Skip to content
AI Employee

How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI

Learn how to configure Voice AI call ending, spam detection, automatic inbound DND blocking, thresholds, and email notifications for unwanted callers.

8 min read1,874 words8 explained images
View as markdownOpen in ClaudeOpen in ChatGPT
Each image has a one line explanation. Switch to full detail for the step it belongs to, the fields and buttons involved, examples and the whole procedure.
On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection
  2. End Call Action and Hangup Prompt
  3. Default and Custom Hangup Prompts
  4. Spam Detection During the Call
  5. Spam Analysis After the Call
  6. Block Threshold and Automatic DND
  7. Block Notifications
  8. During-Call vs. After-Call Spam Protection
  9. How To Set Up Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection
  10. Step 1: Enable the Feature
  11. Step 2: Open the Voice AI Agent
  12. Step 3: Review the Hangup Prompt
  13. Step 4: Enable During-Call Spam Detection
  14. Step 5: Enable After-Call Spam Analysis
  15. Step 6: Configure the Block Threshold
  16. Step 7: Configure Email Notifications
  17. Step 8: Test the Agent
  18. Frequently Asked Questions
  19. Related Articles

Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection helps Voice AI agents end conversations naturally and reduce time spent on unwanted calls. You can control how the agent ends a call, detect likely spam while the call is happening, analyze completed inbound calls for spam, and automatically block repeat offenders. These controls can help reduce unnecessary Voice AI usage while keeping legitimate callers connected.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection?

Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection gives Voice AI agents more control over when calls end and how unwanted callers are handled. The feature combines a configurable End Call action with spam detection that can work during a call, after a call, or both.

The feature includes:

  • A customizable Hangup prompt

  • Spam detection during live calls

  • Spam analysis after completed inbound calls

  • A configurable threshold for repeat spam callers

  • Automatic inbound Do-Not-Disturb (DND) blocking

  • Email notifications when a number is blocked

This allows your agent to finish legitimate conversations politely while cutting short obvious spam calls and preventing repeat offenders from continuing to call.


Key Benefits of Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection

Spam calls can consume Voice AI minutes and create unnecessary activity in your account. These controls help your agent spend more time handling real customers while giving you control over how spam is detected and managed.

  • Reduce wasted call time: Voice AI can end clear telemarketing, robocall, or spam conversations early.

  • Control how calls end: Customize what the agent does or says before hanging up.

  • Protect against repeat callers: Automatically place repeat spam callers on inbound DND after they reach your configured threshold.

  • Detect more types of spam: Analyze calls during the conversation and again after completed inbound calls.

  • Stay informed: Send an email notification when a spam number is blocked.

  • Choose your protection level: Enable during-call detection, after-call analysis, or both.

  • Maintain control: Customize prompts, spam instructions, thresholds, and notification recipients for each agent.


End Call Action and Hangup Prompt

The End Call action controls how the Voice AI agent finishes a conversation. Its Hangup prompt gives the agent instructions for what should happen immediately before the call ends, helping the conversation close naturally instead of stopping abruptly.

The End call action appears under During the Call in the Voice AI Agent Builder.

GHL Customer Care provides a tested default Hangup prompt that instructs the agent to confirm whether the caller needs additional help before ending the call.

You can:

  • Keep the default prompt.

  • Edit the prompt to match your business needs.

  • Reset a customized prompt back to its default behavior.

End Call Action and Hangup Prompt (image 1 of 8) What this shows Keep the default prompt. What this shows Illustrates the "End Call Action and Hangup Prompt" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "End Call Action and Hangup Prompt" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: Keep the default prompt. Edit the prompt to match your business needs. Reset a customized prompt back to its default behavior. Immediately after, the guide continues: The default Hangup prompt provides a tested starting point for ending conversations appropriately. Customizing it gives you more control, but changes should be tested carefully because the custom behavior becomes part of how the agent…. Image 1 of 8 What this coversKeep the default prompt. Edit the prompt to match your business needs. Reset a customized prompt back to its default behavior.
Buttons and menus referenced End CallHangup promptEnd callDuring the Call
Next stepThe default Hangup prompt provides a tested starting point for ending conversations appropriately. Customizing it gives you more control, but changes should be tested carefully because the custom behavior becomes part of how the agent decides to wrap up calls.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Keep the default prompt.
  2. Edit the prompt to match your business needs.
  3. Reset a customized prompt back to its default behavior.

Default and Custom Hangup Prompts

The default Hangup prompt provides a tested starting point for ending conversations appropriately. Customizing it gives you more control, but changes should be tested carefully because the custom behavior becomes part of how the agent decides to wrap up calls.

The default prompt shown in the Agent Builder instructs the agent to ask whether the caller needs anything else and wait for confirmation before hanging up.

When you edit the prompt, GHL Customer Care marks it as Custom.

