Phone scams are a pervasive issue, with millions of Americans falling victim each year. For AT&T iPhone users, there are several built-in features and third-party solutions available to help protect your family from these fraudulent calls.
What Built-in Features Does My iPhone Offer to Block Spam Calls?
Your iPhone comes equipped with several features designed to help block unwanted calls:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions. To activate it:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
While effective, this may also silence calls from unknown but important contacts. (techradar.com)
- Call Screening in iOS 26: Introduced in iOS 26, this feature prompts unknown callers to state their name and purpose before the call reaches you. To enable it:
- Navigate to Settings > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers.
- Choose Ask Reason for Calling.
This allows you to decide whether to answer or decline the call based on the caller's response. (apnews.com)
How Can AT&T ActiveArmor Enhance My iPhone's Call Blocking Capabilities?
AT&T ActiveArmor® Mobile Security is a free app that offers advanced call protection features:
- Auto Fraud Risk Call Blocking: Automatically blocks calls from likely fraudsters.
- Spam Call Labeling & Blocking: Identifies and blocks spam calls.
- My Block List: Allows you to manually block specific numbers.
To install:
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up call blocking.
This app is specifically designed to work seamlessly with AT&T services, providing a tailored solution for iPhone users. (apps.apple.com)
Are There Third-Party Apps That Can Help Block Spam Calls on My iPhone?
Yes, several third-party apps can assist in blocking spam calls:
- Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls and messages.
- Nomorobo: Blocks robocalls and telemarketers.
These apps require access to your contacts and call logs to function effectively. While they offer additional layers of protection, it's essential to review their privacy policies to understand how your data is used.
How Can I Report Unwanted Calls to AT&T?
Reporting unwanted calls helps AT&T improve its services:
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to the Recents tab.
- Tap the information icon (i) next to the number.
- Select Block this Caller.
Additionally, you can report spam calls to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at DoNotCall.gov.
What Are Some Best Practices to Protect My Family from Phone Scams?
- Educate Your Family: Inform all family members about the risks of phone scams and the importance of not sharing personal information over the phone.
- Regularly Update Your iPhone: Ensure your device is running the latest iOS version to benefit from the newest security features.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your Apple ID and other accounts with strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
By combining these built-in features, AT&T's ActiveArmor Mobile Security, and best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of phone scams affecting your family.
Highlights:
- One Tech Tip: Annoyed by junk calls to your iPhone? Try the new iOS 26 call screen feature, Published on Wednesday, October 08
- Call Screening in iOS 26 has finally ended my spam call nightmare - here's how to set it up, Published on Thursday, September 25
- iOS 26 call screening promises to keep spam callers at bay - here's how to set it up, Published on Wednesday, July 09
