How to block spam and scam calls on a parent's phone
Simple settings for iPhone, Android and landlines that cut down on scam calls reaching your parent.
Scam calls often target older adults. You can't stop every one, but a few settings make a big difference.
iPhone
- Silence unknown callers: Settings → Apps → Phone (on older versions, Settings → Phone). Under call filtering, turn on silencing for unknown callers. Calls from numbers not in Contacts go to voicemail.
- Turn on spam filtering in the same area if your iPhone shows it.
- Block a number: in the Phone app, tap the ⓘ next to a call, then Block Caller.
- Add family and doctors to Contacts first, so their calls still ring through.
Android
Settings differ by brand, but most phones have:
- Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam (Google Phone) or Block numbers (Samsung).
- Turn on filtering of spam calls.
- Block unknown or private numbers if available.
Landline
- Ask the phone company what free call-blocking options it offers.
- Register the number on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. It won't stop scammers (who ignore the rules), but it cuts legitimate telemarketing so scam calls stand out.
Teach the 3 rules
- If you don't know the number, let it go to voicemail.
- Real banks and government agencies won't demand payment by gift card, wire or crypto.
- When in doubt, hang up and call me.
For more, see the FTC's guide How To Block Unwanted Calls and our voice-clone scam plan.
Last checked: October 20, 2026