"Scam Likely" Calls: Overview
"Scam Likely" means the incoming call is likely unwanted. The call is coming from a number that has been flagged as spammy, scammy, fraudulent, or deceptive in some way. Mobile carriers use machine learning algorithms that analyze calls with behavioral analytics to determine which numbers are scammers. Reports from cell phone users can also affect which numbers are added to "Scam Likely" phone number lists.
There are multiple types of scam calls. The main two types are robocalling and spoofing. Robocalling is when a scammer uses an autodialer and an artificial (including artificial intelligence and AI-generated) voice or pre-recorded message. Spoofing is when a scammer hides their identity by faking what number shows up on your caller ID. They will usually use a number with the same area code as your number, in hopes that you'll trust the call enough to pick up.
Scam callers purchase lists of phone numbers to call. The reason you might be getting more scam calls lately is because your number was on one of these lists. Some companies will use deceptive methods to get you to willingly provide your phone number, which they will then sell to telemarketers and robocallers. Scammers may also sell your number if you pick up a scam call, which signifies to the scammer that the number is active. However, sometimes scammers dial random numbers, and it could just be chance that your number was the one they called. To avoid this, be selective on which websites you give your phone number. Always be sure to read the fine print and check out the website's privacy policy. You can also try searching for the website name plus the keywords "spam," "scam," "complaint," or "review" on Google or your favorite search engine.
What to Do If You Answer a Scam Call
Hang up. If you pick up a call from a "Scam Likely" or unidentified number, the safest thing to do is immediately hang up. Don't give the caller time to say anything and don't respond to any instructions, because this will increase the chances that the scammer marks your number as active. If you're expecting a call from a number not in your contacts list, you can check your call log to see which number called you. If the number is unfamiliar, don't call them back.
Don't say anything, especially the word "yes." Scammers may ask you a question at the start of the call, such as "Can you hear me?" If you say yes, they may save the recording of you saying "yes" and use it without you knowing.
Never give out personal information. If a scammer is asking for your full name, address, social security number, credit card information, or any other piece of personal information, do not give it to them.
Never send money to a phone scammer. Even if the scammer is threatening you, don't send them money. Phone scammers are relying on you to panic and send the money out of fear, so they may pressure you to think quickly so you give in.
Report the caller to the FTC. Go to the FTC Do Not Call Registry page and click Report Unwanted Calls. Provide as much information as possible about the call as you can when submitting your report.
Contact the appropriate authorities if you gave a scammer money. If you already paid the person behind the scam call, you will need to contact the following authorities based on how you paid: Credit or debit card: Contact your bank or card issuer and let them know there was a fraudulent charge on your account and that you need it reversed. Gift card: Contact the gift card issuer and explain the situation. Ask for your money back. Be sure to keep a copy of the gift card and receipt. Wire transfer: Contact your bank or the wire transfer company and explain that you sent a fraudulent transfer and that you need the transfer reversed. Payment app: If you used money stored in the payment app, contact the app and explain the situation and that you need the payment reversed. If you used a credit or debit card connected to your payment app, contact your bank or card issuer instead of the payment app. Cryptocurrency: Contact the company you used to send the cryptocurrency and explain the situation, and ask for the payment to be reversed. Cash: If you sent cash via the United States Postal Service, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (877-876-2455). Explain the situation and ask if they can intercept the package. If you used a different delivery service, call that service immediately and explain the situation, then ask for next steps. Unauthorized bank transfer: Contact your bank and let them know there was an unauthorized transfer or debit from your account, then ask them to reverse the transaction.
Contact the appropriate authorities if you gave a scammer information. If you already gave the caller your information, you will need to do one of the following: Username and password: Change your username and password immediately. If your email account is attached to the account, change the username and password of every account also connected to that email (as well as the email account's username and password too). Consider using a password manager to set up strong passwords that are different for each website. Social Security Number: Go to https://www.identitytheft.gov/ and report what happened to get assistance for your situation.
How to Stop Scam Likely Calls
Don't pick up calls from numbers you don't know. If a legitimate person is calling you, they will likely leave a message. If you're expecting a call from a number that you don't have in your contacts list, consider adding the number to your contacts, even if it's just temporarily. Some scam callers will leave messages. However, these messages are usually silent or the caller is a robotic voice. The contents of the message are also usually suspicious, such as a warning about not making a payment for a service you're not signed up for, or a notification of a purchase that you know you didn't make. According to Luigi Oppido, computer and tech specialist, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated. "The scams are getting very, very intricate," Oppido says. This makes them easier to fall for. Avoiding scam calls altogether is the best way to avoid losing money or your personal information.
Don't interact with a scam caller if you pick up. If you accidentally pick up a scam likely call, hang up immediately. Don't say anything and don't follow any instructions the scammer gives you. If the caller says to press a button to stop getting the calls, don't do it, as it may actually make the calls happen more often.
Utilize your phone's scam blocking features. Both iPhones and Androids have some features that allow you to silence scam calls. They won't block the calls completely, but they won't notify you that they're occurring. iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers Android: Set the Phone by Google app as your default phone app. Then, within the Phone by Google app, open the app's settings and go to Spam and Call Screen. Toggle on See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.
Utilize your carrier's scam blocking options. Both mobile and landline carriers have options to block scam calls. For mobile providers, they usually have an app you can download to help block more scam calls. If you want to block scam calls on your landline, contact your provider for more information. AT&T: ActiveArmor app T-Mobile: ScamShield app U.S. Cellular: Call Guardian app Verizon: Call Filter app
What to Do If Your Number is Marked Scam Likely
Contact your phone provider if your number is mistakenly marked as spam. You can also try registering on the Free Caller Registry to let major carriers know that your number isn't scam.
Get a new phone number. While it's not ideal, if your number is marked as scammy and you can't fix the problem, getting a new number may help. However, there is a chance that your new number could get flagged as scammy too. To avoid getting your number flagged as scammy because of spoofing, always set a password for your voicemail and be selective on what websites know your phone number.
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