Protecting Your Parent from Phone Scams on Verizon iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Phone scams are a growing concern, especially for older adults who may be more susceptible to fraudulent calls and messages. If your parent uses a Verizon iPhone, there are several steps you can take to protect them from these scams.

What Are the Common Types of Phone Scams Targeting Verizon iPhone Users?

Phone scammers employ various tactics to deceive individuals, including:

• Robocalls: Automated calls that deliver pre-recorded messages, often promoting fraudulent services or products.
• Smishing: Phishing attempts via SMS, where scammers send fraudulent text messages to steal personal information.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate caller ID information to appear as legitimate entities, such as Verizon itself. (esus.verizon.com)

How Can Built-in iPhone Features Help Block Unwanted Calls and Texts?

Your parent's iPhone offers several built-in features to help block unwanted calls and texts:

• Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

• Filter Unknown Senders: This option separates messages from unknown senders into a separate list, reducing the risk of smishing. To activate it:

1. Open Settings > Messages.
2. Toggle on Filter Unknown Senders. (mcafee.com)

What Are Verizon's Call Filter and Call Filter Plus Services?

Verizon offers two services to help block spam and robocalls:

• Call Filter: A free service that identifies and blocks potential spam calls. It also allows users to report unwanted numbers. To activate it:

1. Download the Call Filter app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up. (verizon.com)

• Call Filter Plus: A premium service that provides additional features, including a spam risk meter and the ability to block robocalls.

How Can Third-Party Apps Enhance Scam Protection on an iPhone?

Third-party apps can offer enhanced protection against phone scams:

• Robokiller: An app that identifies and blocks spam calls and texts, providing real-time alerts and detailed reports.
• Hiya: An app that offers caller ID and call blocking features, identifying potential spam calls and providing user reports. (makeuseof.com)

What Additional Steps Can Be Taken to Safeguard Against Phone Scams?

Beyond using built-in features and apps, consider the following measures:

• Educate Your Parent: Discuss common scam tactics and encourage them to be cautious with unsolicited calls and messages.
• Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on important accounts to add an extra layer of security.
• Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

How Can Verizon's Account Security Features Provide Extra Protection?

Verizon offers several account security features to protect against unauthorized access:

• Number Lock: Prevents unauthorized transfers of your mobile number to another carrier. To activate it:

1. Log in to your My Verizon account.
2. Navigate to Account Settings > Security.
3. Select Number Lock and follow the prompts to enable it. (esus.verizon.com)

• SIM Protection: Blocks unauthorized changes to your SIM card. To enable it:

1. Access your My Verizon account.
2. Go to Account Settings > Security.
3. Choose SIM Protection and follow the instructions to activate it. (esus.verizon.com)

What Should Be Done if a Scam Is Suspected?

If your parent suspects they've been targeted by a scam:

1. Do Not Engage: Advise them not to respond to suspicious calls or messages.
2. Report the Incident: Contact Verizon's customer service to report the scam.
3. Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of phone scams affecting your parent on their Verizon iPhone.

Highlights:

• How to Block Spam Calls & Robocalls | Verizon