Scam calls are a persistent nuisance in the United States, with consumers receiving billions of unwanted calls annually. To combat this issue, two primary solutions have emerged: carrier-provided call filtering services and third-party applications like TextKiller. Understanding the effectiveness of each can help consumers make informed decisions about their call protection.
What Are Carrier Call Filtering Services?
Major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer built-in call filtering services designed to identify and block scam calls. These services operate at the network level, analyzing incoming calls against databases of known spam numbers and using algorithms to detect suspicious patterns. For instance, Verizon's Call Filter service screens incoming calls to alert users if a number may be spam, a robocall, or fraud. (verizon.com)
How Does TextKiller Work?
TextKiller is a third-party application available exclusively for iOS devices. It focuses on blocking spam text messages, or "smishing," by comparing incoming texts to an ever-growing database of known fraudulent messages. If a received text resembles one from its database, TextKiller automatically blocks it. Users can also filter messages into categories such as transactional, promotional, and junk. (makeuseof.com)
Effectiveness of Carrier Call Filtering Services
Studies have evaluated the performance of carrier call filtering services. A 2018 study by Mind Commerce found that Verizon's Enhanced Caller Name ID service accurately identified problem numbers 93.6% of the time, T-Mobile's Scam ID at 90.1%, and AT&T's Call Protect at 86.9%. (rcrwireless.com) These services are effective at blocking known scam numbers but may struggle with new or spoofed numbers.
Limitations of Carrier Call Filtering
While carrier call filtering services are beneficial, they have limitations. They may not block all unwanted calls, especially those from new or spoofed numbers. Additionally, some legitimate calls might be mistakenly flagged as spam. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) acknowledges that current call-blocking technologies cannot block 100% of unwanted calls. (ftc.gov)
Effectiveness of TextKiller
TextKiller's focus on SMS messages makes it a specialized tool for combating smishing. Its database-driven approach allows it to block a significant portion of spam texts. However, its effectiveness is limited to text messages and does not extend to voice calls.
Limitations of TextKiller
TextKiller is only available for iOS devices, limiting its accessibility. Its functionality is also restricted to SMS messages, leaving voice calls unprotected. Furthermore, the app requires a subscription after a seven-day free trial, which may be a consideration for some users. (makeuseof.com)
Combining Carrier Call Filtering with Third-Party Apps
For comprehensive protection against scam calls, combining carrier call filtering services with third-party applications like TextKiller can be effective. Carrier services can block known scam numbers, while apps like TextKiller can address SMS-based scams. This multi-layered approach enhances overall security.
Conclusion
Carrier call filtering services and TextKiller each offer unique benefits in the fight against scam calls. Carrier services provide network-level protection against known scam numbers but may have limitations with new or spoofed numbers. TextKiller offers specialized protection against SMS-based scams but is limited to iOS devices and text messages. For optimal protection, users should consider integrating both solutions to address the various facets of scam calls.
Highlights:
- Carrier call-blocking services effective at identifying robocalls, study finds | RCR Wireless, Published on Thursday, August 02
- You Can Prevent Smishing Scams With These Features and Tricks, Published on Sunday, November 17
- Avoid unwanted calls with Verizon Call Filter FAQs | Verizon Support
