Scam calls and texts avoid

{{whyLabel}}: This is the most effective way to stop 90% of automated AI-driven robocalls before they even ring.

{{howLabel}}:

• On iOS: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it ON.
• On Android: Open the Phone app > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Enable 'Filter spam calls'.
• This forces unknown numbers to voicemail, where you can review them without the pressure of a live conversation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Unknown callers are automatically sent to voicemail.

{{whyLabel}}: In 2026, SIM-swapping and number porting are common; hackers can intercept SMS codes to hijack your accounts.

{{howLabel}}:

• Download a generic 'Authenticator' app (e.g., an open-source or reputable free version).
• Log into your banking, email, and social media accounts.
• Change security settings from 'Text Message/SMS' to 'App-based' or 'Passkey'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All critical accounts use app-based codes or passkeys instead of SMS.

{{whyLabel}}: This prevents scammers from 'stealing' your phone number by pretending to be you and moving it to their device.

{{howLabel}}:

• Contact your mobile service provider's customer service or use their official app.
• Request a 'Port-Out PIN' or 'Transfer PIN' and a 'SIM Lock'.
• Ensure this PIN is unique and not shared with anyone.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A secondary PIN is required to move your phone number to a new carrier.

{{whyLabel}}: Scammers now use 3-second clips of your loved ones' voices from social media to create perfect clones for 'emergency' calls.

{{howLabel}}:

• Listen for 'Urgency, Secrecy, and Isolation'—if they say 'Don't tell anyone' or 'I need money NOW', it's a red flag.
• Watch for 'odd gaps' in conversation; AI often struggles with spontaneous interruptions or off-script questions.
• Note the payment method: Real agencies or family never demand Gift Cards, Crypto, or Wire Transfers.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You can list the 3 main psychological triggers of a vishing call.

{{whyLabel}}: These are long-term scams where attackers build trust over weeks using AI chatbots before stealing life savings.

{{howLabel}}:

• Be wary of 'wrong number' texts that turn into friendly conversations on WhatsApp or Telegram.
• Identify the pivot: If a new online friend mentions 'guaranteed' crypto returns or a 'special' trading platform, block them immediately.
• Never download 'Remote Access' apps suggested by someone you haven't met in person.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have blocked any unknown 'wrong number' contacts that try to engage in small talk.

{{whyLabel}}: Text scams now use RCS and iMessage to appear more 'official' with high-res logos and 'Verified' badges.

{{howLabel}}:

• Treat all 'Unpaid Toll', 'Missed Delivery', or 'Account Suspended' texts as fake by default.
• Never click the link in the text; instead, go directly to the official website or app (e.g., USPS.com or your bank's app).
• Forward suspicious texts to '7726' (SPAM) to report them to your carrier.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have successfully forwarded a spam text to 7726.

{{whyLabel}}: Since voices can be cloned, a pre-shared secret word is the only way to verify a loved one in a real crisis.

{{howLabel}}:

• Choose a simple, memorable word or phrase that isn't on social media (e.g., 'Blue Penguin').
• Instruct family: 'If I ever call from a weird number saying I'm in trouble, I will say the code word. If I don't, hang up.'
• Practice this once to ensure everyone remembers it.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All immediate family members know and have memorized the code word.

{{whyLabel}}: Caller ID can be spoofed to look like your bank, the police, or a government agency.

{{howLabel}}:

• If a caller claims to be from an official institution, tell them: 'I will call you back through the official number.'
• Hang up immediately.
• Find the official number on the back of your credit card or the official website and dial it yourself.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have saved your bank's official fraud department number in your contacts.

{{whyLabel}}: Scams evolve; your defenses must be updated regularly to stay effective.

{{howLabel}}:

• Set a recurring calendar invite for the 1st of every month.
• Check 'HaveIBeenPwned' to see if your phone or email was in a recent data leak.
• Update your phone's OS to ensure the latest anti-spam patches are active.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring monthly calendar event is created.

{{whyLabel}}: If you are scammed, the first 30 minutes are critical to stopping financial loss.

{{howLabel}}:

• Create a note or physical list with: 1. Your Bank's Fraud Line, 2. Local Police non-emergency, 3. National Fraud Reporting Center (e.g., FTC/FCC in US, Action Fraud in UK).
• Include steps to 'Freeze Credit' with major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A physical or digital 'In Case of Scam' list is ready.