What is a “Scam likely” call?
A “Scam likely” call is an incoming call that your telecom or wireless provider has flagged as a potential spam or fraudulent call. “Scam likely” calls are similar to “Unknown caller” calls, but the distinction is that the former has been flagged as a potential source of spam calls. An “Unknown caller” tag simply means the incoming number isn’t saved in your contacts. It could still be a scammer’s phone number, but it could also be a legitimate call from a friend with a new number or a representative from an organization trying to reach you.
Why are calls flagged as “Scam likely?”
“Scam likely” calls are flagged as part of a larger effort by carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon to combat spam calls. Government agencies like the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also issue standards and regulations to reduce the amount of scam phone calls that customers receive, which all US telecom providers have to follow.
When a carrier detects an incoming call that shows signs of spam or fraud, it labels it as “Scam likely” on your caller ID. This labeling is based on various factors, including known spam numbers, call patterns, and other data. It helps you quickly identify potential scams and decide whether to block the number.
Types of “Scam likely” calls
“Scam likely” calls usually fall under one of three categories:
Government agency imposter calls
Government agency imposter calls attempt to impersonate agencies like the Social Security Administration or a federal court/office near you. The goal of these calls is to convince you to give up your personal information, which can then be used for other scams like identity theft or banking fraud.
Government agencies will never ask for personal or financial information from you. If a caller requests sensitive details, treat it as a red flag and make sure to check the caller’s legitimacy.
Unsolicited sales and annoying telemarketing calls
Telemarketer calls are from salespeople and other similar personnel, usually with the intent to convince you to make a purchase. These companies and individuals may get your number through mailing lists that you’ve signed up for in the past or by dialing numbers generated from a list that includes your contact information.
Robocalls and automated messages
Some robocalls, such as those for political donations and debt collection, can also be mistakenly classified as a “Scam likely” call due to the high volume of calls associated with their phone numbers. Unlike the previous two categories, these calls aren’t necessarily illegal, but they can be annoying and disruptive. In most cases, you can opt out of these calls by calling the organization or signing up for “do not call” lists. However, you must manually opt out with each organization to stop their calls.
How to block “Scam likely” calls
“Scam likely” phone numbers are usually flagged by phone carriers and are penalized to prevent further unwanted messages and calls. However, if you’re receiving frequent “Scam likely” calls, it’s best to take care of the problem yourself by blocking the number.
Here’s a quick guide on how to block unwanted calls on your smartphone.
How to block scam numbers on your iPhone
- 1.Go to the Phone app on your iPhone.
- 2.Choose the number that was flagged as “Scam likely,” usually found under the “Recents” list.
- 3.Tap the “i” next to the number, then select “Block caller.”
How to block scam numbers on your Android phone
- 1.Go to the Phone app on your Android phone.
- 2.Go to your call log under “Recents.”
- 3.Tap the information icon or the three vertical dots near the scammer’s number, then select “Block.”
How to spot a potential scam caller
The “Scam likely” label used by phone carriers is effective, but it isn’t foolproof. Scammers are continuously adjusting their tactics, and the phone numbers they use may occasionally evade detection.
To confirm whether an incoming call is a scam, check for these telltale signs:
- An unknown caller sending you a message
- Unexpected area codes or country codes in the caller ID
- Suspicious greetings or impersonations in text messages
What to do if you accidentally answer a scam call
If you accidentally pick up a scam call, the best course of action is to hang up immediately. This tactic is generally the safest response since most of these calls are designed to sell you a product or service or rope you into a scam.
Also, avoid giving personal information or talking to the caller. Doing so helps prevent scammers from using your voice in AI-generated schemes or confirming to scammers that your phone number is active, which could lead to more unwanted calls.
The key is to avoid engaging with these phone calls entirely because doing so only encourages scammers to keep calling or sending you messages.
More ways to stop scam calls
To protect yourself from scam calls, especially during the holidays or election season, follow these steps to safeguard your phone number and personal information.
Use the Do Not Call registry
If you’re in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call registry helps minimize telemarketing calls to your home or mobile number. Simply follow the steps on the website to register, and you should significantly reduce unwanted calls from telemarketers after 31 days.
If telemarketers continue to contact you after being registered, you can report the number, individual, and organization to the FTC.
Leverage your mobile carrier’s spam-blocking tools
T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon offer tools to help protect your number from scam calls. You can explore these tools if you want an additional layer of defense against scam calls.
- T-Mobile’s Scam Shield comes in free and premium versions. It includes features such as automatically directing scam calls to voicemail and displaying unknown callers’ information for easier blocking.
- Verizon’s Call Filter also allows you to screen potential scam calls and report unwanted numbers. The premium version gives you access to features like caller name ID and personal block lists to help you better manage blocked numbers.
- AT&T’s Phone Call Protect can be accessed from your AT&T account. This tool allows you to enjoy features like automatic fraud blocking and call validation. It also offers call blocking and call logs, making it easier to manage unknown callers.
Utilize third-party call-blocking applications
Several third-party services offer robocall blocking if you prefer an automated solution rather than manually opting out. Available on Android and iOS, these services work similarly to mobile carriers’ spam-blocking tools. Many also have premium features, such as scam and fraud alerts, that provide additional ways to help protect your phone from spam.
Explore other security solutions
In addition to call-blocking tools, other measures can help safeguard your personal information. Security solutions like NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ can prevent online trackers from following you around, reducing your online footprint.
Online security starts with a click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
