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Scam calls work because they catch you in the moment. Your phone rings, the number looks familiar, and the caller sounds urgent. Before you know it, you’re answering questions, confirming details, or listening to a fake warning about your bank account, package delivery, computer, or taxes. One simple way to lower that risk is to stop unknown callers from interrupting you in the first place.

That’s where your phone’s Do Not Disturb, Silence Unknown Callers, or call screening features can help.

Why silencing unknown callers helps prevent scams

Most phone scams start with an unexpected call. The scammer may spoof a local number, pretend to be from a trusted company, or use pressure tactics to get you to act quickly. If the call goes straight to voicemail, you get time to think before responding.

That pause matters. Scammers want a live conversation because it lets them push emotional buttons — fear, urgency, curiosity, or excitement. Sending unknown callers to voicemail removes that pressure and gives you control.

The problem is widespread. The FTC reported that the National Do Not Call Registry had about 258.5 million active registrations as of September 30, 2025, and robocalls continued to make up most Do Not Call violation complaints. The FTC also listed calls about debt reduction, imposters, and medical or prescription issues among the most frequently reported call topics in FY 2025.

How to turn on call filtering on iPhone

Apple gives iPhone users several ways to manage unknown callers. According to Apple Support, you can silence unknown callers so calls from numbers not saved in your contacts are sent to voicemail. Apple also recommends adding important numbers — such as family, your child’s school, or your doctor’s office — to Contacts so those calls still come through.

To manage unknown callers on iPhone:

• Open Settings
• Tap Apps
• Tap Phone
• Find Screen Unknown Callers
• Choose the option that best fits your needs, such as Silence or a call screening option if available on your device

Apple notes that unknown calls can be silenced and sent to voicemail, and missed calls or voicemails from unknown numbers can be moved to an Unknown Callers list when filtering is enabled.

How Android users can reduce unwanted calls

Android settings vary by phone model and carrier, but many Android phones include spam protection, caller ID features, or options to block unknown numbers. Some Android devices using Google’s Phone app include caller ID and spam protection tools that can help identify suspected spam before you answer.

Look in your phone app settings for options such as:

• Caller ID and spam protection
• Block unknown numbers
• Call screening
• Do Not Disturb
• Allow calls from contacts only

If you use Do Not Disturb, set it so calls from saved contacts can still ring while unknown numbers stay quiet.

Don’t forget your voicemail

This strategy only works if you check voicemail regularly. A real caller — like a doctor’s office, school, delivery service, or business contact — may leave a message if they can’t reach you.

Make these habits part of your routine:

• Empty your voicemail inbox so important callers can leave messages.
• Listen before calling back and verify the caller’s identity.
• Never call back using a number provided in a suspicious voicemail.
• Look up the official number yourself if the message claims to be from your bank, insurance company, or government agency.
• Save trusted numbers in your contacts so they can bypass call filtering.

You don’t need to answer every call to stay reachable. Turning on Do Not Disturb or unknown caller filtering helps stop scammers from catching you off guard. Let unknown callers go to voicemail, review messages on your terms, and only call back after you verify the source. It’s a simple phone setting that can protect your privacy, your money, and your peace of mind.

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