Nuisance calls are one of the most common complaints among UK households, especially those with older residents who rely on landlines. While traditional answering machines can help you screen calls, they can’t stop persistent scammers and telemarketers from ringing in the first place. Landline call blockers, however, take a proactive approach to filtering unwanted calls. Let’s explore how they differ and which option provides better protection.
How Do Answering Machines Help (and Where Do They Fall Short)?
An answering machine allows you to listen to the caller’s message before deciding whether to respond. It’s a simple and familiar tool, but it has major limitations when it comes to dealing with modern scams.
When a scammer or spammer calls, your phone still rings, causing a disturbance. Even if you ignore it, the machine will record their message—often containing threats or fake claims. Many victims of phone fraud report being alarmed by recorded warnings like, “This is HMRC—press 1 to avoid legal action.” These are automated messages designed to scare people into calling back or pressing buttons that lead to further scams.
The truth is that an answering machine can’t block or detect scam numbers. It treats every caller the same, which means you’ll still spend time sorting through nuisance messages and deleting them. For households with elderly relatives, this can be stressful and confusing, especially if scammers leave convincing voicemails.
Summary: Answering machines can help you review messages, but they don’t stop scammers from calling or leaving dangerous recordings.
How Do Landline Call Blockers Filter Calls More Effectively?
Landline call blockers are specifically built to intercept and block unwanted calls before they reach your phone. Instead of recording them, the blocker identifies suspicious numbers—such as those on scam databases, withheld numbers, or international robocalls—and prevents the phone from ringing.
For example, CPR Call Blockers come pre-programmed with thousands of known scam numbers and can automatically detect new suspicious activity. They also allow you to manually block numbers at the touch of a button and create an approved “whitelist” of trusted contacts.
If a scammer tries to ring again, the blocker rejects the call instantly. This proactive system prevents emotional manipulation, reduces stress, and saves time. It also means that legitimate callers—like your GP, relatives, or service providers—can still reach you without interference.
Unlike answering machines, which only react after the call happens, a call blocker stops the problem at the source.
Summary: Landline call blockers prevent nuisance calls from ever connecting, providing proactive protection that answering machines cannot offer.
Why Call Blockers Are the Better Long-Term Option for UK Households
The modern phone scam landscape in the UK has evolved beyond the capabilities of answering machines. Scammers use automated systems, spoofed numbers, and emotional manipulation that traditional devices can’t handle. A call blocker, however, gives you full control over your landline and filters unwanted calls before they cause distress.
For elderly users, this means fewer confusing or upsetting messages and a safer, quieter home environment. For families, it provides peace of mind knowing loved ones are protected from both nuisance and fraudulent calls.
Furthermore, unlike many call-screening apps or telecom add-ons, a physical landline call blocker requires no subscription or ongoing payments—it’s a one-time investment for ongoing security.
Summary: Landline call blockers offer long-term, cost-effective protection that prevents scam and nuisance calls before they ever reach the phone.
Conclusion
Answering machines may help you review calls, but they can’t protect you from modern scams. Landline call blockers deliver proactive, real-time defence—stopping nuisance and fraudulent calls before they reach you. For UK households, they’re the smarter, safer, and more reliable choice.
Keep your home phone free from nuisance and scam calls — explore CPR Call Blockers and experience complete peace of mind.
FAQ
Q: Can answering machines stop scam calls?
A: No. They only record messages, while scammers can still ring your phone and leave threats or false claims.
Q: How are landline call blockers different from answering machines?
A: Call blockers prevent unwanted calls before they connect, while answering machines only handle them after they’ve come through.
Q: Do I still need an answering machine if I have a call blocker?
A: You can use both. A call blocker filters out spam, while your answering machine records legitimate messages.
Q: Are landline call blockers easy to use for seniors?
A: Yes. Most are plug-and-play devices with a large “BLOCK NOW” button and simple setup instructions.
