How to Block Scam Calls on Your AT&T iPhone

Scam calls are a persistent nuisance for iPhone users, often leading to unwanted interruptions and potential security risks. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to block these calls on your AT&T iPhone.

What Built-in Features Can Help Block Scam Calls?

Silence Unknown Callers

iOS offers a feature called "Silence Unknown Callers," which sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. To enable this:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

This feature helps reduce interruptions from unknown numbers, though it may also silence calls from legitimate sources not saved in your contacts. (makeuseof.com)

Call Blocking and Identification

iOS also allows you to block specific numbers:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the Recents tab.
3. Tap the information icon ("i") next to the number you want to block.
4. Scroll down and select Block this Caller.

This method is effective for blocking known scam numbers but requires manual input. (makeuseof.com)

How Can AT&T's ActiveArmor Help Block Scam Calls?

AT&T offers a service called ActiveArmor, which provides advanced call protection features:

• Fraud Blocking: Automatically blocks calls identified as potential fraud.
• Spam Alerts: Notifies you of suspected spam calls.
• Personal Block List: Allows you to manually block specific numbers.

To activate ActiveArmor:

1. Download the AT&T ActiveArmor app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
3. Enable the desired features, such as Fraud Blocking and Spam Alerts.

ActiveArmor is free for AT&T customers and offers an extra layer of protection against scam calls. (techbuzz.att.com)

Are There Third-Party Apps to Block Scam Calls?

Yes, several third-party apps can help identify and block scam calls:

• Truecaller: Identifies unknown calls and blocks spam.
• Hiya: Provides caller ID and blocks spam calls.

To use these apps:

1. Download the app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions.
3. Enable call blocking and identification features.

These apps maintain databases of known scam numbers and can effectively reduce unwanted calls. (makeuseof.com)

How Can I Report Scam Calls to AT&T?

Reporting scam calls helps AT&T improve its blocking services:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the Recents tab.
3. Tap the information icon ("i") next to the suspicious number.
4. Scroll down and select Report as Spam.

This action notifies AT&T of potential scam numbers, aiding in the enhancement of their call protection services. (about.att.com)

What Are the Limitations of These Methods?

While these features and apps are effective, they may not block all scam calls. Some legitimate calls from unknown numbers might be missed, and scammers may use different numbers to bypass filters. Regularly updating your iOS and any call-blocking apps can help maintain optimal protection.

By utilizing these built-in features and services, you can significantly reduce the number of scam calls on your AT&T iPhone, enhancing your overall mobile experience.