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iPhone WideProtect Spam Call Blocker

valerii

valerii

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 21, 2017
81
33
Kharkiv, Ukraine
Hi everyone!

I've been developing Call Blocking application for iPhone, and I'd like to know any thoughts about it:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wideprotect-call-blocker/id1171024059

The main idea is blocking phone numbers using prefixes, so you can block entire area code, for example, or block prefix of your own number to prevent spammers spoofing your number.
The app is using CallKit features, and there is an iOS constraint about count of numbers to block, so now maximum is 20 millions numbers.

I hope that the app will be usefull for you!
 
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New version (2.8) is published, now it allows adding prefixes without country code, and processes Contacts list even faster!
 
willmtaylor said:
So this app would also ensure that I receive no LEGITIMATE calls from anyone around me either then?
Click to expand...

Yes, if you want it and if you define needed prefixes.
As I know, there are some spammers, who is spoofing your own number (for example +1 222 333-4444) and making calls from numbers like +1 222 333-4440, +1 222 333 4448 etc. So you can define prefix '+1 222 333-44' to block them.
If you enable option 'But allow numbers from my Contacts', you will receive calls from known neighbors.
 
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New version (3.0) is published several days ago, now it supports iOS 11's feature - blocking SMS/MMS from unknown senders. The app is marking them as spam for all prefixes, defined in the app.
 
valerii said:
New version (3.0) is published several days ago, now it supports iOS 11's feature - blocking SMS/MMS from unknown senders. The app is marking them as spam for all prefixes, defined in the app.
Click to expand...

I thought to try your app because of the "prefix" ability. I will give a feedback soon...
 
Can it be set to block unknown caller or blocked caller I’d phone numbers?

This is one of the features the iPhone had.
 
valerii said:
No, this app is blocking only incoming numbers from defined prefixes.
For blocking unknown callers please take a look at this link, probably it will help:
http://osxdaily.com/2016/11/10/block-unknown-callers-no-caller-id-iphone/
Click to expand...
That would block quite a it more than actual "Unknown" or "No Caller ID" callers. Another approach, if it works, might be somewhat better for that:
BasicGreatGuy said:
If you are referring to people calling without showing a phone number, go into settings > phone > contact list > make a contact called "No caller ID" and set the number as 000-000-0000. After you do this, go into your phone app, find the new contact you made, click edit and then enable the block option.
Click to expand...
 
valerii said:
Hi everyone!

I've been developing Call Blocking application for iPhone, and I'd like to know any thoughts about it:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wideprotect-call-blocker/id1171024059

The main idea is blocking phone numbers using prefixes, so you can block entire area code, for example, or block prefix of your own number to prevent spammers spoofing your number.
The app is using CallKit features, and there is an iOS constraint about count of numbers to block, so now maximum is 20 millions numbers.

I hope that the app will be usefull for you!
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1517244317][/doublepost]Hi- I just purchased and setup your app to block one prefix (410) from Outlook SMS calendar notifications and it is not working as texts continue to arrive as of this morning.
 

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Alps7 said:
[doublepost=1517244317][/doublepost]
Hi- I just purchased and setup your app to block one prefix (410) from Outlook SMS calendar notifications and it is not working as texts continue to arrive as of this morning.
Click to expand...

Hi, could you check iPhone settings to be sure that you have enabled SMS blocking? It's under 'Settings' - 'Messages' - 'Unknown & Spam' (see attachments).
Thanks!
 

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valerii said:
Hi, could you check iPhone settings to be sure that you have enabled SMS blocking? It's under 'Settings' - 'Messages' - 'Unknown & Spam' (see attachments).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I'm concerned about enabling as the warning states that verification codes and other personal/sensitive information will be shared. Is this required in order for your app to work?
 
Alps7 said:
I'm concerned about enabling as the warning states that verification codes and other personal/sensitive information will be shared. Is this required in order for your app to work?
Click to expand...

You know, it's interesting warning from iOS, because in spite of the app internally has access to SMS text and sender number (to decide should it be blocked or not, for example by keywords in the text), it can't share this info at all - it can't save it to settings, it can't send it over Internet etc. It made testing a bit harder, but it's good for user privacy. :)
And yes, the app should be enabled here to work.
 
valerii said:
You know, it's interesting warning from iOS, because in spite of the app internally has access to SMS text and sender number (to decide should it be blocked or not, for example by keywords in the text), it can't share this info at all - it can't save it to settings, it can't send it over Internet etc. It made testing a bit harder, but it's good for user privacy. :)
And yes, the app should be enabled here to work.
Click to expand...
So I'm not interested in comprising my security/privacy. Would you issue a refund?
 
Alps7 said:
So I'm not interested in comprising my security/privacy. Would you issue a refund?
Click to expand...

Probably I explained incorrectly... Don't worry, no one human can read your SMS/MMS, because it's not sent from device. Also my app is not analyzing text, only 'sender phone number'.

Anyway, unfortunately I have no technical ability to refund, but you can ask Apple to do it, take a look at this manual:
https://www.imore.com/how-to-get-refund-itunes-app-store
 
I did have two calls come through from my blocked prefix a couple weeks ago. Not sure how, but it hasn't happened again since then. I like the app.
 
Mad4clay said:
I did have two calls come through from my blocked prefix a couple weeks ago. Not sure how, but it hasn't happened again since then. I like the app.
Click to expand...

Thank you!

Calls may come through if you sometimes use DND mode (or DND while Driving) - in this case blocked calls appear silently on home screen and in 'Recent' list.
I have created bug report but still waiting for answer from Apple...
 
valerii said:
Thank you!

Calls may come through if you sometimes use DND mode (or DND while Driving) - in this case blocked calls appear silently on home screen and in 'Recent' list.
I have created bug report but still waiting for answer from Apple...
Click to expand...


Thank you, I bet your right about that.
 
App doesn't work to block SMS from Microsoft Outlook Calendar reminders.
[doublepost=1518048667][/doublepost]
valerii said:
Probably I explained incorrectly... Don't worry, no one human can read your SMS/MMS, because it's not sent from device. Also my app is not analyzing text, only 'sender phone number'.

Anyway, unfortunately I have no technical ability to refund, but you can ask Apple to do it, take a look at this manual:
https://www.imore.com/how-to-get-refund-itunes-app-store
Click to expand...
Confirmed your App does not work to block Microsoft Outlook calendar SMS reminders.
 
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