The phone rings during dinner, you hurry to answer, and it is another recorded voice selling something you never asked for. If you are looking for a way to stop robocalls, the imp call blocker is one option.

This article covers how imp works, setup, cost, and the downsides to know about before you buy. It also explains how caregivers can help a parent with scam calls, and what imp can and cannot do.

imp: A Review for Older Adults & Caregivers

CPR V5000 Call Blocker for Landline Phones

The CPR V5000 Call Blocker is for people who still use a traditional landline and are tired of the phone ringing with scam calls.

It comes preloaded with 5,000 known scam and nuisance numbers, so it starts working as soon as you plug it into your phone line. It does not need an outlet.

When a new number slips through, press the large “BLOCK NOW” button. That number is blocked from then on. You can add up to 1,500 more numbers this way.

No device stops every unwanted call. Scammers fake their numbers, so a few may still get through before you block them.

Check your phone service before you buy. The V5000 needs an analog landline and Caller ID service. Without Caller ID, it cannot see the number to block it.

It works with traditional landline service from companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Frontier, CenturyLink, and Brightspeed. It does not work with internet-based phone services (VoIP) such as Vonage, Ooma, Xfinity Voice, or Quantum Fiber.

It is not for you if your home phone runs through the internet, or if you want to manage blocking from a smartphone app. This one is a button on the device.

Stop Robocalls Completely with imp

You may feel bombarded by robocalls, spam calls, and scam calls on your phone. It is an endless source of frustration.

imp says its own data shows that people get a lot of unwanted calls, especially those living with cognitive decline. That is imp’s figure, and I could not verify it.

imp says its proprietary Greenlist ^TM technology blocks most robocalls and telemarketers. No device stops every one, and scammers can fake numbers.

It cross-references your contacts, call history, and allow/block lists to make smart decisions about which calls should ring through and which should be stopped.

This advanced call screening happens in real-time to keep robocallers from ever disturbing your day. No more dinner interruptions or anxiety when your phone rings. Imp ensures that only calls you want to receive actually come through.

Specific features that enable imp to block robocalls:

• Proprietary algorithm and regularly updated databases to identify robocallers
• Allow/deny lists let you customize approved and blocked numbers
• Urgent call override setting ensures priority calls connect

With imp guarding your phone line, many robocalls should hit a dead end before they bother you, though a few may still get through. Next, let’s look at setup and use.

Experience Effortless Setup and Use

One of the biggest hesitations when considering a call blocking system is the concern that it will be difficult to set up and manage. However, imp breaks the mold with straightforward plug-and-play installation and an intuitive app for control.

Smooth Plug-and-Play Setup

Getting started with imp is meant to be simple. The steps are:

• Download the imp app and create an account
• Plug the imp device into your landline, following the instructions for the model you have
• Connect the imp to WiFi and grant it access to your contacts
• Follow in-app prompts to get your allow/block lists configured

Setup can take about 5 to 10 minutes. No technician visit is required.

And the included quick start guide provides guidance if you do get stuck. But chances are, you’ll find getting imp installed is as simple as setting up a new television.

Intuitive App for Ongoing Management

The imp app makes it simple to manage your allow and block lists, adjust settings, access voicemails, and monitor performance. Key features include:

• Dashboard to monitor blocked calls and listen to voicemails
• Allow/deny list management to customize approved numbers
• Easy activation of “Do Not Disturb” when needed
• Ability to set quiet hours for uninterrupted sleep

Whether you want to add your new doctor’s number to your allow list or block the pesky car warranty robocalls, just a few taps in the app can handle it. No need to memorize complicated instructions or menus.

And for those who want an extra level of support, imp offers onboarding and ongoing customer service to help you master the system. Convenience and ease of use are baked into the entire experience.

Maintain Total Control over Exceptions

One common concern with call-blocking systems is that they are too rigid and may accidentally block wanted calls from family or important contacts. Imp provides extensive customization to maintain total control over exceptions and nuances.

Allow and Block Lists

The allow and block lists at the heart of imp give you the unmatched ability to specify precisely which calls should be permitted or blocked.

• Easily add family members, doctors, and other approved contacts to your allowed list so their calls always reach you
• Block unwanted numbers like telemarketers to create a personalized blacklist
• View call history within the app to help inform your lists
• Automatically allow contacts from your phone to simplify list creation

With these robust tools, you can ensure vital calls always get through while restricting unwanted interruptions.

Urgent Call Override

Even with rigorous allow and block lists, there is still the potential for important calls from unfamiliar numbers to be blocked. Imp’s urgent call override prevents this issue.

By setting the urgent call threshold, any number that calls back twice within a short period will trigger imp to allow the call through.

This safety net ensures you don’t miss urgent calls from numbers not already in your contacts, providing an added layer of protection.

Ongoing Control and Updates

The ability to tweak and update imp’s settings through the app means you have ongoing control from anywhere. If a pesky new robocaller emerges, you can quickly block them. Or if your home healthcare aide gets a new number, you can instantly add them to your allowed list.

No matter how your needs change over time, imp allows you to adapt so you retain total control over your call management preferences.

Enjoy Seamless Compatibility

Unlike some call-blocking solutions, imp integrates seamlessly with your existing home phone system and devices. There’s no need to get a new phone number or replace your current equipment.

Works with Any Landline Service

Whether imp works with your phone depends on the model and your phone service. The V5000 works with traditional landlines but not VoIP services like Vonage. Check with the maker before you buy.

