Protecting Your Family from Phone Scams on Your AT&T iPhone

Phone scams are a persistent threat, especially for families who may not be aware of the latest tactics used by scammers. Fortunately, your AT&T iPhone offers several tools and features to help protect against these unwanted calls.

How Can I Block Unwanted Calls on My iPhone?

Your iPhone provides built-in features to block specific numbers and silence unknown callers:

• Block Specific Numbers:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Recents tab.
3. Find the number you want to block.
4. Tap the info icon next to the number.
5. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

• Silence Unknown Callers:

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

This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions, sending them directly to voicemail. (support.apple.com)

What Is AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security?

AT&T offers ActiveArmor Mobile Security, a service designed to block fraud and spam calls:

• Fraud Call Blocking: Automatically blocks calls from known fraudsters.
• Spam Call Alerts: Provides alerts on suspected spam calls.
• Personal Block List: Allows you to manually block specific numbers.

To activate ActiveArmor, download the app from the App Store and follow the setup instructions. (att.com)

How Can I Report Unwanted Calls to AT&T?

If you're receiving persistent unwanted calls, you can report them to AT&T:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the Recents tab.
3. Find the number you want to report.
4. Tap the info icon next to the number.
5. Scroll down and tap Report.

This helps AT&T monitor and block known spam numbers. (att.com)

Are There Third-Party Apps to Block Spam Calls?

Yes, several third-party apps can enhance your iPhone's ability to block spam calls:

• Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls and messages.
• Hiya: Provides real-time spam detection and blocking.

After installing one of these apps, ensure you grant the necessary permissions for call blocking and identification. (macrumors.com)

How Can I Add My Number to the Do Not Call Registry?

Registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce telemarketing calls:

1. Visit DoNotCall.gov.
2. Click on Register.
3. Enter your phone number and email address.
4. Confirm your registration via email.

This service is free and helps minimize unsolicited calls. (akastage-www.att.com)

What Are Star Codes, and How Can They Help Block Unwanted Calls?

Star codes are special codes you can dial to activate certain features on your phone:

• Call Blocking: Press *60 to activate call blocking. To block a specific number, press #, dial the 10-digit number, and press # to confirm.
• Caller ID Blocking: Press *67 before dialing a number to block your caller ID for that call.

For a comprehensive list of star codes, visit AT&T's support page. (akastage-www.att.com)

How Can I Unblock a Number on My iPhone?

To unblock a number:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Tap Blocked Contacts.
3. Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.
4. Tap the red minus icon next to the contact you want to unblock.
5. Tap Unblock.

This will remove the number from your blocked list. (support.apple.com)

By utilizing these features and services, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls and protect your family from potential scams.