How to avoid being marked as Scam Likely / Spam Likely

In order to protect their subscribers from an increasing number of scam phone calls, carriers and third parties have developed tools to identify and flag suspicious numbers. When a person being called by one of these numbers that has been flagged by their carrier or a service they use, they will see a message that says “Scam Likely” included with the caller ID.

Unfortunately, it’s possible for legitimate businesses to have their numbers flagged in this way. This article contains information to help you navigate these challenges.

Disclaimer: The factors contributing to numbers being flagged are ever-evolving, and often, vary by carrier. Additionally, recommended actions to safeguard against or respond to flags are evolving as well. We cannot guarantee the applicability of this information to your particular situation, so due diligence is recommended.

The two most common reasons that numbers get flagged as Scam Likely are:

1. An algorithm used by a carrier or a 3rd party anti-scam app detects a high volume of calls being made by the number.
2. The number had complaints submitted against it by call recipients. These reports can be done erroneously. For example, some users might report a number simply because they don’t like being called by a number they don’t recognize.

Some steps you can take to avoid problems with Scam Likely 

1. Use good call practices / don’t give call recipients a reason to be upset - Because many numbers get flagged based solely on reports from call recipients, managing their perception of your calls can be important. One of the best ways to avoid being reported is to not participate in behavior that could be perceived as fraudulent or suspicious. Also, avoid activity that would upset someone such as hanging up or calling the same person multiple times a day. 
2. Ask your customers to save your number - Some third party scam block apps will block unknown numbers. Asking users to save your number will ensure you reach them successfully. 
3. Use a different valid Caller ID - This may not always be practical, but using different numbers can help avoid any one number being flagged by anti-scam algorithms looking for high volume numbers.  
4. Understand the laws - There are numerous federal, state and sometimes even local laws that regulate telemarketing. Understanding and following these laws will help you avoid having your number marked incorrectly.

What to do if your number is marked as Scam Likely

The quickest way to overcome this issue is to use a different valid Caller ID number.

If that solution is not practical, you may be able to remove your number from these lists by contacting the carriers that marked it directly.

While PhoneBurner has not confirmed that this method will work, these links will allow you to potentially remove a Spam label. Please be aware that PhoneBurner.com is not affiliated with these companies.

• Verizon  - https://voicespamfeedback.com/vsf/
• TMobile - https://calltransparency.com/
• AT&T - https://hiyahelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=824667

Help with carriers

• Call Transparency - https://www.calltransparency.com/ - Can help verify your numbers with Sprint/T-Mobile.
• Report a robocall - https://reportarobocall.com/trf/ - can help with Verizon/Sprint.
• Free Call Registry - https://www.freecallerregistry.com/fcr/ - Can help register/white-list your numbers with all four carriers. All numbers and information provided will be shared with all three Carrier Spam Monitoring Partners - HIYA, TNSI and First Orion

Popular Spam Block Apps:

In addition, here are some of the most popular spam blocking apps and contact info if you wish to reach out about being unflagged with their apps.

• Robokiller: Most popular call blocking app, millions of people have this application. Once you are blocked by them, every single user with the app will automatically have your number blocked.
  • Contact Info: support@robokiller.com
• Nomorobo: No Scoring/Rating System. Very Popular Call Blocking App. Winner of FTC Robocall Challenge
  • Email: reports@nomorobo.com
• Icehook: Will be marked as "Scam Likely" if it falls into "highly_likely" / 81-100 Risk Level Range
  • Contact Info: https://www.icehook.com/contact
• TrueSpam: Uses 0 - 100 Scale, Flags occur @ 60 & above score
  • Contact Info: https://www.truecnam.com/contact_us
• Telo: Nuisance Score Flagged at 65 & above. We flag at a score of 65 to notify you before it becomes a nuisance type call at the threshold of 70.
  • Contact Info: https://www.telo.com