Phone scams are a persistent threat, but with the right tools and practices, you can protect your family from these intrusions on your Verizon iPhone. Here's how:
What Built-in Features Can Help Block Spam Calls on My iPhone?
Your iPhone offers several features to help block unwanted calls:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. To activate it:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Select Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.
This method effectively blocks many spam calls but may also send legitimate calls to voicemail.
How Does Verizon's Call Filter Enhance Call Screening?
Verizon's Call Filter app provides advanced call screening:
- Spam Detection: Alerts you to potential spam, robocalls, or fraud.
- Spam Filter: Automatically blocks high-risk spam calls, forwarding them to voicemail.
- Spam and Blocked Call Log: Keeps a record of identified spam or blocked calls.
- Allow Numbers: Lets you add specific numbers to ensure they aren't blocked.
- Report Spam: Helps improve detection accuracy by reporting missed spam calls.
To install the app:
- Visit the App Store.
- Download and install the app.
Verizon's Call Filter is free for standard monthly and prepaid plan customers with compatible devices. An upgrade to Call Filter Plus ($3.99/month per line) offers additional features like Caller ID and personal block lists. (community.verizon.com)
What Is Verizon Protect and How Does It Safeguard My Family?
Verizon Protect is a comprehensive security app designed to enhance your digital safety:
- Safe Browsing: Protects against malicious websites and phishing attempts.
- Device Scan: Checks for the latest system software updates and security settings.
- Wi-Fi Scan: Analyzes Wi-Fi networks for potential security vulnerabilities.
With a subscription to Digital Secure Premium, you gain:
- Secure VPN: Encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address for increased privacy.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Alerts you if your personal information is found on the dark web.
To install Verizon Protect:
- Visit the App Store.
- Download and install the app.
Verizon Protect is free, with premium features available through subscription. (apps.apple.com)
How Can I Report and Block Spam Calls on My Verizon iPhone?
To report and block spam calls:
- Open the Call Filter app.
- Navigate to the Spam & Blocked tab.
- Select the call you wish to report.
- Tap Report as Spam.
This action helps improve Verizon's spam detection accuracy. (community.verizon.com)
What Additional Steps Can I Take to Protect My Family from Phone Scams?
- Educate Your Family: Teach them to recognize and avoid suspicious calls and messages.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: This can reduce unsolicited calls.
- Regularly Update Your iPhone: Ensure your device has the latest security updates.
By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of phone scams affecting your family on your Verizon iPhone.
Highlights:
- I haven't answered a scam call in months - this hidden iPhone feature is why, Published on Wednesday, March 18
