What are ‘scam likely’ calls and how to block scam calls
Katherine Young
“Scam Likely” calls are a growing menace, targeting millions worldwide. Seniors, busy professionals, and smartphone users are most vulnerable. Scams can be brutal – they can drain your bank account, steal your identity, and leave you feeling anxious and vulnerable. Scammers exploit personal information using tactics like phishing and spoofing.
Staying one step ahead of scammers requires knowing the warning signs and taking control. As someone who’s spent years studying these tactics at Guru99, I’ve got expert advice on how to spot and block suspicious calls. My research digs deep into the latest scamming techniques and provides you with practical tips to keep your info safe. Read more…
Spokeo enables users to identify unknown callers by entering a phone number into its search bar. It provides details such as the caller's name, location, and any associated complaints, helping users determine if a call is from a scammer or telemarketer.
What are ‘Scam Likely’ Calls?
In recent years, phone companies have started labeling certain calls as “scam likely” to warn consumers about potential scams. When a call is labeled as “scam likely,” it means that the phone company’s algorithms have identified the call as potentially suspicious or fraudulent. This label is typically displayed on the caller ID screen, warning the recipient that the call may be a scam.
How do phone companies identify Scam Likely calls?
Phone companies use a variety of methods to identify scam-likely calls, including:
- Machine learning algorithms: Phone companies are getting smart about stopping scammers. They’re using fancy machine-learning algorithms to study calling patterns and sniff out suspicious activity. For example, if someone’s making a ton of calls to random numbers in a short amount of time, the algorithm can flag it as weird and potentially shady.
- Caller ID analysis: Phone companies can analyze the caller ID information to identify potential scams. For example, if a call is coming from a number that has been reported as a scam number, the phone company may label it as “scam likely.”
- Behavioral analysis: Phone companies can analyze call behavior, such as the time of day, frequency, and duration. Scammers often use automated dialing systems to make a large number of calls, which phone companies can detect.
- Crowdsourced data: Phone companies can collect data from customers who report scam calls. This data can be used to identify patterns and label future calls from the same number as “scam likely.”
Scam Call Patterns Breakdown
| Scam Type | Objective | Tactics | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phishing Calls | Obtain sensitive information | Fake caller IDs, urgent/threatening messages | Bank, tax authority, or tech support calls |
| Investment Scams | Lure victims into fraudulent investments | Promises of high returns, pressure to invest | Cryptocurrency, stocks, real estate investments |
| Tech Support Scams | Gain remote access/payment information | Fake malware/system issue warnings | Microsoft, Apple, antivirus provider calls |
| Lottery/Prize Scams | Obtain payment/personal information | False claims of winning | Lottery wins, contest prizes |
| Robocalls | Spread malware/steal information | Automated messages | Insurance, medical services, fake warranties |
| Social Engineering | Manipulate individuals | Building trust through fake relationships/authority | Government officials, friends/family members |
| Charity Scams | Obtain donations | Emotional appeals | Fake disaster relief, medical research |
How to Block Scam Likely Calls
Here are the methods that I have found appropriate to answer on how to block scam-likely calls and also to identify the unknown caller:
Method 1: Identifying Unknown Caller Reverse Phone Lookup Service
1) Spokeo
I was fed up with constant spam calls, so I tried Spokeo’s reverse phone number search feature. After entering the suspicious number, I paid a small fee to access their database.
Reverse Phone Lookup: Yes
Enable Call Filtering: Yes
Identify Spam Callers: Yes
Free Trial: 7-Days Trial for $0.95
The detailed report showed the caller’s identity, location, and associated complaints. It turned out to be a known telemarketing company targeting my area. Armed with this information, I blocked the number and filed a report with the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry.
Steps to identify an unknown caller using Spokeo:
Step 1) Visit Spokeo.com and enter the phone number in the reverse phone lookup search bar on the homepage.
Step 2) Click “Search Now” to run the initial search.
Step 3) You need to purchase a subscription or one-time report to access the detailed information.
7-Days Trial for $0.95
2) Social Catfish
I recently used Social Catfish to investigate a suspicious caller who claimed to be a Microsoft tech support expert. The caller, who identified himself as “John Lee,” called me multiple times. This guy told me my computer was infected with malware. He offered to fix it for me, but I knew it was a scam. I mean, who calls you out of the blue and says your computer is infected? I was hesitant to trust the caller, so I searched for the phone number on Social Catfish.