Important: GHL Customer Care warns that the system prompt has been rigorously tested. Editing it means you are responsible for maintaining and testing the customized behavior.

If you no longer want to use the customized prompt, use Reset to return to the default.

Default and Custom Hangup Prompts (image 2 of 8) What this shows If you no longer want to use the customized prompt, use Reset to return to the default. What this shows Illustrates the "Default and Custom Hangup Prompts" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Default and Custom Hangup Prompts" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: If you no longer want to use the customized prompt, use Reset to return to the default. Immediately after, the guide continues: During-call spam detection helps the agent identify likely unwanted callers while the conversation is still happening. This is useful for obvious sales pitches, robocalls, or telemarketer behavior because the agent can stop the…. Image 2 of 8 What this coversIf you no longer want to use the customized prompt, use Reset to return to the default.
Buttons and menus referenced CustomReset
Next stepDuring-call spam detection helps the agent identify likely unwanted callers while the conversation is still happening. This is useful for obvious sales pitches, robocalls, or telemarketer behavior because the agent can stop the conversation instead of continuing to spend Voice AI minutes on it.

Spam Detection During the Call

During-call spam detection helps the agent identify likely unwanted callers while the conversation is still happening. This is useful for obvious sales pitches, robocalls, or telemarketer behavior because the agent can stop the conversation instead of continuing to spend Voice AI minutes on it.

When During the call spam detection is enabled:

  • GHL Customer Care adds spam-handling instructions to the Hangup prompt.

  • The agent evaluates the caller's behavior during the conversation.

  • If the caller is clearly identified as spam, the agent can politely decline and end the call.

  • Legitimate or uncertain callers should not be disconnected based only on suspicion.

The injected spam instruction can also be customized if you want the agent to use different wording or behavior.

Spam Detection During the Call (image 3 of 8) What this shows The injected spam instruction can also be customized if you want the agent to use different wording or behavior. What this shows Illustrates the "Spam Detection During the Call" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Spam Detection During the Call" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: The injected spam instruction can also be customized if you want the agent to use different wording or behavior. Immediately after, the guide continues: After-call spam analysis provides a second layer of protection by reviewing completed inbound calls after they end. This can help identify spam behavior that may not have been obvious during the live conversation, including silent or…. Image 3 of 8 What this coversThe injected spam instruction can also be customized if you want the agent to use different wording or behavior.
Buttons and menus referenced During the call
Next stepAfter-call spam analysis provides a second layer of protection by reviewing completed inbound calls after they end. This can help identify spam behavior that may not have been obvious during the live conversation, including silent or automated probe calls.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. GHL Customer Care adds spam-handling instructions to the Hangup prompt.
  2. The agent evaluates the caller's behavior during the conversation.
  3. If the caller is clearly identified as spam, the agent can politely decline and end the call.
  4. Legitimate or uncertain callers should not be disconnected based only on suspicion.

Spam Analysis After the Call

After-call spam analysis provides a second layer of protection by reviewing completed inbound calls after they end. This can help identify spam behavior that may not have been obvious during the live conversation, including silent or automated probe calls.

When After the call is enabled, GHL Customer Care can analyze completed inbound calls and flag callers that appear to be spam.

Additional settings become available for:

  • Block threshold

  • Notify on block

You can use after-call analysis by itself or together with during-call detection.


Block Threshold and Automatic DND

The block threshold determines how many spam-flagged calls are required before GHL Customer Care automatically blocks the caller. This lets you decide how quickly repeated spam activity should result in an inbound call restriction.

The release specifies that repeated spam flags are counted within a 24-hour window.

When the caller reaches the configured threshold:

  • GHL Customer Care places the caller on Do-Not-Disturb for inbound calls.

  • Future inbound calls from that contact are blocked according to the DND setting.

This uses GHL Customer Care's existing DND behavior rather than requiring a separate workflow.

For general DND management, see How to Use Do Not Disturb (DND).


Block Notifications

Block notifications let the appropriate team members know when GHL Customer Care automatically blocks a repeat spam caller. This makes it easier to monitor spam activity without manually reviewing every call.

When After the call spam analysis is enabled, you can choose who receives an email notification when a number is blocked.

Available options shown in the Agent Builder include:

  • Admin (default)

  • Custom Email

  • Additional email addresses

You can select Admin, Custom Email, or both depending on who should receive the alert.

Block Notifications (image 4 of 8) What this shows You can select Admin, Custom Email, or both depending on who should receive the alert. What this shows Illustrates the "Block Notifications" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Block Notifications" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: You can select Admin, Custom Email, or both depending on who should receive the alert. This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: During-call and after-call protection solve different spam problems. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to enable one method or both. Image 4 of 8 What to chooseYou can select Admin, Custom Email, or both depending on who should receive the alert.
Fields in this part of the guide Admin (default)Custom EmailAdditional email addresses
Buttons and menus referenced After the callAdmin (default)Custom Email
Next stepDuring-call and after-call protection solve different spam problems. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to enable one method or both.
Example values
Custom Email
priya.raman@northgatedental.com

Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Admin (default)
  2. Custom Email
  3. Additional email addresses

During-Call vs. After-Call Spam Protection

During-call and after-call protection solve different spam problems. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to enable one method or both.

