How to Stop Scam Calls and Texts: Best Tools to Combat Spam

NordVPN has launched HangUp, a new application designed to screen incoming phone calls and text messages to protect users from scams, according to a July 24, 2026, report from CNET. The tool aims to reduce the volume of fraudulent communications by filtering calls and messages before they reach the user.

The app targets the increasing prevalence of scam calls and SMS phishing, often referred to as smishing. By acting as a protective layer, HangUp identifies potential threats based on known scam patterns and databases of fraudulent numbers, which allows users to avoid interacting with malicious actors.

HangUp Call and Text Screening Features

HangUp operates by screening communications to determine if they originate from legitimate sources or known scammers. According to CNET, the application provides a mechanism to block these unwanted interactions, reducing the likelihood that a user will accidentally engage with a fraudulent request for personal information or payment.

The tool integrates into the mobile experience to handle the initial contact phase of a call or text. This prevents the phone from ringing or notifying the user of a message if the sender is flagged as a scammer, effectively silencing the noise generated by automated robocalls and mass-texting campaigns.

Context of Cybersecurity Tools for Communication

The release of HangUp follows a trend of cybersecurity firms expanding their product suites beyond traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). NordVPN, primarily known for encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses, is moving into the identity and communication protection space to address the vulnerability of mobile phone numbers.

Mobile scams frequently utilize social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links or disclosing sensitive data over the phone. By implementing a screening app, users can shift from a reactive posture—deciding whether to trust a caller after the phone rings—to a proactive posture where the software filters the traffic first.

This development competes with built-in OS features from Apple and Google, which offer basic “Silence Unknown Callers” options and spam filters. However, third-party tools like HangUp often rely on proprietary, frequently updated databases of scam numbers that may catch threats faster than native system updates.

Impact on User Security

The primary value of a dedicated screening tool is the reduction of successful phishing attempts. When a user does not see a scam text or answer a fraudulent call, the opportunity for the attacker to execute a social engineering script is eliminated.

For users who frequently receive high volumes of spam, these tools provide a layer of automation that reduces the cognitive load of manually identifying and blocking numbers. According to the CNET report, the availability of such tools is a response to the rampant nature of current scam call and text environments.