Can I block incoming calls using wildcard patterns?

Recently I have been getting a few unwanted telemarketing calls, all coming from the same source. Each number though is different at the end.

For instance, if the numbers to be blocked are:

• 123-4567
• 123-7642
• 123-8643

It would be convenient for the future to simply block with a wildcard, such as:

• 123-*

Is this at all possible?

Solution 1:

WideProtect is a pretty simple app for exactly this purpose https://itunes.apple.com/app/wideprotect/id1171024059

It allows for specifying a wildcard pattern to block numbers, like 609-***-****. At the minimum it requires the first three digits so you should be able to block entire states with this.

Solution 2:

There is now an API for applications to block and annotate incoming calls. There isn't a native interface so you would need to find an app that does this on the App Store or find an open source project and compile it in Xcode and use your AppleID to install the app onto your personal devices.

One review covering this category is:

• http://www.macworld.com/article/3119736/ios/new-call-blocking-apps-in-ios-10-can-stop-spams-and-scams-before-they-reach-you.html

The major US carriers are also starting to identify spoofed called ID so you would want to check with your cellular carrier to tighten up which calls and information they send in the first place to the iPhone. Once you’re set there, look at a call screening app that meets your specific needs. The good ones cost money to develop, so if you are running a free app or don’t understand how they paid their bills, double check if they instead sell your call or location data to fund the app.