Reduce the likelihood of spam/scam flags on your calls

Spam/scam flags are an ever-growing challenge when conducting outbound calls. In this article, we will uncover the ways you can reduce the likelihood of being flagged as spam/scam and provide you with a better understanding of why your calls may be flagged. 

First, let’s take a look at why a call may be flagged:

• Call recipients manually flagging your number as spam
• Inconsistent call volume
• Cold starting numbers (for example, if you go from zero calls to over 100 in an hour). It is common for the first few calls you make to be flagged as spam, as the carriers do not recognize the number.
• Short-duration calls, which are typically under five seconds
• Triple or double calling in a short period of time
• Too many ignored calls are sent straight to voicemail

Please note: 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.

To help reduce the likelihood of spam/scam flags on your calls you can follow these steps:

1. Register with the Free Caller Registry (FCR): It’s imperative you add all of your numbers to the FCR. It’s run in partnership with the major U.S. carriers and the analytics engines that support them. By registering, you provide critical data that helps affirm that your calls are from a legitimate business.
2. Use smart calling discipline: It's important to practice good call etiquette and avoid actions that could upset the person on the other end of the line. This is crucial as reports from call recipients can lead to your number being flagged. To prevent this, refrain from engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent behavior. Additionally, avoid any action that could be seen as bothersome, such as repeatedly calling the same person, abruptly ending the call or unconsented calls.
3. Maintain consistent call patterns: It is important that you maintain consistent call volume and call patterns and build up a "history" on your phone numbers. This consistent usage helps carriers see that you're not a spammer (who buys and replaces numbers constantly). 
4. Understand the laws: It's important to know and follow the laws regulating telemarketing on federal, state, and local levels to avoid incorrect marking of your number.
5. Use PhoneBurner purchased numbers: When you purchase a phone number through us, we automatically register the numbers with the Free Caller Registry. We get insight into the entire usage of the phone number to help monitor behavior and, with our Tier 1 carrier relationships, our calls are being sent directly over the carriers, not through a 3rd party. Using one of our recognized phone numbers can help increase deliverability.

For PhoneBurner purchased numbers, ARMOR™ is available to help safeguard your numbers from being falsely flagged. With ARMOR™: 

• We register your numbers with the FCR to reduce spam risk
• We monitor your numbers for flags across all major US carriers
• We alert you of flags so you can avoid lost opportunities
• We negotiate with the carriers directly to help remove false flags (without you having to ask)
• We give you access to cutting-edge analytics that lift your answer rate IQ

All of this is done for you so you can dial with confidence. Click here to activate ARMOR™. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is my brand-new number already showing as spam?

This situation is common and easily fixed. Phone numbers are not "new". They have been used before and then sit unused until re-issued to you. When you start using them with significant call volume, it can trigger carrier algorithms designed to detect potential spam/scam calls. These algorithms flag sudden high usage on previously idle numbers as suspicious, even though it’s not the case here. Think of it like warming up a car engine – with consistent use, the carriers will recognize that your usage is legitimate over time.

What should I NOT do if my number is flagged? 

DO NOT delete your number and purchase a new one. This will start the process all over again and is considered a bad practice. As a phone number follows best dialing practices it will start to build a positive reputation with the carriers which causes it to be more recognized and less likely to be incorrectly flagged.

What SHOULD I do if my number is flagged?

1. Sign in to your account and complete your Business Verification Form.
2. Register your numbers with the Free Caller Registry. 
3. Remediate your flag with the respective carrier.
   • Verizon: https://voicespamfeedback.com/vsf/
   • T-Mobile: https://calltransparency.com/
   • AT&T: https://hiyahelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=82466

Please note: While we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of this approach, these links may help you remove the spam label. We want to emphasize that PhoneBurner.com is not associated with these companies and has no control over any decisions made by the carriers regarding remediation.

Need help with registration, number monitoring, spam flag remediation, and access to cutting-edge analytics? Activate ARMOR™.

Need further assistance?

If you still have questions and would like to request a direct consultation, please email us at trust@phoneburner.com.

More info is also available in our blog post: Why You're Marked Scam Likely, and How to Fight Back