Cost: Free to $5 a month
There are three ways to block robocalls. The first is to sign up for the federal Do Not Call Registry, which will limit the number of legal sales pitches you get. The second: Check with your phone’s service provider to see what it offers (providers are under pressure to step up protections against robocalls). The third is to sign up for a third-party robocall blocker. This software blocks most robocalls to your mobile phone; some can cover your home phone, too. Among the respected services are Nomorobo, YouMail, Truecaller and RoboKiller.
How to start: Get on the Do Not Call Registry by phoning 888-382-1222 from the number you wish to protect (or sign up online at donotcall.gov). For third-party services, go to their websites, review the choices and follow the sign-up instructions.