With telemarketing calls and scammers increasingly targeting mobile phone users, many carriers and third parties have developed tools to flag suspicious numbers.

They use an algorithm to verify phone numbers against a database of known fraudulent or deceptive numbers. It looks for specific traits, such as many robocalls originating from the number or a history of complaints about it.

Turn Off Caller ID

Caller ID is a feature that allows you to view the phone number and name of incoming calls. It’s an invaluable tool for businesses using the service, as it can help them ensure they communicate with the right people.

However, there are times when caller ID can be misleading or even spoofing. This is especially true with Internet calling, which makes it easier for spammers to camouflage their numbers.

Some carriers have created scam ID technology that automatically labels a potentially dangerous caller as “Scam Likely.” This helps prevent customers from answering unwanted calls.

You can take your security one step further by turning on a feature that will block all “Scam Likely” calls from reaching your phone. Just dial a short numeric code into your phone’s Phone app to turn this on and stop all marked scam-likely calls from reaching your device.

You may have to wait a few weeks for this information to get updated from different phone carriers’ CNAM (calling name) databases. You can check for updates by tapping the CNAM box in your iPhone’s Settings.

While marked scam likely calls can be irritating, they’re also an indication that someone is using a shady marketing technique to try and get you to do something you don’t want to do. That’s why you should always treat your incoming phone calls cautiously and take them seriously, whether from your friends or a scammer!

Block the Number

You may wonder why do phone numbers come up as “scam likely”; it means the phone number is on a list of known scam numbers. The carrier or a third-party app does this.

The robocalling problem is a significant concern for wireless carriers and third parties, and they have created tools to identify and block these calls. These tools are based on the FCC’s STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Secure Handling of Asserted Information using toKENs) standards set in 2018.

When you get a call from a number flagged as “Scam Likely,” you should immediately block the number. It’s an easy step to take and can save you from headaches and frustration.

You can do this from your smartphone, and most smartphones have a way to do it quickly. For instance, iPhone users can open the Settings app, then scroll down to Blocked numbers. Android users can open the Phone app, then tap Recent calls.

Lastly, a scam block feature can prevent all calls with this label from reaching your phone; this can help you avoid frustration and potential loss of business.

The only downside is that unblocking the number can take a long time. It’s worth doing so if you often receive this call, though.

Ask Your Customers to Save Your Number

If you’re a business that uses the phone to connect with customers, you may have noticed that some calls appear marked as “scam likely” on your caller ID. This is caused by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) putting pressure on cell carriers to identify and flag potential spam and scam calls.

This process can be a nuisance, especially for centers that connect with potential customers over the phone. It can cause your answer rate to plummet and prevent you from delivering on your promises to your customers.

To protect your center from this, ask your customers to save your number. This can be done by asking them to put your number into their phone contacts or providing a business card they can save for future reference.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party spam blocker that automatically blocks marked scam-likely calls. You can also ensure that robocalling systems do not spoof your numbers.

Most scam calls are generated by telemarketing companies that falsify their caller IDs to look like a live human call. These robocalls are often designed to catch the attention of call recipients and get them to hand over their personal information to scammers.

Change Your Number

If you want to protect yourself from marked scam likely calls, it is essential to change your number. You might want to do this for many reasons, including if you have received many spam calls and texts or if someone has been stalking you by phone.

Changing your number isn’t as difficult as it seems, but it does take time. For example, if you have a landline, it can take four hours before the change becomes official. If you have a cell phone, the process can be even faster.

When you change your number, notify all of your contacts that you have done so. It would help if you also told them how they could verify your new number.

The FCC has strict robocall laws, but some robocalls try to break them. For example, they may ask for your bank account information or claim to be from the IRS, telling you to settle an outstanding tax bill.

These calls are considered scams but can be scary for vulnerable people, such as young children or elderly adults. If they suspect a scammer is contacting them, they should hang up the phone and report it to the FTC.

If you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you can use a short numeric code to block calls from a marked scam likely number entirely. This is a great way to prevent scams from ruining your customer experience and leading to lost leads.