Android users on Verizon don't have to lift a finger for protection from spam and scam calls

So what does this mean to Verizon subscribers sporting an Android-powered device? If they receive a call that has previously been reported as a fraud, the call will be blocked and sent to voicemail. If a Verizon customer gets a call from a number known to be used for spams or scams, the display will read "Potential Spam" instead of the caller's name. Verizon subscribers can activate the call blocking features of Call Filter to prevent these callers from wasting their time. Calls from names and numbers found in the Verizon subscriber's contacts list will be handled normally, and all international calls can be blocked. That's important because many spam calls originate overseas.

While these features are free, for an additional $2.99 per month per line (or $7.99 per month for three or more lines), Call Filter Plus will allow Big Red subscribers to create their own spam and block lists, identify unknown numbers, quantify the risk of each spam or scam call using a "Risk Meter," and more.

The updates will be rolling out to Verizon's Android devices immediately and eligible subscribers can install the app if they can't wait. Keep in mind that only Android devices are being auto-enrolled in the program and those with an Apple iPhone or iPad will have to download the app from the App Store. Verizon says that this year it will help its subscribers identify 1.5 billion spam calls.