How to Actually Stop Spam Calls: A Deep Dive into the TRAI DND App and Why It Fails
Spam calls have become one of the biggest irritations for mobile users in India. From unsolicited loan offers to fake investment schemes, millions of people receive promotional calls every single day. In fact, according to Truecaller’s 2024 Global Spam Report, India ranked among the top five countries for spam call volume.
To address this, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched the National Do Not Disturb (DND) Registry back in 2010, followed by the TRAI DND 3.0 app for easier reporting. But here’s the real question: if the DND system has existed for more than a decade, why are we still getting spam calls?
This article takes a deep dive into how to properly use the TRAI DND system, why it often fails, and what practical steps you can take to finally cut down on spam calls.
Step 1: Understanding the DND Registry and How to Register
Before blaming the system, it’s important to know how it works. The National Customer Preference Register (NCPR)—commonly known as the DND list—is a database maintained by TRAI that allows mobile users to block unsolicited commercial communication (UCC).
How to Register for DND (Step-by-step)
1. By SMS
Send an SMS with the text “START 0” to 1909 (toll-free).
This blocks all categories of promotional messages and calls.
If you want to block only specific categories (like insurance or real estate), you can use codes:
1 – Banking/Financial Products/Insurance
2 – Real Estate
3 – Education
4 – Health
5 – Consumer Goods/Automobiles
6 –Communication/ Broadcasting/ Entertainment/ IT
7 – Tourism/ Leisure
Example: To block only real estate, SMS “START 2” to 1909.
2. By IVR (Phone Call)
Dial 1909 and follow the automated instructions to register for full or partial DND.
3. Online
Visit the official TRAI DND website( http://www.nccptrai.gov.in )
Enter your mobile number, request an OTP, and select your DND preferences.
Timeframe
TRAI mandates that DND activation takes up to 7 working days.
Once active, you should not receive promotional messages from blocked categories.
However, even after activation, users continue to get spam calls. Why? The next section explains.
Step 2: The TRAI DND 3.0 App – How It Works
To make reporting easier, TRAI launched the DND 3.0 mobile app for both Android and iOS.
Features of TRAI DND 3.0 App
Instant Reporting: Users can report unwanted calls or SMS directly through the app.
Category Tagging: You can tag the spam under categories like telemarketing, real estate, loans, etc.
Integration with SMS/Call Logs: Makes reporting one-click easy.
Complaint Tracking: Users can track the status of their complaints.
How to Use the TRAI DND App (Step-by-Step)
1. Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Register with your mobile number and verify via OTP.
3. Enable permissions for call and SMS access.
4. When you get a spam call or SMS:
Open the DND app → Tap “Report Call/SMS” → Select from your log → Submit.
5. TRAI forwards the complaint to your telecom operator, who investigates and penalizes violators.
While this looks solid on paper, in reality, many users find that reporting doesn’t stop repeat offenders. That’s because of loopholes in the system.
Step 3: Why the DND System Fails
Despite the promise of DND, Indian users still get bombarded with spam. Here’s why:
1. Consent-Based Marketing Loophole
When you sign up for services like shopping apps, credit cards, or even free Wi-Fi, you often “agree” to receive promotional messages. This consent allows companies to legally bypass DND rules.
Example: If you opened a savings account with XYZ Bank, they can still send promotional messages about loans, credit cards, and insurance—even if you’re on DND.
2. Telemarketers Using Personal Numbers
Many spam callers now use regular SIM cards instead of registered telemarketing numbers. Since these don’t fall under TRAI’s commercial communication rules, they slip through the cracks.
3. Weak Enforcement by Telecom Operators
While TRAI has fined telecom operators for not blocking spam, enforcement is inconsistent. Operators are reluctant to act strictly, since promotional messaging is a major revenue source.
4. International Spam Calls
Many fraudsters operate from outside India, especially for phishing and fake investment scams. TRAI’s jurisdiction doesn’t apply internationally, making it difficult to block these calls.
5. Consumer Apathy
While TRAI relies on user complaints to penalize spammers, most people don’t bother reporting. Without large-scale reporting, repeat offenders go unchecked.
Step 4: Advanced Tips to Actually Stop Spam Calls
Since TRAI’s DND system alone won’t save you, here are practical, advanced solutions to minimize spam calls:
1. Use Third-Party Spam Blocking Apps
Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and CallApp have massive spam databases that auto-detect and block known spammers.
Truecaller: Identifies spam callers in real time using community reports.
Hiya: Partnered with Samsung and AT&T, focuses on fraud prevention.
CallApp: Offers call recording plus spam detection.
Pro Tip: Keep these apps updated so that new spam numbers are automatically flagged.
2. Use Built-in Phone Features
Most Android and iOS devices have built-in call blocking & silence unknown callers options.
iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
Android (Pixel, Samsung, etc.): Settings → Caller ID & Spam → Enable “Filter Spam Calls.”
3. Report Spam to TRAI and Your Bank
For financial scam calls, immediately report to:
TRAI DND App
Your telecom operator via SMS “UCC <Sender ID>” to 1909
Your bank’s fraud helpline if money-related
4. Use Multiple Numbers Strategically
Keep one number private for personal use and another for shopping, banking, and other services. This isolates spam to your “secondary” number.
5. Stay Alert About Consent Permissions
Whenever you install apps or sign up for services, carefully read the consent box before ticking “I agree.” Avoid giving unnecessary marketing consent.
The Bigger Picture: Will Spam Calls Ever End in India?
TRAI has introduced multiple frameworks over the years to curb unsolicited communication. In 2018, it even launched Blockchain-based DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) systems that telecom operators must use to authenticate promotional SMS.
However, spam persists because
Companies find loopholes in consent collection.
Fraudsters shift to unregistered SIMs.
Consumers rarely report, weakening enforcement.
The reality is, spam calls will not disappear overnight, but by combining TRAI’s official tools with advanced personal measures, you can cut down 80–90% of unwanted calls.
Final Thoughts
The TRAI DND registry and the DND 3.0 app are necessary but insufficient tools in India’s fight against spam calls. While they provide a formal mechanism to block and report spam, loopholes like consent-based marketing and telemarketers using personal SIM cards weaken their effectiveness.
If you truly want to stop spam calls, you need a multi-layered strategy:
Register for DND (basic protection).
Report violations via the TRAI DND 3.0 app.
Use third-party spam-blocking apps like Truecaller.
Enable phone’s built-in blocking features.
Be careful with consent when signing up for services.
Spam calls may never vanish completely, but with the right steps, you can drastically reduce them and regain peace of mind.
You may also like to read: https://khabarkhabri.com/financial-freedom-3024/