Reverse Phone Lookup: Yes
Enable Call Filtering: Yes
Identify Spam Callers: Yes
Free Trial: 3-Day Trial for $5.73
Thanks to Social Catfish, I discovered that the caller’s true identity was actually a scammer named Abdul Hassan from Nairobi, Kenya, who had a history of making similar fake tech support calls to unsuspecting victims. I dug deeper and discovered that the number had a shady past—it was tied to a string of scam complaints and marked as a potential phishing number. Armed with this information, I was able to block the number and dodge the scam.
Steps to identify an unknown caller using Social Catfish:
Step 1) To start the search process, Enter the suspicious caller’s phone number into Social Catfish’s reverse phone lookup search bar.
Step 2) Social Catfish will look through billions of verified data and publicly available resources to extract information.
Step 3) Enter your email address to generate a detailed report that includes your full name, age, location, and more.
3-Day Trial for $5.73
Method 2: Using phone company features
1) Call Blocking
The Call Blocking feature is a crucial tool in combating scam calls. It allows users to block specific numbers or entire area codes. Advanced call-blocking apps, such as Hiya and Robokiller, use machine learning to identify and block robocalls, telemarketing calls, and other unwanted calls, enhancing phone security and protection.
2) Caller ID
When a call comes in, Caller ID gives you a heads-up. You see the caller’s name and number, which can be a big clue about whether it’s a scam or not. Some apps, like Truecaller and Nomorobo, take it a step further by using algorithms to flag numbers that seem fishy.
3) Do Not Disturb
The “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone can help you avoid falling prey to scams. By enabling it, you can silence unknown or suspicious callers, reducing the risk of phone scams.
Method 3: Downloading third-party apps
1) Truecaller
As a smartphone user, Truecaller has been a game-changing spam call blocker and caller ID lookup app in my daily life. The app’s database is a total powerhouse – it helped me block a bunch of telemarketing calls and scammers, and it’s a huge relief. The real-time spam detection feature is also a big deal – since it saved me a ton of time by checking unknown numbers against its massive database.
When receiving suspicious calls, Truecaller instantly displays warning labels and even shows reported spam percentages, allowing me to make informed decisions about which calls to answer. The call-blocking functionality works seamlessly, making unwanted interruptions a thing of the past.
Link: http://www.truecaller.com/
2) Call Blocker
Using Call Blocker has significantly improved my phone experience by effectively detecting and blocking spam calls. With features like real-time call identification, blacklisting, and whitelisting, the Call Blocker successfully blocked 95% of spam calls. The app’s effectiveness improved my productivity and reduced unwanted distractions.
In one scenario, I noticed a spike in unwanted calls during tax season. By activating Call Blocker’s automatic spam detection feature, I was able to eliminate over 90% of these intrusive calls. Call Blocker always lets me know when it’s blocked a call, so I’m always in the know. And the best part? I’m finally free from all those pesky telemarketers and scammers. Call Blocker app is a total lifesaver—it’s seriously simplified my life and reduced so much stress.
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details
Method 4: Using a call-blocking device
- CPR V5000: A device that connects to your landline phone and helps block unwanted calls. Link
- Call-blocking devices: Other devices, such as the Sentry and the TeleZapper, offer similar features.
Method 5: Using AI-powered scam detection services
1) Robokiller
I used Robokiller to stop unwanted calls. This smart app uses advanced technology to recognize and block almost all spam calls. It identifies calls in real time, lets me customize blocklists, and even fools spammers with fake responses.
With Robokiller, I’ve saved time and reduced frustration. Its user-friendly interface and regular updates ensure ongoing protection against scams and robocalls.
2) Hiya
With Hiya, I successfully detected and blocked spam calls from a persistent telemarketer claiming to be from a well-known insurance company. Hiya’s spam call detection algorithm flagged the number as suspicious, and I was able to block it with a single tap, preventing further harassment.
I found it to be a reliable call-blocking app that utilizes AI-powered caller ID and spam detection to effortlessly protect users from scams and robocalls.
Link: https://www.hiya.com/
Method 6: Registering phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry
- National Do Not Call Registry: Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls from telemarketers.
- State-specific registries: Some states have their do-not-call registries, which may offer additional protection.
Method 7: Following Simple Everyday Tricks
- Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
- Hang Up Immediately: End suspicious calls quickly.
- Verify Caller ID: Check caller ID before answering.
- Secure Online Forms: Avoid sharing numbers online.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect accounts with strong passwords.
