With 28% of incoming calls suspected to be spam or fraud, iPhone users need effective ways to screen calls and avoid wasting time on unwanted conversations. Fortunately, there are several methods to combat spam calls, including built-in iPhone features and third-party app solutions.

One of the simplest ways to manage incoming calls is to flag calls from numbers that aren't in your contacts list. By enabling the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature in iOS, you can send unknown callers straight to voicemail, reducing the likelihood of answering a spam call. Additionally, if your carrier supports it, you can enable "Call Blocking & Identification" to identify unknown numbers and match them to companies, as well as silence known junk callers.

Another useful feature is Live Voicemail, which transcribes audio onscreen in real-time, allowing you to decide whether to answer a call. You can also use Live Voicemail with anyone, not just suspected fraudsters and scammers. If you want to join the call while the message is being left, tap Accept. To hear messages and read transcripts after a call has ended, head to the Voicemail tab in the Phone app.

Blocking numbers is also a straightforward process on an iPhone. By blocking a recent caller from the Phone app, you can ensure you're not bothered by them again. You can find a list of numbers you've blocked by heading to the main iOS Settings screen and choosing Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Numbers can be unblocked from here if needed, and you can add new ones to the list as well.

Third-party apps can also provide additional features to combat spam calls. Truecaller, for example, checks incoming calls against its database of millions of bad actors, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to pick up. While the live ID check is a premium feature, you can look up numbers manually for free, and the app also comes with free SMS/MMS filtering tools. Another option is Call Blocker, which checks numbers on incoming calls and warns you if they're associated with fraudulent activities or spam. With a premium plan, you can automatically block suspicious numbers as they come in.

It's also worth checking with your carrier, as they may have a call spam filtering app available that you can use. AT&T has ActiveArmor, Verizon has Call Filter, and T-Mobile has ScamShield, for example. Be sure to check the features and costs associated with your carrier's app.

In conclusion, iPhone users have several options to combat spam and fraud calls, from built-in features to third-party app solutions. By taking advantage of these tools, you can reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive and make your iPhone experience more efficient and secure.