Activate DND (Do Not Disturb) — SMS "START 0" to 1909, or use your operator's app / the TRAI DND 2.0 app. Then report violators on 1909, block on your phone, and — the real fix — remove your number from the data-broker lists (TrueCaller, JustDial and others) that spammers buy. DND alone only stops registered telemarketers.
India is one of the most spam-call-affected countries on earth. The reason isn't bad luck — it's that your number is sitting on dozens of lists that get sold and re-sold. Here's how to cut the calls down, layer by layer.
1. Turn on DND (the legal shield)
India's TRAI runs a Do Not Disturb registry. Registered telemarketers must not call DND numbers.
Activate full DND
SMS START 0 to 1909 (full block on all promotional calls/SMS), or call 1909, or toggle DND in your Airtel/Jio/Vi app or the TRAI DND 2.0 app. Activation can take up to 7 days.
2. Report the ones that ignore it
Complain on 1909
Got a promo call despite DND? Report it via 1909 or the DND app with the caller number, date and time, ideally within 3 days. Registered telemarketers face penalties under TRAI's TCCCPR regulations.
3. Block & filter on your phone
Use built-in spam protection
Enable spam/scam filtering in your phone's Phone app (Android & iPhone both have it). Block repeat offenders. Note: caller-ID apps like TrueCaller help — but they're also data brokers themselves.
4. Fix the root cause — get off the lists
Remove your number from data brokers
Unregistered spammers and scammers don't care about DND — they buy numbers from data brokers and leaked databases. The only durable fix is to remove your number from those sources and keep it removed.
| Layer | Stops | Doesn't stop |
|---|---|---|
| DND (1909) | Registered telemarketers | Unregistered spam, scams |
| Phone blocking | Repeat numbers | New numbers |
| Removing from brokers | The source of your number | Calls already in progress |
Cut spam at the source
Saaph finds your number on 50+ Indian data brokers and sends removal requests — fewer lists, fewer calls.
Run a free scan →FAQ
How do I activate DND in India?
SMS "START 0" to 1909, call 1909, or use your operator's app or the TRAI DND 2.0 app. Full DND blocks all promotional calls and SMS.
Why do I still get spam calls after DND?
DND only stops registered telemarketers. Unregistered spammers buy your number from data brokers and leaked lists — so you also need to remove it from those sources.
How do I report a spam call?
Report it on 1909 or the TRAI DND app with the caller's number, date and time, ideally within 3 days.
General information as of June 2026; TRAI procedures and short codes can change. Saaph.in does not provide legal advice.