- Beware Public Wi-Fi: Avoid sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi.
Differences Between Illegal and Spoofed Robocalls
Knowing the differences between illegal and spoofed robocalls helps consumers identify scams and avoid financial losses. This awareness also enables the reporting of suspicious calls to authorities and the protection of personal and financial information.
| Characteristics | Illegal Robocalls | Spoofed Robocalls |
|---|---|---|
| Intent | Made with the intention of scamming or defrauding the recipient | Made to deceive the recipient about the caller’s identity, but not necessarily for malicious purposes |
| Mitigation Option | Report to FTC/FCC, block numbers, use robocall-blocking apps | Verify caller ID, use STIR/SHAKEN technology, report suspicious calls |
| Content | Typically contain false or misleading information, or aim to sell unwanted goods/services | May contain legitimate or misleading information, but the caller’s identity is fake |
| Mitigation Option | Be cautious of urgent or suspicious messages, hang up if unsure, report to authorities | Be aware of caller ID spoofing, verify information through other channels, report suspicious calls |
| Caller ID | Often display fake or spoofed caller ID | Display a fake or spoofed caller ID to deceive the recipient |
| Mitigation Option | Use caller ID verification services, report suspicious calls | Use STIR/SHAKEN technology, verify caller ID through other means |
| Legitimacy | Typically made by scammers or unregistered telemarketers | May be made by legitimate businesses or individuals trying to conceal their identity |
| Mitigation Option | Report to FTC/FCC, register on the National Do Not Call Registry | Verify the caller’s identity, report suspicious calls, use robocall-blocking services |
| Consequences | Can result in financial loss, identity theft, or compromised personal data | May lead to confusion, annoyance, or wasted time, but not necessarily financial harm |
| Mitigation Option | Monitor accounts, report suspicious activity, use two-factor authentication | Be cautious of suspicious calls, verify information, report to authorities |
Best Practices for Seniors and Vulnerable Groups
To protect seniors and vulnerable groups from scam calls, here are the best practices to follow:
- Educate them on common tactics and explain risks.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Use call-blocking apps like Truecaller or Robokiller.
- Verify caller IDs, block unknown numbers, and report suspicious activity.
- Monitor phone bills and bank statements and enable two-factor authentication.
- Encourage community support and organize workshops to share information and promote awareness.
Business and Enterprise Security Measures Against Scam Calls
Businesses can protect themselves from scam calls by implementing robust phone systems with AI-powered call screening and call-blocking technologies.
You can train employees on scam detection and response. Regular security audits and incident response plans ensure preparedness. Enable two-factor authentication and encrypt sensitive data.
Additionally, monitor phone activity, restrict access to sensitive areas, and partner with reputable telecom providers for enhanced security.
Regulatory Efforts to Combat Scam Calls and Robotexts
Here are the regulatory initiatives taken by different departments to help fight scam calls and bot spoof calls and messages.
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Robocall Response Team | FCC team to combat scam robocalls and robotexts |
| STIR/SHAKEN Caller ID Authentication | Verify caller ID info, prevent spoofing |
| Gateway Provider Requirements | Combat illegal robocall traffic, validate provider identities |
| International Partnerships | Collaborate with global partners to address robocall issues |
| Robotexts Crackdown | Require providers to block illegal texts, apply caller ID authentication |
| Consumer Education | Raise awareness on best practices to protect against scam calls |
Enforcement Actions
Law enforcement takes action against scammers and individuals or groups of individuals who scam people using robocalls/ SMSes. Around $225M in fines have been applied till date for illegal caller ID spoofing and robocalling users. Cease-and-Desist Orders demand that providers cease facilitating illegal robocalls. Finally, there’s C-CIST Classification, which classifies entities facilitating robocalls as Consumer Communications Information Services Threats, ensuring the detection and blocking of such calls.
Conclusion
After dealing with numerous “scam likely” calls, I’ve learned to take control of my phone security. By understanding what these calls are and using tools like Spokeo, Hiya, and Truecaller, I’ve significantly reduced the number of scam calls I receive. I’m so done with scammers trying to get the best of me. And let’s be real, it’s just smart to stay one step ahead of these guys. Don’t be lazy; stay vigilant, and you’ll be just fine.
Spokeo enables users to identify unknown callers by entering a phone number into its search bar. It provides details such as the caller's name, location, and any associated complaints, helping users determine if a call is from a scammer or telemarketer.