In a little over 2 years, outside of Toll Free numbers, I've blacklisted numbers falling in about 50 some area codes that are outside of my neighboring/local area.
I've added wildcard blacklist entries to block those area codes that I know I won't usually get legit calls from (and deleted relevant explicit blacklist entries having to do with these area codes).
Here is what I have now (all redirected to VM):
- Wildcard entries to block all Toll Free calls (5 entries).
- Wildcard entries to block most area codes that I blacklisted before and I don't usually get legit calls from (about 50 entries).
- Wildcard entries that are more explicit for neighboring/local area code numbers that I blacklisted before (at least area code + exchange and then plus 1st digit of subscriber number in cases).
- Wildcard entries to block most invalid numbers (0* and 1*).
- Outside of what the above covers, explicit blacklisted numbers.
Now, I am down to 111 personal blacklist entries from 247.
For those who want to block every number out there, all you need is 10 entries (0* through 9*)
But you probably don't want to block all numbers in area codes near you.