Receiving 'Scam Likely' calls can be a significant nuisance, especially for families seeking to maintain uninterrupted communication. These calls are typically flagged by your carrier as potential scams, often using caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate. Implementing a combination of built-in phone features, carrier-specific tools, and reputable third-party applications can effectively reduce these unwanted interruptions.
What Are 'Scam Likely' Calls and Why Do They Occur?
'Scam Likely' calls are those identified by your mobile carrier as potential scams. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to disguise their true identity, making it challenging to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent calls. While the National Do Not Call Registry helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers, it does not block scam calls. (consumer.ftc.gov)
How Can Built-In Phone Features Help Block Scam Calls?
Both iPhone and Android devices offer native features to help block or silence scam calls:
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iPhone: Enable the 'Silence Unknown Callers' feature by navigating to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. (malwarebytes.com)
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Android: Activate spam protection by opening the Phone app, going to Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and enabling 'See caller and spam ID' and 'Filter spam calls.' This will warn you about scam likely numbers automatically. (malwarebytes.com)
What Carrier Services Are Available to Block Scam Calls?
Major U.S. carriers provide services to help block scam calls:
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T-Mobile: Offers Scam Shield, which includes Scam Block to prevent scam calls from reaching your phone. Activate it by dialing #662# or through the Scam Shield app. (t-mobile.com)
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AT&T: Provides Call Protect, which automatically blocks fraud and flags spam. You can activate it through your AT&T account. (consumerreports.org)
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Verizon: Offers Call Filter, which screens and auto-blocks incoming spam based on risk level. Activate it via the Verizon app or your account. (consumerreports.org)
How Do Third-Party Apps Assist in Blocking Scam Calls?
Third-party apps can enhance your ability to block scam calls:
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RoboKiller: Identifies and blocks scam calls using a database of known scammers. It also offers features like answering spam calls with pre-recorded messages to waste the scammer's time.
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Hiya: Provides real-time alerts about potential spam calls and offers a community-based approach to identifying scammers.
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Truecaller: Maintains a large database of known spam numbers and offers features like call blocking and spam identification.
These apps often require a subscription and may request access to your contacts. (consumer.ftc.gov)
What Additional Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Scam Calls?
Beyond technological solutions, consider the following:
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Do Not Engage: Avoid answering or interacting with 'Scam Likely' calls. Engaging can confirm your number is active, leading to more spam. (consumer.ftc.gov)
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Report Unwanted Calls: Report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities track and dismantle scam networks. (consumer.ftc.gov)
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Regularly Review Call Logs: Periodically check your call logs and voicemail to ensure important calls are not missed.
How Effective Are These Methods in Reducing Scam Calls?
Implementing a combination of these strategies can significantly reduce the number of scam calls received. While no solution is entirely foolproof, using multiple layers of protection increases the likelihood of minimizing unwanted calls. (kiplinger.com)
By proactively utilizing these tools and practices, you can enhance your family's phone security and reduce the intrusion of scam calls.
