What is Spam Risk & How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls

“Spam Risk” is a warning label displayed by your mobile carrier or a third-party app when an incoming call is suspected to be spam, fraudulent, or otherwise unwanted. It usually appears when the number has been reported by many users, makes frequent short calls, or matches known spam databases.

Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon each use different labels such as “Spam Risk,” “Scam Likely,” or “Potential Spam.” Nonetheless, they all serve the same purpose, that is, to alert you that the call might come from a telemarketer or a scammer.

In short, it’s your phone’s way of helping you avoid unwanted or risky calls.

Spam Risk calls are identified through a mix of carrier algorithms, AI-based call behavior analysis, and user reports that flag suspicious numbers. Carriers and call-screening apps also use verification systems like STIR/SHAKEN and shared databases to detect spoofed or repeatedly reported spam numbers in real time.

1. Carrier Algorithms: Mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile use advanced algorithms powered by AI and machine learning to detect suspicious calling patterns in real time.
2. Call Behavior Analysis: Numbers that make thousands of short or unanswered calls, redial too often, or show sudden spikes in call volume are flagged as potential spam.
3. User Reports: When many people report a number as spam or nuisance, carriers and third-party apps record these reports and label that number as “Spam Risk” or “Scam Likely.”
4. STIR/SHAKEN Verification: This FCC-mandated system, primarily in the US, checks if the caller ID shown on your screen matches the real source of the call. If it doesn’t, the number is marked suspicious to prevent spoofing.
5. Community Databases: Top call screening apps like Truecaller and Robokiller collect user reports and build shared blocklists that help identify repeat spam numbers across networks.

Additionally, each carrier uses its own detection system, so a number might be flagged as spam on one network but not on another. At times, even legitimate businesses get wrongly marked due to high call activity, though carriers keep refining their systems to fix such errors.

You’re getting a lot of Spam Risk calls because your phone number is likely exposed through data breaches, public listings, or social media. Plus, some scammers use auto-dialers to find active numbers, and answering even one spam call can mark yours as active, leading to more unwanted calls.

1. Data Breaches: Your phone number may have been leaked or sold after a data breach, ending up in spammer databases.
2. Public Exposure: Numbers shared on social media, business listings, or public websites can be collected by scammers using web-scraping tools.
3. Data Brokers: Some companies legally gather contact details from public records and sell them to marketers, who may pass them to spammers.
4. Auto-dialers and Number Generators: Scammers use software that randomly creates and calls phone numbers in bulk, hoping some are active.
5. Previous Engagement: If you’ve ever answered a spam call, your number is marked as “active,” making you a target for more calls.

No, not all calls marked as Spam Risk or Scam Likely are actual scams. These labels can also include telemarketing calls, automated reminders, or robocalls from legitimate businesses.

Also, as stated earlier, different carriers use different sets of systems to determine scam/spam calls. So, one carrier might flag them as a scam, while the other shows them normally. Plus, the AI-based algorithms can sometimes mislabel genuine numbers, especially from businesses making large volumes of calls or using automated systems. This means your doctor’s office, delivery service, or even your bank could occasionally be flagged as spam.

So, while it’s wise to be cautious, not every Scam/Spam Risk call is harmful. If you’re expecting a call from a company or service, verify the number before ignoring it to avoid missing something important.

You can spot a scam or spam call through signs like Spam Risk labels, urgent language, or requests for personal or financial details. Furthermore, odd caller behavior or mismatched information are also strong red flags.

1. Suspicious Caller ID: The call may show labels like Spam Risk, Scam Likely, or Potential Spam. Sometimes, scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it seem like the call is from a local number or a real company.
2. Unfamiliar or Repeated Numbers: If you keep getting calls from numbers you don’t recognize or from the same number repeatedly, it’s likely spam.
3. High-Pressure or Urgent Language: Scammers often create panic by saying things like “act now,” “your account will be locked,” or “you’ll face legal action.” This pressure tactic is meant to rush you into giving personal details.
4. Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate organizations never ask for details like your Social Security number, bank info, or passwords over the phone. Treat such requests as red flags.
5. Unusual Payment Requests: If a caller asks for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s a clear scam attempt.
6. Mismatched Caller Details: If the caller claims to represent a government agency or well-known business but the number looks local or unlisted online, it’s likely fake.
7. Emotional Manipulation: Scammers, at times, pretend to be a loved one in trouble or someone needing urgent financial help. Always verify before reacting.
8. Poor Grammar or Odd Speech Patterns: Many scam callers use scripts or automated voices that sound unnatural, robotic, or include grammatical mistakes.
9. Online Reports: You can check suspicious numbers online. Just enter the number on Google or other search tools, and if others have marked it as spam or a telemarketer, it’s best to avoid answering.

Picking up a Spam Risk call might seem harmless, but it can open the door to several problems. Sometimes, it’s just a harmless telemarketer or an automated system. But other times, it’s a scammer trying to trick you, record your voice, or confirm your number as active.

Here’s what can happen:

• More Spam Calls Later: Answering tells scammers your number is active. Once confirmed, your number often ends up shared or sold to other spam callers, increasing the volume of unwanted calls you receive.
• Voice Phishing (Vishing): Some scammers record your voice during the call. With AI tools, they can later mimic your speech to trick friends, family, or even banks into believing it’s you.
• Hidden Charges: If the call originates from another country, answering or calling back could lead to unexpected international charges on your phone bill.
• Identity Theft Risk: If you share personal information, scammers can use it for fraud, unauthorized transactions, or identity theft, causing long-term financial and legal issues.
• Wasted Time and Frustration: Even harmless spam calls waste your time. You might hear silence, a pre-recorded message, or a hang-up after answering.

