Scam-Proof Your Parent's Phone in 20 Minutes

Most scams that reach an older adult arrive the same way: through their phone. A call from a “government agency.” A text about an unpaid toll. A pop-up warning that their computer is infected. Scammers just need a way to get in.

The good news? A few simple, free phone settings can help stop unwanted calls and messages before they reach your loved one. They take about 20 minutes to set up and won’t get in the way of everyday phone use.

Set them up together, explaining what each setting does and why. It’s an easy way to build safer digital habits, and start a conversation about financial safety.

Menu names below may differ slightly depending on the phone model and software version. If a setting isn't where we say it is, searching the Settings app for its name will usually take you right to it.

Step 1: Send unknown callers to voicemail (3 minutes)

Many phone scams start with an unexpected call. Sending unknown or suspected spam callers to voicemail can stop the conversation before it starts, while legitimate callers can still leave a message. 

On iPhone: Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers → Silence. Calls from unsaved numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail, but will still appear in your call history. 

On Android: Open the Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam → turn on Filter spam calls. This filters calls Google identifies as spam; exact settings may vary by device. 
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Before you make this change, add important numbers like family, doctors, the pharmacy and other trusted contacts to the phone’s Contacts. This helps make sure the calls that matter get through. 

Step 2: Filter suspicious texts (3 minutes)

Fake delivery notices. Unpaid toll alerts. A message asking, “Is this you in this photo?” Scam texts are designed to create urgency and get you to click or respond. 

On iPhone: Open Messages → Filters → Manage Filtering → turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Messages from unknown senders will be separated from your main conversations, and links can’t be opened until the sender is marked as known or added to Contacts. 

On Android with Google Messages: Open Google Messages → tap your profile picture → Messages settings → Spam protection → make sure it’s turned on. Google Messages can identify suspected spam and hide it in the “Spam & blocked” folder. 
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If an unexpected text asks about money, a package or an account, don’t click the link or use the number provided. Instead, contact the company directly using its official app, website or a trusted phone number.

Step 3: Block pop-ups and dangerous websites (4 minutes)

Fake virus warnings are designed to scare you into clicking a link or calling a “support” number. A few browser settings can help block pop-ups and warn you about potentially dangerous websites. 

On iPhone (Safari): Settings → Apps → Safari → turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning. Apple recommends both settings to help avoid unwanted pop-ups and suspected phishing sites 

On Android (Chrome): Open Chrome → three-dot menu → Settings → Site settings → Pop-ups and redirects → make sure they’re blocked. Then go to Settings → Privacy and security → Safe Browsing and make sure Standard or Enhanced protection is on. 
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If a scary warning says your device is infected, don’t click a link or call the number it provides. Close the page or browser instead. 

Step 4: Review app permissions (5 minutes)

Apps can have access to sensitive information like your contacts, location, photos and microphone. Taking a few minutes to review those permissions can help limit unnecessary access. 

On iPhone: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security. Review categories like Contacts, Location Services, Microphone and Photos. For each app, ask: Does this app need this information to work? If not, turn off the permission. You can always change it again later. 

On Android: Go to Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager. Review each permission and remove access that doesn't make sense for the app. Menu names may vary slightly by device.

Step 5: Turn on automatic updates and scam call protection (5 minutes)

Software updates include important security fixes, so keeping your phone and apps up to date is an easy way to stay better protected. 

On iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates → turn on Automatically Install. 

On Android: Go to Settings → System → Software update to check for system updates. For apps, open the Google Play Store → profile picture → Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update apps. Menus may vary by device. 

Major carriers offer free tools that can identify or block suspected scam and spam calls, including AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield. Check your carrier’s app or account to make sure its free scam protection is enabled. 

The 20-minute checklist

1. Silence unknown callers and save important numbers like doctors, pharmacies and family to Contacts.
2. Filter suspicious texts and remind your loved one not to click links or respond to unexpected messages about money, packages or accounts.
3. Block pop-ups and enable fraud warnings and remind your loved one to close unexpected alerts rather than click or call. 
4. Review app permissions and remove access to contacts, location, photos or the microphone when an app doesn’t need it. 
5. Turn on automatic updates and scam call protection to keep security protections current and help reduce unwanted calls. 

Do it this weekend. Bring coffee. It's one of the highest-return 20 minutes a financial caregiver can spend.

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