# Why does ScamShield need access to my contacts, make and manage phone calls, and send and view SMS? The ScamShield app does not filter calls or messages from a contact saved on your phone. It only requires access to your contacts to be able to identify an unknown contact should they try to contact you. Likewise, the ScamShield app requires access to send and view messages to be able to spot and filter scam SMSes from unknown contacts. ScamShield does not read SMSes sent by your contacts. To better understand how we protect your privacy, please check our [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy-policy.md). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guide.scamshield.gov.sg/resources/help-center/your-privacy/why-does-scamshield-need-access-to-my-contacts-make-and-manage-phone-calls-and-send-and-view-sms.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.