During the call is designed to stop obvious unwanted conversations while they are happening. This can reduce the amount of time the Voice AI agent spends speaking with a telemarketer or robocaller.

After the call reviews the completed inbound call for spam behavior. It can contribute to repeat-spam blocking even when the caller was not disconnected during the conversation.

You can configure:

  • During-call detection only

  • After-call analysis only

  • Both options together

Using both gives the agent live spam handling plus post-call analysis for repeated unwanted callers.


How To Set Up Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection

Proper setup helps the agent end legitimate conversations naturally while applying spam protection only where you want it. Configure the End Call behavior first, then choose whether to enable live detection, post-call analysis, or both.

Step 1: Enable the Feature

  1. Go to Settings > Labs.

  2. Open the Sub-Account tab.

  3. Find Voice AI: End Call & Spam Protection.

  4. Click Activate Feature for the appropriate sub-account.

Step 1: Enable the Feature (image 5 of 8) What this shows Go to Settings > Labs. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Enable the Feature" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Enable the Feature" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: Go to Settings > Labs. Open the Sub-Account tab. Find Voice AI: End Call & Spam Protection. Click Activate Feature for the appropriate sub-account. The navigation path used here is Settings > Labs. Immediately after, the guide continues: Note: This article reflects the current release requirement to enable the feature in Labs. Path: Settings > LabsImage 5 of 8 Where to goGo to Settings > Labs. Open the Sub-Account tab. Find Voice AI: End Call & Spam Protection. Click Activate Feature for the appropriate sub-account.
Buttons and menus referenced Settings > LabsSub-AccountVoice AI: End Call & Spam ProtectionActivate Feature
Next stepNote: This article reflects the current release requirement to enable the feature in Labs.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Go to Settings > Labs.
  2. Open the Sub-Account tab.
  3. Find Voice AI: End Call & Spam Protection.
  4. Click Activate Feature for the appropriate sub-account.
Note: This article reflects the current release requirement to enable the feature in Labs.

Step 2: Open the Voice AI Agent

  1. Go to AI Agents > Voice AI.

  2. Open the Voice AI agent you want to configure.

  3. Go to the Actions area.

  4. Locate End call under During the Call.

Step 2: Open the Voice AI Agent (image 6 of 8) What this shows Go to AI Agents > Voice AI. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Open the Voice AI Agent" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Open the Voice AI Agent" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: Go to AI Agents > Voice AI. Open the Voice AI agent you want to configure. Go to the Actions area. Locate End call under During the Call. The navigation path used here is AI Agents > Voice AI. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click the edit icon for Hangup prompt. Review the default prompt. Keep the default if it matches your needs. Edit the prompt if you need different end-of-call behavior. Click Save. Path: AI Agents > Voice AIImage 6 of 8 Where to goGo to AI Agents > Voice AI. Open the Voice AI agent you want to configure. Go to the Actions area. Locate End call under During the Call.
Buttons and menus referenced AI Agents > Voice AIActionsEnd callDuring the Call
Next stepClick the edit icon for Hangup prompt. Review the default prompt. Keep the default if it matches your needs. Edit the prompt if you need different end-of-call behavior. Click Save.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Go to AI Agents > Voice AI.
  2. Open the Voice AI agent you want to configure.
  3. Go to the Actions area.
  4. Locate End call under During the Call.

Step 3: Review the Hangup Prompt

  1. Click the edit icon for Hangup prompt.

  2. Review the default prompt.

  3. Keep the default if it matches your needs.

  4. Edit the prompt if you need different end-of-call behavior.

  5. Click Save.

If you customize the prompt and later want the original behavior back, use Reset.

Step 3: Review the Hangup Prompt (image 7 of 8) What this shows If you customize the prompt and later want the original behavior back, use Reset. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 3: Review the Hangup Prompt" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Review the Hangup Prompt" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: If you customize the prompt and later want the original behavior back, use Reset. Immediately after, the guide continues: Turn on During the call. Review the spam instruction that GHL Customer Care adds to the Hangup prompt. Edit the injected spam instruction if needed. Confirm that the instructions clearly describe when the agent should end the call. Click…. Image 7 of 8 What this coversIf you customize the prompt and later want the original behavior back, use Reset.
Buttons and menus referenced Hangup promptSaveReset
Next stepTurn on During the call. Review the spam instruction that GHL Customer Care adds to the Hangup prompt. Edit the injected spam instruction if needed. Confirm that the instructions clearly describe when the agent should end the call. Click Save.
All 5 steps in this procedure
  1. Click the edit icon for Hangup prompt.
  2. Review the default prompt.
  3. Keep the default if it matches your needs.
  4. Edit the prompt if you need different end-of-call behavior.
  5. Click Save.

