Receiving Spam Calls on Your 800 Number

If your 800.com number is getting hit with spam calls, robocalls, or telemarketers, you're not alone — it's one of the most common issues businesses run into, especially once a number has been in use for a while. This is different from your number being labeled as spam when you call out (see How to Prevent Your 800.com Calls from Being Marked as Spam or Scam) — this article covers what to do when spam calls are coming in to your number.

There are three ways to cut down on the spam calls reaching your team, and you can combine them for the best results.

Option 1: Block Callers

The most direct fix is blocking specific numbers once you've identified them as spam. This is best for repeat offenders — numbers that call in more than once.

How to block a caller:

1. Log in to your 800.com Dashboard.
2. Go to your Inbox or Call Log and locate the call from the number you want to block.
3. Click the three-dot menu next to the call.
4. Select Block Number.

Once blocked, that number will no longer be able to reach your line. You can review or manage your full block list at any time from your number settings.

Best for: Numbers that call repeatedly and are clearly identifiable (you'll need to have received at least one call from them first).

Option 2: Enable an IVR with a Press-1 Option

An IVR (Interactive Voice Response) menu that requires callers to press a key before being connected is one of the most effective ways to stop robocalls before they ever reach a human. Most auto-dialers and robocallers can't respond to a prompt, so they drop off automatically — while real callers simply press 1 and continue through.

How it works:

• A caller reaches your number and hears a short greeting (e.g., "Thanks for calling [Business Name]. Press 1 to be connected.").
• Legitimate callers press 1 and are routed through as normal.
• Robocallers and auto-dialers typically can't respond to the prompt and are filtered out automatically.

How to set it up:

1. Log in to your 800.com Dashboard.
2. Go to Call Forwarding or your number's routing settings.
3. Select IVR as your call flow type.
4. Record or upload a short greeting that includes a "Press 1 to continue" instruction.
5. Set your desired action for Press 1 (route to a team, forward to a number, or go to voicemail).
6. Save and activate the IVR on your number.

Best for: Filtering out most robocalls in bulk, with minimal setup and no ongoing maintenance.

Option 3: Add an AI Agent to Pre-Screen Calls

For businesses that want an extra layer of filtering — and a better experience for legitimate callers — an AI agent can answer, ask a few quick questions, and screen out spam before transferring the call to a human. Unlike a static IVR, the AI agent can have a real conversation, catch callers that get past keypad-based filters, and only pass along calls that are genuinely worth your team's time.

How it works:

• The AI agent answers incoming calls on your number.
• It engages the caller briefly to confirm intent (for example, asking who they're trying to reach or what they're calling about).
• Calls that appear to be spam, robocalls, or irrelevant solicitations are filtered out.
• Legitimate calls are transferred to your team as normal.

How to set it up:

1. Log in to your 800.com Dashboard.
2. Go to AI Agents > Agents.
3. Create a new agent or select an existing one.
4. Configure the agent's greeting and screening behavior in the Skills section.
5. Assign the agent to your number's call flow.

Which Option Should You Use?

You don't have to choose just one — most businesses see the best results combining these:

A common approach: use an IVR or AI agent as your first line of defense, and block any repeat numbers that make it through.

Need Help?

Still getting spam calls after trying these steps? Contact our support team and we can help you fine-tune your setup.