Tech expert shares important iPhone settings change that stops scammers
The feature that could be the difference between keeping your family safe and falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scam calls
We all know the feeling of accepting a call from an unknown number on a random afternoon and finding out we are magically owed thousands of pounds in compensation from an accident we never had.
Or that we need to divulge sensitive financial information to people we do not recognise on the other end of the phone. Sadly, scams are a prevalent issue in Scotland, and impact a large number of people across all age groups.
In the financial year spanning April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, Scottish residents reported around 1,300 fraud and scam complaints to the Financial Ombudsman, up more than a third from 950 complaints from the same period last year.
What's more, a report by Age Scotland found that over 100,000 older Scots are targeted, with 12 per cent of those targeted having responded to a scam call.
When scams do succeed, they can be devastating; wiping out savings, damaging credit, and leaving victims feeling violated and vulnerable. However, a solution may be in sight.
Tech expert OddsMonkey claim Apple's new Call Screening feature, available now for developers and coming to public beta next month, represents a significant leap forward in protecting users from fraudulent calls.
Building on the existing Live Voicemail functionality, it automatically gathers information from unknown callers before you even need to pick up.
When an unknown number calls, your iPhone will answer automatically and prompt the caller to state their name and reason for calling.
You'll see this information transcribed in real-time, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to accept or dismiss the call. All processing happens on-device, ensuring your privacy remains protected.
"This technology represents a fundamental shift in how we can protect consumers from increasingly sophisticated phone scams," says a spokesperson from tech software company OddsMonkey.
"The ability to screen calls before they reach the user creates a vital barrier against fraudsters who rely on catching people off-guard."
The feature will be particularly valuable for less tech-savvy family members who may be more susceptible to scam tactics.
"We're seeing scammers evolve their tactics constantly, using AI to create more convincing personas," the spokesperson added. "Apple's Call Screening essentially turns the tables, using technology to protect users rather than exploit them."
As mentioned, the timing couldn't be more crucial. A January survey commissioned by Hiya of 12,000 consumers across six countries found that a quarter of UK consumers received a deep fake voice call in the past year.
Of those who received a deep fake call, two in five had been scammed – a third losing money and another third giving away personal data.
Available as a free software update for iPhone 11 and later models, Call Screening should be your first stop in iOS 26's settings.
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