Step 4: Enable During-Call Spam Detection

  1. Turn on During the call.

  2. Review the spam instruction that GHL Customer Care adds to the Hangup prompt.

  3. Edit the injected spam instruction if needed.

  4. Confirm that the instructions clearly describe when the agent should end the call.

  5. Click Save.

The agent can then end calls when it detects clear sales-pitch, telemarketer, robocall, or other spam behavior.

Step 5: Enable After-Call Spam Analysis

  1. Turn on After the call.

  2. Review the additional spam-protection settings.

  3. Choose the number of spam-flagged calls required in Block threshold.

Completed inbound calls can then be analyzed for spam after they end.

Step 6: Configure the Block Threshold

  1. Use the - or + controls to set the threshold.

  2. Choose how many spam-flagged calls should be required before the caller is blocked.

  3. Remember that the release counts repeated spam flags within a 24-hour window.

When the threshold is reached, the caller is placed on inbound DND.

Step 7: Configure Email Notifications

  1. Under Notify on block, select Admin (default) if administrators should receive the notification.

  2. Select Custom Email to send the notification to other recipients.

  3. Enter any additional email addresses as needed.

  4. Click Save.

Step 7: Configure Email Notifications (image 8 of 8) What this shows Under Notify on block, select Admin (default) if administrators should receive the notification. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 7: Configure Email Notifications" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". This screenshot appears in the "Step 7: Configure Email Notifications" section of "How to Use Smart Call Ending & Spam Protection in Voice AI". The text alongside this image reads: Under Notify on block, select Admin (default) if administrators should receive the notification. Select Custom Email to send the notification to other recipients. Enter any additional email addresses as needed. Click Save. Immediately after, the guide continues: Save your changes. Test the Voice AI agent using the available testing tools. Confirm that normal calls end as expected. Verify that the Hangup prompt sounds appropriate. Review spam-handling behavior carefully before using the agent with…. Image 8 of 8 What to fill inUnder Notify on block, select Admin (default) if administrators should receive the notification. Select Custom Email to send the notification to other recipients. Enter any additional email addresses as needed. Click Save.
Buttons and menus referenced Notify on blockAdmin (default)Custom EmailSave
Next stepSave your changes. Test the Voice AI agent using the available testing tools. Confirm that normal calls end as expected. Verify that the Hangup prompt sounds appropriate. Review spam-handling behavior carefully before using the agent with live callers.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Under Notify on block, select Admin (default) if administrators should receive the notification.
  2. Select Custom Email to send the notification to other recipients.
  3. Enter any additional email addresses as needed.
  4. Click Save.

Step 8: Test the Agent

  1. Save your changes.

  2. Test the Voice AI agent using the available testing tools.

  3. Confirm that normal calls end as expected.

  4. Verify that the Hangup prompt sounds appropriate.

  5. Review spam-handling behavior carefully before using the agent with live callers.

For broader testing guidance, see Create, Test, and Deploy a Voice AI Agent.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to customize the Hangup prompt?
A: No. You can keep the tested default prompt if it already matches the way you want the agent to end calls.

Q: Can I enable only during-call spam detection?
A: Yes. The during-call and after-call options are separate, so you can enable only during-call detection if that is all you need.

Q: Can I use only after-call spam analysis?
A: Yes. You can enable after-call analysis without enabling during-call spam detection.

Q: What happens when a caller reaches the spam threshold?
A: GHL Customer Care places the caller on Do-Not-Disturb for inbound calls.

Q: Does the spam threshold count calls forever?
A: No. The release specifies that repeated spam flags are evaluated within a 24-hour window.

Q: Can I edit the spam-handling instructions?
A: Yes. The spam instruction injected into the Hangup prompt can be customized.

Q: Who receives the blocked-number notification?
A: You can configure notifications for the default admin recipients, custom email addresses, or both.

Q: Do I need a workflow to block repeat spam callers?
A: No. This Voice AI feature handles the automatic inbound DND behavior directly when the configured threshold is reached.

Q: Is this the same as GHL Customer Care's inbound call-rate protection?
A: No. Call-rate protection is a separate infrastructure-level safeguard. Smart Call Ending & Spam Caller Protection evaluates caller behavior and spam outcomes within Voice AI.

Q: Does this feature guarantee that every spam caller will be detected?
A: No. Spam detection evaluates caller behavior, so the agent should be configured and tested carefully to avoid disconnecting legitimate or uncertain callers.


Was this guide helpful?

Related guides