage under ‘Call Handling’ in the ‘Blocked Numbers’ section.
Enhance Your Call Blocking with SpamBlockUp
The free tool SpamBlockUp takes care of unwanted calls automatically. If you miss a call and are unsure whether it was spam, instead of searching online, let SpamBlockUp do the work for you.
This software runs on Windows and regularly retrieves your incoming call list from the FritzBox. It then performs an internet search to identify potential spam numbers, advising you on which ones to block. If you prefer, you can set it to block certain calls entirely without your intervention.
Preparing FritzBox for SpamBlockUp
To enable SpamBlockUp to function correctly, you’ll need to configure your FritzBox. First, go to the ‘Home Network’ section, click on ‘Network’, and then navigate to the ‘Network Settings’ tab to allow access for applications.
Next, create a dedicated phonebook for SpamBlockUp to store blocked numbers. Go to ‘Telephony’, then ‘Phonebook’, and select ‘New Phonebook’. Name this new phonebook ‘Block List’ and confirm. While it starts empty, it will soon be filled with numbers that SpamBlockUp identifies as spam.
Additionally, you need to block the entire ‘Block List’ in your FritzBox settings. In ‘Telephony’, under ‘Call Handling’, click on ‘New Rule’, select ‘Incoming Calls’, and set the area to ‘Phonebook’. Ensure you choose ‘Block List’ and confirm your settings.
Installing and Configuring SpamBlockUp
With your FritzBox set up, it’s time to install SpamBlockUp. Extract the zip file and save the folder in the appropriate program directory, usually ‘C:\Program Files’ for 32-bit systems or ‘C:\Program Files (x86)’ for 64-bit systems. Note that Windows User Account Control may prompt you for permission during this process.
Sometimes, antivirus software may flag the installation, so be prepared to create an exception for SpamBlockUp to avoid unnecessary alerts. During testing, Windows Defender did not raise any alarms, but some programs, like Avast, can be overly sensitive.
Launching and Using SpamBlockUp
To start SpamBlockUp, simply run the executable file. You might encounter a warning from Windows 10 due to the program not being signed; you can safely click ‘Run anyway’.
Upon launching, SpamBlockUp will connect to your FritzBox and display its interface. However, since access is password-protected, you’ll need to enter your FritzBox’s IP address or the default ‘fritz.box’. You can keep the default ‘Read Interval’ of half an hour for fetching call lists. Make sure the ‘Block List’ name matches what you created earlier.
Next, input your FritzBox password and click ‘Login’. A unique hash will be generated for access, but your password won’t be stored. Once you successfully log in, the program will fill in additional details like your country and area code. For your initial test run, the default settings should suffice. Click ‘Save’ to activate SpamBlockUp’s functionalities.
On its first run, SpamBlockUp may take a little time as it checks incoming phone numbers through the Tellows portal. After this process, you’ll receive a summary of rated phone numbers, empowering you to keep unwanted calls at bay.