With scam calls on the rise across the region, a local office is sharing a simple iPhone tutorial that can dramatically reduce unwanted calls — and in some cases, stop them altogether. The procedure involves enabling a set of built-in iPhone features designed to screen unknown callers before the phone ever rings.

According to the tutorial, once the settings are activated, any incoming call from a number not saved in the user’s contacts will be automatically intercepted. Instead of ringing through, the caller will hear an automated prompt asking for their name and reason for calling. The iPhone user can then listen to the caller’s response in real time and decide whether to answer, ignore, or decline the call entirely.

Calls and voicemails from unsaved numbers are also neatly organized in a separate “Unknown Callers” folder, keeping the main call log free of clutter and making it easier to distinguish legitimate contacts from potential spam.

While one of the optional steps in the process may not be perfect for everyone, the office strongly recommends enabling the Screen Unknown Callers feature, which they say has made an immediate difference. Several staff members report that after turning it on, their scam calls completely stopped.

Officials hope the tutorial will help residents protect themselves from fraudulent calls, phishing attempts, and unwanted solicitations — issues that continue to target smartphone users statewide.

A full step-by-step guide is available for iPhone users who want to tighten their call security and take back control of their incoming calls.

Thank you to Dy. Mark Pierce, Public Information Officer at DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for sharing this information on social media.