PHONE PEACE > PHONE PANIC
PRINCIPLES
- Default = Ignore. Unknown = unimportant until proven otherwise.
- Verify on your terms. You start the call. You open the app.
- Privacy > Convenience. Fewer leaks, fewer scams.
- Attention is currency. Don’t spend it on strangers.
60‑SECOND SETUP (DO THIS NOW)
iPhone
- Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers ON.
- Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown Senders ON.
Android (Phone by Google / Pixel)
- Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & Spam ON.
- Optional: Call Screen for unknowns.
Carrier Shields (free tiers exist)
- Verizon: Call Filter
- AT&T: ActiveArmor
- T‑Mobile: Scam Shield (dial #662# to enable Scam Block)
Bonus Calm Mode
- Allow calls only from Contacts (iOS Focus / Android Do Not Disturb).
TEXTS: THE ZERO‑DRAMA METHOD
- Unknown link? Don’t tap. Delete.
- Suspicious text? Forward to 7726 (SPAM).
- “STOP” only to legit short‑codes you opted into.
- Family safety hack: Create a code word for real emergencies.
CALLS: THE QUIET POWER MOVE
- Unknown number? Let it ring. Voicemail is your bouncer.
- Never “press 1 to remove.” That marks you as active.
- Threats, rush, fear? Hang up. Then call back via the official number on your card/app/website.
FORTIFY YOUR NUMBER (SET & FORGET)
- SIM‑Swap Armor: Add a port‑out PIN / SIM lock with your carrier.
- MFA Upgrade: Use authenticator app/passkeys, not SMS codes.
- Second Number: Use a public-facing number (Google Voice, etc.) for forms, listings, and signups.
- Data Diet: Opt out of major people‑search/data broker sites.
- Whitelist Life: Save real people to Contacts so your phone can filter the rest.
IF YOU SLIP (NO GUILT. JUST ACTION.)
- Pause. Close the page/app.
- Reset. Change the password for any account you touched; add app‑based MFA.
- Secure. Check your carrier account/PIN; enable port‑out protection.
- Report. Fraud to your bank + ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
- Move on. Lesson learned. You’re stronger now.
SCRIPTS (COPY/PASTE CONFIDENCE)
- Phone: “I don’t verify info by phone. I’ll call back using the number on my card.” Click.
- Text: No reply. Forward to 7726. Delete.
- Family: “What’s the code word?” (No code? No action.)
ONE‑PAGE CHECKLIST
- Silence unknown callers / Filter unknown texts
- Carrier spam protection ON
- Forward spam texts to 7726
- Do Not Call Registry (reduces legit telemarketing)
- Port‑out PIN / SIM lock set
- Authenticator app / passkeys enabled
- Secondary number for public use
- Opt‑outs from major data brokers
- Family emergency code word
MINDSET
- You’re not rude—you’re disciplined.
- You’re not paranoid—you’re prepared.
- Most “urgent” messages are not urgent. Breathe.
- Calm beats clever. Ignore first. Verify later.
You’ve got this. Minimal input, maximal peace. 📵✨