How To Help a Parent Set Up Scam-Call Blocking
Step-by-step guidance for setting up call-blocking tools on a parent's phone or landline to reduce unwanted scam calls.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Scam calls are one of the most common ways older adults are targeted, and they can be distressing even when not acted upon. Setting up call-blocking is one of the most practical protective steps a family member can take — and most options are free and take less than ten minutes.
Understand what is available
The right call-blocking approach depends heavily on whether your parent uses a smartphone, a basic mobile, or a landline, since the tools differ significantly between them. Smartphones can use built-in spam-call filtering plus a dedicated call-blocking app, most landline providers offer a call-screening or nuisance-call service that can often be activated with a single phone call to the provider, and a physical call-blocking device can sit between the phone and the wall socket for parents who aren't comfortable with apps or settings menus at all. Before choosing, ask your parent how the calls are actually reaching them — many scam landline calls come through despite being on a do-not-call register, so active blocking is usually needed for real reduction.
- Mobiles: built-in spam-call labels (Android and iPhone), third-party apps (e.g. Hiya, Truecaller), and network-level scam filters
- Landlines: BT Call Protect (UK), nomorobo (US), and dedicated handsets with call-blocking built in
- Telephone Preference Service (TPS in UK) / Do Not Call Registry (US) — reduces legitimate marketing calls
- Ask the mobile network provider about their free scam-call filter service
Set it up together
Do the setup as a joint activity rather than something done to their phone while they're out of the room, since understanding what changed matters as much as the change itself. Walk through what will happen when a call is blocked — some services silently reject the call, others let it ring once then disconnect, some send it to a distinct voicemail — so your parent isn't confused or worried the first time it happens. Test it together if possible, and write down in large print any steps they'd need to take themselves, such as how to unblock a number flagged in error, so they aren't stuck waiting for you next time something needs adjusting.
- Walk through enabling the built-in spam filter on their phone settings
- Install and configure any third-party app together, explaining what 'suspected spam' labels mean
- Register their number with the TPS / Do Not Call Registry
- Write down what to do if a suspicious call still gets through
Set expectations and maintain trust
Be honest that call-blocking reduces the volume of scam calls significantly but doesn't stop every one — scammers use spoofed and constantly rotating numbers, so some will always get through the filters. This matters because a parent who believes they're now completely protected may let their guard down on the calls that do slip through, which can be more dangerous than no blocking at all. Frame it as one layer of protection alongside habits that still matter most: not trusting caller ID, hanging up on unexpected money calls, and calling back on a known number to verify. The goal is a parent who feels calmer and more capable, not one who has quietly outsourced all their vigilance to software.
- Explain that some scam calls may still get through — the filter is a first layer, not a guarantee
- Reassure them that real callers from known numbers will not be blocked
- Agree a rule: if a call asks for money or personal details, hang up and call you
- Check in every few months to see if the setup still feels right
Conversation script
“I've been reading about how many scam calls are going around — would it be OK if I helped set up a call-blocker on your phone? It only takes a few minutes.”
“It won't block calls from people you know — it just flags or stops the obvious nuisance ones.”
“Let's also register your number with the Telephone Preference Service so fewer sales calls come through.”
Frequently asked questions
Will call blocking stop calls from family or the GP surgery?
No. Call-blocking services filter numbers flagged as spam or unknown. Calls from saved contacts and recognised local numbers pass through normally. You can also whitelist specific numbers.
Is the Telephone Preference Service free?
Yes, registration with the TPS (UK) and the Do Not Call Registry (US) is completely free. It takes effect within 28 days and reduces marketing calls from legitimate companies.