How to Avoid and Block Scam Calls on Android and iPhone: Complete Number Blocking Guide (2026)

Author: Ahmed Waleed
Business: BluTech
Address: Garden Town, Multan
Published Date: July 30, 2026
Last Updated: July 30, 2026

Introduction

Scam calls have become increasingly common, targeting people with fake prize offers, banking scams, delivery fraud, and impersonation schemes. These calls can waste your time, compromise your personal information, or even lead to financial loss.

Fortunately, both Android phones and iPhones include built-in tools to block unwanted callers and reduce spam. In this guide, you'll learn how to identify scam calls, block suspicious numbers, and protect yourself from phone fraud.

What Are Scam Calls?

Scam calls are fraudulent phone calls made to trick people into revealing personal information, sending money, or installing malicious software.

Common scam calls include:

• Fake bank representatives

• Prize or lottery scams

• Fake courier or delivery services

• Tax or government impersonation

• Technical support scams

• Investment and cryptocurrency scams

• Loan approval scams

• SIM verification scams

If a caller pressures you to act immediately or asks for passwords, OTPs, PINs, or banking details, treat it as suspicious.

Warning Signs of Scam Calls

Watch out for these red flags:

• Unknown international numbers

• Calls requesting OTPs or verification codes

• Urgent threats about your bank account

• Requests for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency

• Promises of prizes you never entered to win

• Callers asking for remote access to your phone or computer

• Robotic or prerecorded messages

Never share sensitive information unless you've independently verified the caller's identity.

How to Block Scam Calls on iPhone

Method 1: Block a Specific Number

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap Recents.

3. Find the unwanted number.

4. Tap the ⓘ (Info) button.

5. Scroll down.

6. Tap Block this Caller.

7. Confirm by tapping Block Contact.

The blocked number will no longer be able to call, message, or FaceTime you.

Method 2: Silence Unknown Callers

To reduce spam from unfamiliar numbers:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Apps > Phone (or Phone, depending on your iOS version).

3. Select Silence Unknown Callers.

4. Turn it On.

Unknown callers will be sent directly to voicemail while calls from your contacts, recent outgoing calls, and Siri Suggestions will continue to ring.

How to Block Scam Calls on Android

The steps may vary slightly depending on the phone brand.

Method 1: Block an Individual Number

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Go to Recent Calls.

3. Tap the unwanted number.

4. Tap Block or Block/Report Spam.

5. Confirm your choice.

Method 2: Enable Spam Protection

Many Android phones include built-in spam detection.

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap the three-dot menu.

3. Select Settings.

4. Tap Caller ID & Spam or Spam Protection.

5. Enable spam detection and caller identification.

This helps identify suspected spam calls before you answer.

Use Caller Identification Apps

If your phone doesn't identify spam calls effectively, consider trusted caller identification apps that can help detect unknown numbers and community-reported spam.

Before installing any app, review its privacy policy and permissions to ensure you're comfortable with the data it accesses.

Never Share These Details Over the Phone

Even if a caller sounds convincing, never reveal:

• Banking passwords

• ATM PINs

• Debit or credit card CVV numbers

• One-Time Passwords (OTPs)

• Online banking login credentials

• National identification details unless you're certain of the recipient

• Email account passwords

Legitimate banks and government agencies generally do not ask for passwords or OTPs over the phone.

What to Do If You Answer a Scam Call

If you realize the call is fraudulent:

1. Hang up immediately.

2. Do not engage in conversation.

3. Block the number.

4. Report the number if your phone offers that option.

5. Change passwords if you disclosed sensitive information.

6. Contact your bank immediately if financial details were shared.

Acting quickly can reduce the risk of fraud.

Tips to Avoid Scam Calls

• Don't answer unknown numbers unless you're expecting a call.

• Let suspicious calls go to voicemail.

• Avoid calling back missed international numbers you don't recognize.

• Keep your phone's operating system updated.

• Enable spam protection features.

• Be cautious about sharing your phone number publicly.

• Never click suspicious links sent by unknown callers through SMS or messaging apps.

Keep Your Phone Secure

A secure phone helps reduce the risk of scams.

Helpful practices include:

• Use a strong screen lock.

• Enable biometric authentication if available.

• Keep apps updated.

• Install apps only from official app stores.

• Back up important data regularly.

Reliable charging cables, power banks, and phone cases can also help keep your device ready for emergencies. BluTech offers a range of mobile accessories designed for everyday smartphone users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can blocked numbers still leave voicemail?

This depends on your phone carrier and device. On many phones, blocked callers cannot ring your device, but voicemail handling may vary by carrier.

Will blocking a number stop scam text messages?

Blocking a number usually prevents future calls and texts from that specific number, but scammers often use different numbers.

Is "Silence Unknown Callers" safe to use?

Yes. It's useful for reducing spam calls, but you may miss calls from legitimate people who aren't in your contacts.

Why do scammers keep calling from different numbers?

Many scammers use number spoofing or rotate through multiple phone numbers, making it difficult to block them all individually.

Should I answer a call just to tell them to stop?

Generally, no. Simply end the call and block the number if it's clearly a scam.

Final Thoughts

Scam calls are becoming more sophisticated, but your smartphone includes effective tools to help protect you. By blocking suspicious numbers, enabling spam protection, silencing unknown callers, and staying alert for common warning signs, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and protect your personal information.

Take a few minutes today to review your phone's security settings and teach family members—especially older adults—how to recognize common phone scams. A little awareness goes a long way toward staying safe.