How to Block Scam Calls and Texts on iPhone (Better Than a VPN)
Many people install VPN apps hoping they’ll block scam calls or texts — but that’s a myth.
A VPN encrypts your internet data, not your phone line.
Here’s how to actually stop scam calls and phishing texts on your iPhone.
1️⃣ Silence Unknown Callers
Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers → ON.
All calls from numbers not saved in your contacts are automatically silenced.
The phone won’t ring, but missed calls will still appear in your call log.
This is the simplest and most effective built-in protection.
However, genuine first-time callers (like couriers or hospitals) will also be silenced.
2️⃣ Filter Unknown Senders (for SMS & iMessage)
Go to Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown Senders → ON.
Messages from people not in your contacts will be placed in a separate “Unknown Senders” tab.
It keeps scam links or promotional messages out of your main inbox.
3️⃣ Use Spam-Blocking Apps (Truecaller or Hiya)
Install Truecaller or
Hiya from the App Store.
Then go to Settings → Phone → Call Blocking & Identification and toggle them ON.
- Truecaller: Free basic version shows spam alerts. Premium (NZ$3–5/month) removes ads and updates caller ID in real time.
- Hiya: Similar service with Premium around NZ$4–6/month.
- Free alternative: Use iPhone’s built-in filters plus carrier protection below.
4️⃣ Enable Your Carrier’s Scam-Blocking Feature
- 2degrees: Scam and phishing call filtering is built in.
More info. - Spark: Free Call Protect automatically blocks known scam numbers.
- One NZ (Vodafone): Spam Guard filters suspicious calls automatically.
These carrier filters are free and require no app installation.
They detect scam calls at the network level before they reach your phone.
5️⃣ Understand What VPNs Actually Do
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your location and encrypts your internet traffic — useful for Wi-Fi safety.
But it doesn’t filter phone calls or block spam texts.
Use VPNs for online privacy, not for scam prevention.
✅ Quick Summary
| Feature | Where to Find It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Silence Unknown Callers | Settings → Phone | Free |
| Filter Unknown Senders | Settings → Messages | Free |
| Truecaller / Hiya | App Store → Settings → Phone | NZ$3–6/month (optional) |
| Carrier Spam Filter | 2degrees / Spark / One NZ | Free |
| VPN | Settings → General → VPN | Varies (optional) |