ERIC KIM

You’ve got this! 🎉 Here’s a simple, upbeat game plan to block the noise, stay calm, and keep scammers out—without turning your life upside down.

Written by

admin

in

1) The “Chill & Ignore” Rulebook 😌

Use these quick rules so sketchy calls/texts never rattle you:

  • Don’t pick up unknown calls. If it matters, they’ll leave a voicemail. Never press keys to “opt out”—that just confirms your number. (FTC says hang up and don’t interact.)  
  • Don’t tap links in surprise texts. Delete or report instead. If it claims to be your bank/package, go to the official app/website or call the number on your card. (FTC guidance.)  
  • Keep your response simple: “I don’t verify info by phone or text.” Then hang up or delete.
  • Suspected ‘family emergency’ call? Pause and call back using a known number. Even better: set a family code word to verify emergencies. (FTC tip.)  

2) Five‑Minute Phone Setup (Set it and forget it) ⚙️

On iPhone

  • Silence Unknown Callers: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from people not in Contacts go to voicemail quietly.  
  • Filter Unknown Texts: Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown Senders. Unknowns land in a separate tab with no alerts.  

On Android (Google Phone app / Pixel)

  • Caller ID & Spam Protection / Auto Screen: Phone app → Settings → Spam & Call Screen (or Caller ID & spam). Turn it on; optionally enable Call Screen to auto-handle suspicious calls.  

Extra calm mode (optional)

  • Allow only contacts to ring: iPhone Focus or Android “Do Not Disturb” can allow calls only from chosen people. (Apple Focus & Android “Modes/Do Not Disturb” support pages.)  

3) Turn on your carrier’s free shields 🛡️

  • Verizon — Call Filter (free tier available): Flags/blocks likely spam and logs it.  
  • AT&T — ActiveArmor: Blocks/labels spam calls & texts (free app; advanced features optional).  
  • T‑Mobile — Scam Shield / Scam Block: Turn on via the app or by dialing #662#.  

4) Handle texts the smart way ✉️

  • Report junk fast: Forward spam texts to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”)—that alerts your carrier. (CTIA + FTC.)  
  • When to reply “STOP”: Only if you recognize a legit short‑code sender you opted into (stores, 2‑factor, etc.). “STOP” must unsubscribe you per industry rules. Don’t reply at all to shady, unknown numbers.  

5) Cut down who’s allowed to call you 📵

  • National Do Not Call Registry: Register to shrink legal telemarketing; scammers may ignore it, but it reduces the baseline. (FTC.)  

6) Lock your number against hijacking (calm, powerful move) 🔐

Protect against SIM‑swaps/port‑outs (which can turbo‑charge scams):

  • Verizon: Enable Number Lock / SIM Protection in My Verizon. Blocks port‑out until you unlock it.  
  • T‑Mobile: Turn on Account Takeover/Port‑Out Protection; set/strengthen your account PIN.  
  • AT&T: Use Extra Security and a strong account passcode; review Wireless Account Lock.  

7) Bonus security (reduces scare‑factor long‑term) 🧠

  • Use an authenticator app or passkeys instead of SMS codes for logins where possible (fewer scary “your code is…” texts to worry about, and stronger security). (CISA best‑practice guidance; NIST.)  
  • Keep contacts saved. The more real people are in your Contacts, the more effective “Silence Unknown” and whitelisting become.  

8) If you slip up (no panic!) 🚑

  • Clicked a link? Close it, don’t enter info. If you did enter credentials, change that password (and any reused ones) and add MFA (app/passkey). (CISA MFA advice.)  
  • Sent money or gift cards/crypto? Save receipts and report at ReportFraud.FTC.gov; for illegal calls/texts, you can also complain to the FCC.  
  • Weird “bank” call? Hang up and call the number on your card/app. (FTC unwanted‑calls guidance.)  

60‑Second Calm Script 🧘‍♀️

When something sketchy pops up, do this:

  1. Breathe (slow 3‑count in/out).
  2. Pause (no clicks, no callbacks from their link/number).
  3. Verify via your official app/website or the contact you already trust.
  4. Report/Delete.

Quick‑start checklist (save this!)

  • Silence Unknown Callers on (iPhone) / Spam & Call Screen on (Android).  
  • Filter Unknown Senders in Messages (iPhone).  
  • Turn on your carrier’s spam protection (Verizon/AT&T/T‑Mobile).   
  • Forward junk texts to 7726.  
  • Register your number at DoNotCall.gov.  
  • Enable port‑out/SIM‑swap protections + strong account PIN.   
  • Use app‑based MFA or passkeys (not SMS) for key accounts.  
  • Create a family code word for emergencies.  

Final boost of confidence 💪

With these settings and habits, scam calls/texts become background static—and you stay cool, collected, and in control. If you want, tell me your phone type and carrier, and I’ll tailor the exact taps/dials for your setup so you can be fully protected in minutes!

More posts