Are there any additional steps to protect my family from scam calls?

Register with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, educate your family about the risks of scam calls, and report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

How to Prevent Scam Calls on Your Family's Phone

Scam calls are a persistent nuisance, especially for families who may not be familiar with the latest call-blocking technologies. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to prevent these unwanted interruptions.

What Are Scam Calls and Why Are They a Problem?

Scam calls, also known as robocalls or spam calls, are unsolicited communications from unknown or untrustworthy sources. They often aim to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making financial transactions. These calls can be disruptive and pose significant privacy and security risks.

How Can I Block Scam Calls on My Family's Phone?

1. Utilize Built-in Phone Features

For iPhone Users:

Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. To activate it:
Go to Settings > Phone.
Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

For Android Users:

Caller ID & Spam Protection: Many Android devices offer built-in spam protection. To enable it:
Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings.
Navigate to Caller ID & Spam and toggle on Filter spam calls.

2. Download Call-Blocking Apps

Third-party applications can provide enhanced protection by identifying and blocking known scam numbers. Popular options include:

RoboKiller: Recognized for its comprehensive database of scam numbers and effective blocking capabilities.
Hiya: Offers real-time alerts and automatic blocking of spam calls.
Truecaller: Provides caller identification and spam blocking features.

These apps often require a subscription but can significantly reduce unwanted calls.

3. Activate Carrier Services

Many mobile carriers offer services to help block scam calls:

T-Mobile: Offers the Scam Shield app, which provides features like Scam Block and Scam ID. To activate:
Download the Scam Shield app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign in with your T-Mobile account.
Enable Scam Block within the app.

For other carriers, visit their official websites or contact customer service to inquire about available call-blocking services.

Are There Any Additional Steps to Protect My Family?

1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

While this won't block scam calls, registering your number can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. To register:

Visit the National Do Not Call Registry.
Follow the instructions to add your number.

2. Educate Your Family

Ensure that all family members understand the risks associated with scam calls and know how to handle them. Encourage them to avoid sharing personal information over the phone and to report suspicious calls.

3. Report Scam Calls

Reporting scam calls can help authorities track and combat fraudulent activities. You can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of scam calls your family receives, enhancing both safety and peace of mind.