The setup process will be the same as plugging into the wall jack, regardless of your provider. Imp universally works by screening calls at this connection point.

So keep using the same reliable landline service you’ve had for years and add imp for robust call blocking.

If your landline bill is the part that stings, you may also want to look at magicJack for keeping your phone number and lowering phone bills.

Use Your Current Phones and Numbers

You also don’t need to change your phone units or numbers. Imp works inline between your wall jack and phones, so simply connect your existing phones to the imp device ports.

Continue using the same comfortable desk phones, cordless handsets, or wall jacks you already have. And rest assured, your numbers will all remain the same.

By integrating seamlessly with your current system, imp makes adding call-blocking protection simple and stress-free.

Enjoy Affordable Peace of Mind

While your sanity and security are priceless, imp provides robust call-blocking protection at very reasonable costs.

Cost Effective Premium Call Blocking

At just $10 per month after the initial free first month, imp is one of the most affordable and effective premium call blockers available.

Unlike some competitors, there are no hidden fees or complex pricing tiers. Just one transparent monthly fee that covers:

• Real-time call screening
• Regular robocall database updates
• Ongoing customer support
• Full functionality of the system

For less than the cost of a few cups of coffee per month, you can take back control of your phone line.

Risk-Free Trial

You can try imp for an entire month completely free of charge. Test out the call-blocking effectiveness and ease of use with zero obligation.

If you don’t feel imp is providing sufficient protection after the first month, simply contact support to cancel the service.

But we think you’ll find imp an indispensable shield you won’t want to be without. The peace of mind is worth the modest monthly investment.

Empower Caregivers to Protect Loved Ones

As a caregiver, you understand how vulnerable seniors can be to disruptive and deceitful calls. Imp provides tools to help keep your loved ones safe.

imp says one daughter told them the scam calls stopped reaching her mother after she got imp. No blocker is perfect, so it is still worth talking with a parent about scams.

Features That Empower Caregivers

Rory explained that the system is designed to function like a shared home phone, providing useful benefits for caregivers.

First, imp ensures only wanted calls come through, affording caregivers peace of mind knowing seniors are protected from phone scams.

Second, the app’s remote access capabilities allow caregivers to monitor calls and messages from anywhere. As Rory explained, this visibility helps extend protection when caregivers can’t be local.

Finally, features like shared voicemail makes coordinating care easier for multiple caregivers. If the pharmacy calls about a prescription, any sibling can pick it up after being notified.

By filtering out disruptive calls, providing remote oversight, and facilitating coordination, imp empowers caregivers to protect seniors and deliver attentive care.

Remotely Monitor and Manage Calls

One of the most useful features for caregivers is the ability to remotely monitor call activity and manage allow/block lists.

With the imp app, you can observe calls your loved one receives and listen to voicemails, even when you are not local. 

You can seamlessly add trusted numbers like doctors to their approved list and block unsafe callers to provide extra protection from anywhere. No need to make trips to handle call management.

Screen Out Scam Calls

Unfortunately, scammers frequently prey on people who tend to trust the voice on the phone. Robocalls can be a nuisance, and some are built to pressure people into falling for schemes.

With imp, you can set up call screening to stop many of these scams before they reach your loved one. No blocker stops every call, and scammers can fake numbers, so it is still worth talking with your parent about scams.

Customize Settings for Their Needs

Every person has different needs and comfort levels when it comes to managing unwanted calls. Imp lets you customize it to fit their situation.

If your loved one does not want to fuss with technology, you can handle the allow and block lists yourself through the app. If they are comfortable with it, you can show them how to manage their own preferences.

Imp provides the flexibility to adapt the system to the abilities of your loved one so they can maintain independence while staying protected.

Key Considerations Before Purchasing

While imp provides effective call blocking for most users, there are some important factors to keep in mind.

New Contacts Get Blocked Initially

Until a new contact is added to the allow list, imp will block them on the first call. It’s up to the user or caregiver to monitor blocked calls and update the allowed list.

This means legitimate callers not already in your contacts will get blocked on the first attempt. Ongoing management of the allow list is needed.

Requires a Smartphone and WiFi

Imp must be connected to a home WiFi network and paired with a smartphone to enable remote app management. If your loved one does not use a smartphone, this could be a hurdle.

A caregiver can use their own smartphone for setup and ongoing use. WiFi is still necessary to use imp’s full functionality.

Monthly Subscription Fee

There is a recurring $10 monthly subscription fee after the initial free first month of service. Users will need to determine if the value justifies this regular cost.

For those receiving very frequent robocalls, this fee may be well worth the peace of mind. But infrequent callers may find it unnecessary.

Caller ID Required

Imp relies on caller ID data to identify and screen incoming calls. If your landline service does not include caller ID, imp will not be able to function fully.

Check that you have caller ID enabled before purchasing to leverage imp’s full capabilities.

Infographic: Strategies to Halt Robocalls for Seniors

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Finally, Peace and Quiet Thanks to imp

In short, if unwanted robocalls keep interrupting your days and nights, imp may help, whether you are using it yourself or setting it up for a loved one.

Imp says it blocks most robocalls, and remote management through the app lets a caregiver keep an eye on things. No device stops every call, though.

Being able to choose which calls come through and which are blocked is a useful tool against unwanted and deceptive calls.

For a relatively low monthly fee, imp can help make your phone more peaceful. Check the details for your model and phone service before you buy.