How to Set Up Call Screening for Elderly Parents — Protect Them From Scam Calls
If your elderly parent keeps getting scam calls, you can set up call screening on their phone in under ten minutes. This guide covers iPhone Silence Unknown Callers, Android call screening, carrier-level blocking tools, and third-party apps that work specifically well for seniors who are not tech-savvy.
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Set Up Protection in Under 10 Minutes
Call Screening Blocks Most Scam Calls Automatically
You can set up call screening on your parent's phone in under ten minutes. This single step prevents the majority of phone scam attempts from ever reaching them.
Note: This guide covers phone scams, not email. If your parent received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For phone scams, report to the FTC — see all reporting agencies.
If your elderly parent keeps getting scam calls, you can significantly reduce them by setting up call screening. This guide covers the most effective options for both iPhone and Android, plus carrier tools.
For iPhone Users
Silence Unknown Callers (Most Effective)
- Open Settings
- Scroll to Phone
- Tap Silence Unknown Callers
- Toggle it on
This sends calls from numbers not in contacts straight to voicemail. Legitimate callers leave messages. This is the single most effective setting for protecting seniors.
Important: Before enabling this, add all important contacts to the phone — doctor, pharmacy, bank, family members, friends, church, etc.
For Android Users
Enable Google Spam Filter
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu
- Go to Settings > Caller ID & spam
- Toggle on both options
Use Do Not Disturb (For Maximum Protection)
- Open Settings > Sound & vibration
- Tap Do Not Disturb
- Under Calls, select Contacts only
Carrier-Level Blocking (Both Platforms)
Download your parent's carrier's free spam-blocking app:
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield
- AT&T: ActiveArmor
- Verizon: Call Filter
These filter known scam numbers before they ring.
Additional Tips for Seniors
- Add all important contacts first before enabling call screening
- Check voicemail together during your first visit after setup to make sure no important calls were missed
- Set up visual voicemail so your parent can see who called without dialing in
- Create a family code word for emergency calls — if someone calls claiming to be family, they should know the code word
- Write down the steps for your parent in case they need to temporarily disable screening
What To Do
- Add all important contacts to the phone before enabling screening
- Enable Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone) or Google spam filter (Android)
- Download the carrier's free spam-blocking app
- Create a family code word for verifying emergency calls
- Check in after setup to make sure no important calls are being missed
Report Scam Calls
Sources
- Apple Support — Manage unknown callers on iPhone
- Google Support — Use caller ID & spam protection
- FTC — Do Not Call Registry