How to stop spam and scam calls
Turn on your phone’s own call screening, turn on your phone company’s free filter, and hang up on anyone who asks for money or personal details. Those three steps stop most of it, at no cost.
Nothing stops every scam call, because a scammer can show any number. Vicem is an AI that answers the calls that still get through.
Checked on October 6, 2026
How do I turn on the free protection?
On an iPhone: screen or silence unknown callers
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone. Tap Screen Unknown Callers and choose Ask Reason for Calling or Silence. To block one number: in Phone, tap Recents, tap the Info button next to the number, then Block Caller.
Apple support, Manage unknown callers on iPhoneApple support, Block phone numbers on iPhone
On a Pixel: turn on Call Screen
Open the Phone app, tap More, then Settings, then Spam and Call Screen (or Call Screen). Tap Call Screen and pick a protection level. Automatic screening works in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
On a Samsung Galaxy: turn on spam protection
Open the Phone app, tap More options (three dots), then Settings. Tap Caller ID and spam protection and turn it on. Then turn on Block spam and scam calls and choose how strict it is.
Turn on your phone company’s filter
Most phone companies block likely scam calls and label others, for example “Scam Likely”. AT&T includes ActiveArmor free with every wireless plan. Verizon includes Call Filter free on standard monthly and prepaid plans. T-Mobile has Scam Shield. The FCC links to step-by-step guides for each.
AT&T, ActiveArmorVerizon, Call Filter questionsFCC, Call Blocking Tools and Resources
When one gets through: hang up, don’t press anything
If a recording asks you to press a number to talk to someone or to be removed, don’t. It can lead to more calls. Hang up if anyone asks for money or personal information, and report the number at DoNotCall.gov.
FTC, Phone Scams (August 2023)FCC, Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts (reviewed February 27, 2026)
What still gets through?
- Abroad, your phone’s screening stops. Apple: “If you’re roaming, phone calls are not screened, regardless of settings.” Google: “Call Screen won’t screen calls automatically during roaming.”Apple support, Manage unknown callers on iPhoneGoogle support, Screen your calls before you answer them
- A call from a clean-looking number still rings through. The FTC: “Scammers can make any name or number show up on your caller ID.”FTC, Phone Scams (August 2023)
- A blocked call leaves no trace you can use. The FCC: you “may get no notice at all.” Real callers can be blocked too.FCC, Call Blocking Tools and Resources
What does Vicem do with the calls that get through?
Vicem is an AI that answers your phone when you can’t, on its own number.
- It answers the calls you miss and turns away scam calls.
- It always tells callers it’s an AI.
- Works when your phone is off.
- Asks you before anything important.
- Anyone can check what it did.
- Robocalls and silent calls we screen out in the first seconds never count against your minutes, nor do calls that fail on our side.
What do people ask?
How do I stop spam calls on my iPhone?
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone, then Screen Unknown Callers, and choose Ask Reason for Calling or Silence. Then turn on your phone company’s filter.
What does “Scam Likely” mean?
It’s a label your phone company shows when it thinks a call is a scam. You can let it ring out, or turn on your phone company’s blocking so those calls don’t ring at all.
Can I stop every scam call?
No. Scammers can make any number show up on your caller ID, so some calls always get through. Hang up on anyone who asks for money or personal details.
Should I press a number to be taken off the list?
No. The FTC says pressing a number can lead to more robocalls. Just hang up.