Scam Likely Calls and How to Block Them

Norman Dale15 hours ago

0 4 5 minutes read

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Phone scams are a growing problem, with “Scam Likely” warnings appearing on millions of phones daily. These calls, often from fraudsters, aim to steal money or personal information. According to a 2022 robocall report, over one billion scam robocalls flood the U.S. monthly, causing financial losses and identity theft. Understanding scam likely calls and learning how to block scam likely calls is critical to staying safe. This article explains what these calls are, why they happen, and practical steps to stop them using reliable tools and strategies.

Scammers use advanced tactics, and their calls can slip through even the best defenses. By exploring official data and actionable tips, this guide aims to empower you to protect yourself. Let’s explore how scam likely warnings work and what you can do to stay secure.

What Are Scam Likely Calls?

Scam Likely calls are incoming calls flagged by your phone carrier as potential spam or fraud. Carriers like T-Mobile display “Scam Likely,” while AT&T uses “Spam Risk,” and Verizon or US Cellular shows “Potential Spam” (FCC). These warnings come from advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and call pattern analysis. Carriers also use STIR/SHAKEN protocols to verify caller identities and detect spoofed numbers.

These calls often come from scammers, telemarketers, or robocallers trying to deceive you. The FBI’s 2023 IC3 Report notes that impersonation scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2023. Ignoring these calls is the safest option unless you’re sure they’re legitimate. For Spanish-speaking users, carriers may label these as scam likely en español, such as “Riesgo de Estafa” on AT&T.

The risks include financial loss, identity theft, or reputational damage. Knowing how carriers identify these calls helps you stay cautious and take action to block them.

Why Do You Receive Scam Likely Calls?

You may get scam likely calls because scammers have your phone number. They often find numbers through data breaches, leaks, or public sources. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports over 249 million numbers were registered with the Do Not Call Registry in 2023, yet scams persist. Numbers are also harvested from:

Online directories and people-search sites.
Social media profiles or phishing attacks.
Random dialing or spoofed website forms.

Scammers target vulnerable groups, exploiting trust to steal money or data. For example, they may pose as trusted organizations to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Services like identity protection can monitor for data exposure and alert you (FTC Consumer Advice). Understanding these sources helps you take steps to limit your exposure and stop scam likely calls.

If you’re getting more of these calls, a recent data breach might be the cause. Checking for compromised information and securing your accounts is a smart move.

Why Might Your Calls Be Flagged as Scam Likely?

Sometimes, your own number might be flagged as scam likely, causing confusion. Carriers use AI and user reports to detect suspicious activity, like short calls or rapid dialing (FCC). Your number could be flagged if:

You make many short calls or redial the same number repeatedly.
Others report your number as spam or send it to voicemail often.
Scammers spoof your number, failing STIR/SHAKEN protocols.
Your carrier has outdated caller ID data.

This can frustrate legitimate callers, as their calls may be blocked. The FBI notes spoofing is a common tactic used by scammers to disguise their identity. If your number is flagged, contact your carrier to investigate and update their records.

Resolving this issue quickly ensures your calls aren’t mistakenly blocked. Regularly updating your carrier’s caller ID information can prevent future problems.

Types of Scam Likely Calls

Scam likely calls come in various forms, each with unique risks. Understanding these types helps you stay vigilant:

Legal Robocalls: These are automated calls for charities, political campaigns, or health reminders. They’re legal but often flagged due to misuse (FTC). They can still be annoying.
Illegal Robocalls: Fraudulent automated calls trick you into sharing personal info or money. In 2024, the FTC banned AI-generated voice robocalls after a rise in scams (FTC News).
Telemarketing: Unsolicited sales calls, legal only with consent. A 2020 case saw scammers steal $300 million through fake magazine subscriptions (FTC Enforcement).
Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as government agencies or tech support, costing $1.3 billion in 2023 (FBI IC3 Report).

Each type requires caution. Recognizing their tactics, like high-pressure demands, helps you avoid falling victim.

How to Identify Scam Likely Calls

Spotting scam likely calls goes beyond carrier warnings. Look for these red flags:

Unknown Numbers: Calls from unsaved numbers are risky.
Unexpected Area Codes: Be cautious of unfamiliar or international codes.
Local Number Spoofing: Scammers use your area code to seem familiar (FCC).
Strange Greetings: Odd or robotic voices signal a scam.

Never share personal or financial details over the phone. Legitimate organizations, like the IRS, don’t demand payment via unsolicited calls (IRS). If a caller pressures you, hang up immediately.

Verifying callers through official channels, like a company’s website, is crucial. Staying alert to these signs reduces your risk of being scammed.

How to Block Scam Likely Calls

Blocking scam likely calls is a key defense. Here’s how to do it on your phone:

On iPhone

Open Phone app, go to Recents.
Tap “i” next to the scam number, select Block Caller, then confirm.
To block unknown calls: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers (Apple Support).

On Android

Open Phone app, go to Recents.
Tap the number, select “i,” then Block.
Enable spam filters: Settings > Caller ID & Spam Protection (Google Support).

Carrier Tools

Carriers offer free tools like T-Mobile’s Scam Shield or Verizon’s Call Filter (FCC). These block suspicious calls automatically.

Third-Party Apps

Apps like Truecaller or Nomorobo provide advanced filtering (FTC Consumer Advice). They identify and block spam effectively.

Do Not Call Registry

Using these methods together strengthens your protection against scam likely calls.

Additional Tips to Stop Scam Likely Calls

To further stop scam likely calls, try these steps:

Ignore Unknown Numbers: Let voicemails verify legitimacy.
Remove Data from Brokers: Opt out from sites like Whitepages (FTC).
Set Voicemail Passwords: Prevent voice spoofing scams.
Report Scams: File complaints at ftc.gov/complaint.
Use AI Tools: Services like Scamio analyze suspicious calls or texts.

Identity protection services monitor data breaches and alert you to exposures (FTC Consumer Advice). Warn friends if your number is spoofed to prevent further scams.

Combining these strategies reduces your risk. Staying proactive keeps scammers at bay.

Conclusion

Scam Likely calls are a serious threat, costing billions annually (FBI). By understanding their tactics and using tools like carrier filters, apps, and the Do Not Call Registry, you can block scam likely calls effectively. No method is foolproof, but combining multiple defenses minimizes risks.

Stay vigilant, avoid sharing personal info, and report scams to the FTC. Protect your number with identity monitoring services and keep your carrier’s records updated. Taking these steps ensures you stay one step ahead of scammers.