Your phone may have a caller ID that lets you know who is calling. Sometimes, however, you may see a “scam most likely” message instead of your phone’s caller identification. This will let you know who is calling and how to stop them.
Let’s look at the “scam most probably” calls to understand why this function works.
What’s a “Scam Likely?”?
T-Mobile customers get a message that says “Scam Likely” This is part of T-Mobile’s “Scam Shield” feature, which works to prevent scam calls from its network.
This message is the default setting for the company.
TMobile’s network inspects all calls to customers’ phones against a list of known scam numbers. These scam calls impersonate government agencies and demand payment with gift certificates or other annoying robocalls
Scam ID works on the network level. Scam ID works at the network level. This means you’ll see “Scam Likely” regardless if your phone is an iPhone, Android, or a basic smartphone. T-Mobile’s Scam Shield App for Android and iPhone can be downloaded for additional control.
Can I trust scam likely calls?
It is possible to see “Scam Likely” which may be a fake call. There is no perfect automated filter.
Do not answer unknown calls. Avoid being rushed and don’t answer any calls.
How to stop “scam-like” calls
TMobile offers a “Scam Block” option to those who receive a lot of “Scam Likely” phone calls. This allows you to block calls marked as such and has them automatically blocked so they don’t reach your cell phone.
You can opt into Scam Block by opening your phone’s dialer app.
It’s possible to do this in other ways. Download the Scam Shield app for free from TMobile. For more information, go to TMobile’s Scam Shield webpage.
Additional TMobile Scam Shield features
T-Mobile customers have access to anti-spam tools. To get a proxy phone number, you can apply for DIGITS. This allows you to keep your real number private while still allowing others access to you.
If you receive too many spam calls, you can change your number for free once a year.
How can you identify scam calls from other carriers
Despite the warning about “Scam Likely”, what if you don’t use T–Mobile, Metro, or Sprint? The STIR/SHAKEN standard was implemented by US carriers overtime on their networks.
This protocol allows carriers to combat caller ID spoofing.
Providers can display a “Call verified” message on your phone to confirm that it wasn’t spoofed.
Scam Calls From Verizon, AT&T, and Other Companies
AT&T customers have the option to download AT&T Call Protect for iPhone or Android. This will give you spam and fraud-blocking capabilities. To provide more protection, an optional subscription is offered (which you won’t probably need).
If you are a Verizon customer, you’re eligible for the free Call Filter service.
Other carriers should offer similar services.
How can you block scam calls from Android and iPhone
Do not be alarmed if scam calls are made despite the free services. Both Android and iOS can block and detect scam calls.
Blocking Scam Calls from Android
You will be notified of suspected spammers by the stock Android Phone app.
Open the app and tap the three dots button at the top-right. Confirm that this option has been enabled. Next, click Settings. Enable the See caller and spam ID slider to identify spam callers.
Turn on Verified Calls to block spam calls completely.
You have two options: block unwanted calls from your Android or to use a third-party app.
How to block and filter scam calls from iPhone
Tap Recents in the Phone app on your iPhone. This will display all the people who called you. Tap the I icon next to a spam number. Scroll down to tap Block this Caller.
To filter calls from unknown numbers to your iPhone’s voicemail, you can turn off the sound and send them to voicemail.
This is a very useful option. Sometimes, unknown numbers call legitimately. An urgent call from someone calling from a friend’s cell phone could be
This feature allows you call numbers you’ve called in recent times and allows Siri Suggestions calls. You can call the number listed in an email signature even if it’s not in your contacts.
If you get a lot of spam, this should be disabled. You may miss important calls if you don’t enable this.
Stop “scam” calls
Preventing “Scam Likely Calls” from happening is the best way to protect your mobile number.
Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. While it doesn’t stop all calls, it filters out junk telemarketing and other junk.
Be careful where you give out your number. This is something you most likely don’t want.
It is a good idea to think twice before sharing your phone number online.
“Scam Likely” No Longer!
We’ve taken a look at scam-like phone calls and what you can do about them. There is no cost to block these calls.
Call spam doesn’t have to be the only unwanted communication you receive on your mobile phone. Spam messages can also be a problem.
