Racing to answer what looks like your bank calling about “suspicious activity”? That urgency you feel is exactly what scammers count on. Caller ID spoofing lets criminals fake any number on your screen—making their drain-your-account calls appear legitimate. In 2023, ID-spoofing scams cost global users ≈ $58 billion in losses.
While telecom companies deploy network defenses like STIR/SHAKEN protocols, your phone’s built-in settings provide the most reliable protection against these increasingly sophisticated attacks.
How Scammers Exploit Your Trust
Spoofed calls manipulate the caller ID to appear from banks, government agencies, or trusted businesses.
Scammers use Voice over IP technology to change the number you see, transforming their robbery attempt into an apparent call from Chase, the IRS, or even your local utility company. These fake calls aim to steal verification codes, login credentials, or convince you to transfer funds “for security.” Over 70 % of people say they’ve received at least one call in the past 3 months pretending to be someone else.
The deception works because your brain processes familiar numbers as trustworthy—the same psychological shortcut that makes phishing emails with company logos so effective. Spoofed calls contribute to billions in annual fraud losses, with victims typically losing thousands per incident.
Your Phone’s Scam-Blocking Arsenal
Three simple settings create an automatic filter against unknown callers.
Your smartphone includes powerful defenses that most people never activate. iPhone users can enable “Silence Unknown Callers” through Settings → Phone, automatically sending unfamiliar numbers straight to voicemail. About 28 % of incoming calls on iPhones are flagged as suspected spam or fraud calls.
Google Pixel owners get even stronger protection with Call Screen—found in Phone app settings—which uses Google Assistant to answer unknown calls, ask their purpose, and provide live transcripts so you decide whether to engage. Samsung and other Android phones offer “Block unknown callers” options in their Phone app settings, creating similar barriers.
These settings work because legitimate businesses typically leave detailed voicemails when reaching new contacts, while scammers rarely do. You’ll still receive the voicemail from your doctor’s office scheduling that appointment, but the “urgent” call demanding immediate action vanishes into digital silence.
Beyond Phone Settings
Additional habits strengthen your defense against sophisticated scam attempts.
Never share verification codes, PINs, or personal information with unsolicited callers—regardless of what number appears on your screen. When someone claims to represent your bank or a government agency, hang up and call back using the number from their official website or your account statements.
Enable any spam filtering features your carrier offers, such as Verizon Call Filter or AT&T Call Protect, as these use crowd-sourced intelligence to identify emerging threats.
Your phone’s security settings aren’t perfect, but they eliminate most scam calls before they reach your ears—and your bank account.
