Blocking unwanted messages and calls to your phone requires different steps depending on the device. Generally, you open the Settings, view the call history (the exact path may vary by device), select the number you want to block, and choose the call/message blocking option in call settings.
Once blocked, that number can no longer send messages or place calls to your device. This prevents further disturbances and allows users to quickly block unwanted contacts. No business registration or special documentation is needed to block a number on your phone.
Blocking the number shown on your device prevents that person or service from reaching you. Unwanted messages and calls received without permission can thereby be stopped.
Unauthorized Call and Complaint Line
There are options for reporting unsolicited calls and messages electronically. Citizens can file complaints through the e-Government portal via the “Commercial Electronic Message Complaint System.” Through this system you can report spam or unwanted calls and SMS to your mobile phone, and you can access related services easily.
You can also submit complaints offline using a written petition. Such petitions should be sent to the Provincial Directorate of Commerce; complaints must be filed within three months after the call or SMS is received.
Unfortunately, calls and SMS older than three months cannot be acted upon. Unsolicited calls and messages within the three-month window can be traced to the responsible person or organization. If more than three months have passed, tracing is generally not possible, and complaints are unlikely to succeed.
What is the Message Management System (İYS)?
The Message Management System is a national database that stores up-to-date commercial records of services. Under the relevant law, it is the only system where commercial electronic message consents and complaint processes can be monitored and managed.
The deadline for businesses to register in İYS was May 31, 2021. Citizens who use commercial messaging services must be registered in İYS. Electronic messages may be sent only to individuals who have granted consent recorded in the system.
Mandatory registration in İYS ensures transparency about which organization sent unsolicited calls or SMS to citizens. Complaints about organizations registered in İYS are investigated in detail; if a complaint is found to be true, penalties can be applied. İYS’s core services are free and available to all citizens who wish to use them.
Blocking Unsolicited Messages and Calls via e-Government
To block unsolicited messages or calls via e-Government, first sign in to the site. Then search for the “Commercial Message Complaint System” page. If you fill out the form on that page completely, your complaint will follow the correct procedure and you can expect a proper outcome.
Complainant identity information is kept confidential and is not shared. You can also track and check your complaint through the e-Government system. Unwanted messages and calls can be blocked and complaints filed conveniently through e-Government.
You can also perform blocking without filing a complaint. Once a number or organization is blocked, they cannot contact you under any circumstances or send messages to your account.
When creating a complaint or blocking a sender, proven complaints may lead to sanctions against the organization. Conversely, false complaints intended to smear an organization may result in sanctions against the complainant. This system protects both businesses and citizens and helps prevent misuse or harm.
Blocking Unsolicited Messages and Calls via İYS
To block unwanted numbers through the İYS system, follow a series of steps. Submitting a complaint correctly speeds up processing and reduces the chance of delays. Providing accurate information prevents confusion and ensures your complaint will be handled.
If the details of the organization or the complainant are incomplete or incorrect, the complaint may be canceled, so accuracy is important.
The step-by-step process for filing a complaint is as follows:
- First, go to iys.org.tr.
- Log in via e-Government or using your phone number or email address.
- Provide complete contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for the person filing the complaint—this is essential for complaint processing.
- On the site, click the section labeled “manage consents.”
- From the opened list, you can cancel permissions previously granted to companies by selecting the relevant company.
- Finally, revoke the companies’ permissions for calls and SMS by removing their authorizations.
When these steps are completed correctly, your complaint reaches the relevant unit and an investigation begins. Providing accurate contact information ensures the complainant is informed at each stage and can be contacted if further information is needed.
Blocking B‑coded SMS Messages
To block B‑coded messages, contact your mobile operator’s customer service and tell them you no longer want to receive promotional calls or SMS. Requesting cancellation is usually sufficient. To identify and block B‑coded messages, follow these steps to prevent further contact.
Key points:
- Promotional messages often include a code starting with the letter B at the end.
- Banking messages use codes like B001 or B002 to indicate messages from banks.
- Appropriate steps must be taken to block these messages.
- If you identify spam SMS codes, you can choose not to receive notifications from those senders and manage settings accordingly.
- Entering codes beginning with B into the unwanted messages section will block those messages.
- After blocking, such messages are stored only as archived and are moved to the blocked messages section.
- Following these steps correctly helps you avoid spam, promotions, and other unwanted messages.
BTK SMS Blocking Procedures
The BTK blocking system is a national platform that manages the tracking and enforcement of message permissions and complaints under relevant regulations. To support blocking of unsolicited messages and calls, BTK implemented a four-digit code system.
This measure was launched in response to high volumes of citizen complaints and to block sites that direct users to illegal services. Established by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) in 2016, the system requires adding a code beginning with B (Bxxxx) to the sender information.
This allows quick identification of which organization sent a given message. When a message is traced to a sender and found to be illegal or harassing, a complaint is immediately filed and action is taken against the organization or individual.
Thanks to this system, citizens are much better protected from unknown calls and messages. Citizens retain the right to file complaints about unsolicited messages and calls under all circumstances.