If you get a call labeled Spam Risk or Scam Likely, the safest move is to let it go to voicemail. Answering confirms your number is active, which can lead to even more spam calls. Moreover, if you accidentally pick up, hang up right away and don’t share any information, press buttons, or follow instructions from automated voices.

Scammers often use social engineering tricks to make you believe they’re from your bank, a government office, or a tech support team. As aforementioned, they create urgency, asking you to “act now” or risk losing access to something. Some even record your voice for vishing (voice phishing) scams. Answering only increases your exposure and makes your number more valuable to spammers.

As said earlier, not all Spam Risk calls are scams. Sometimes, legitimate calls from your doctor, delivery service, or bank are mistakenly flagged. If you’re expecting a call from a company or service, it’s better to let it ring through, check voicemail, and then call back using the official number listed on their website.

Well, if you answered but didn’t share any personal or financial details, you’re likely safe. Still, take a few precautions:

• Avoid calling the number back, as this confirms your line is active.
• Block the caller through your phone’s settings or a trusted call-blocking app.
• Report the number to your mobile carrier and, if available, your country’s consumer protection or fraud reporting agency. Many nations have official channels or hotlines for reporting scam numbers.
• Stay alert for future suspicious calls or spam messages, and never share sensitive information over the phone unless you’ve verified the caller’s identity through official means.

You can stop and block Spam Risk calls by using your phone’s spam filters, carrier protection tools, or trusted call-blocking apps. Additionally, registering your number on Do Not Call lists and avoiding engagement with unknown numbers also helps keep scammers away.

Both iPhone and Android phones come with built-in tools to silence and filter spam calls before they reach you. These features rely on caller-ID data and built-in spam detection systems to help screen unwanted calls.

How to Stop Spam Risk Calls on iPhone?

iPhone’s Silence Unknown Callers feature automatically sends calls from numbers not saved in your contacts or recent calls straight to voicemail.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Select Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Toggle the switch On.

How to Stop Spam Risk Calls on Android?

Android’s caller ID and spam protection settings help detect and filter unwanted calls automatically.

Steps for Google Pixel:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-left corner and select Settings.
3. Tap Caller ID and Spam Protection.
4. Turn on Filter Spam Calls.

Steps for Samsung:

1. Open the Phone app on your Samsung device.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top right corner.
3. Tap Settings > Block numbers.
4. Find and switch the option labeled Block calls from unknown numbers.

Steps for Xiaomi/Redmi:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Press on the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap on Blocklist > Call Blocklist.
4. Toggle on Block calls from strangers.

How to Block Spam Risk Numbers on iPhone and Android?

Steps on iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
2. Find the number you want to block and tap the “i” icon beside it.
3. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
4. Confirm by selecting Block Contact.

Steps on Google Pixel:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Long-press the number you want to block.
3. Tap Block/Report Spam.
4. Confirm to block future calls and messages.

Steps on Samsung:

1. Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
2. Tap the number you wish to block.
3. Access more options by pressing the three horizontal lines.
4. Click Block at the bottom of the screen.

Steps on Xiaomi/Redmi:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Access more options by pressing the (>) icon beside the number.
3. Tap the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Select the Block option and confirm OK.

Most major mobile carriers provide built-in spam protection services that identify and block scam or spam calls before they reach your phone. These tools rely on carrier databases, call analytics, and AI to detect suspicious numbers in real time.

For T-Mobile Users

T-Mobile offers Scam Shield, a free service that identifies, blocks, and filters potential scam calls.

To activate Scam Shield or Scam Block:

1. Dial #662# from your T-Mobile phone.
2. You’ll receive a confirmation message that Scam Block is turned on.
3. To turn it off, dial #632# at any time.

You can also download the T-Mobile Scam Shield app to customize block lists, review flagged calls, and manage settings.

For AT&T Users

AT&T provides ActiveArmor, a free app that automatically identifies and blocks suspected fraud or spam calls.

To use ActiveArmor:

1. Download and install the AT&T ActiveArmor app from your app store.
2. Open the app and enable Fraud and Spam Call Blocking.
3. Customize your preferences to block all spam, allow warnings, or send calls directly to voicemail.

Moreover, upgrading your plan gives access to features like enhanced Caller ID and reverse number lookup.

For Verizon Users

Verizon’s Call Filter app helps screen and block suspicious calls using a mix of free and premium tools.

To use Call Filter:

1. Download and open the Verizon Call Filter app.
2. Sign in with your Verizon account.
3. Turn on Spam Filter and set your block preferences.
4. Optionally, upgrade for real-time spam alerts and caller name details.

Verizon also offers Residential Call Blocking for landlines through its website or customer service.

For UScellular Users

UScellular offers Call Guardian, which provides spam alerts and call blocking.

To activate Call Guardian:

1. Download the Call Guardian app.
2. Grant the necessary permissions for call and contact access.
3. Choose between Free or Premium protection.
4. Adjust your spam blocking levels and manage personal block lists.

If your phone’s built-in or carrier tools aren’t enough, third-party apps offer extra protection against scam and spam risk calls. These apps use global databases, user reports, and smart algorithms to detect suspicious numbers and block them automatically.

1. Truecaller: Truecaller identifies unknown callers and blocks spam using a massive, community-driven database. It also provides real-time caller ID, letting you know who’s calling before you pick up. The app works on both Android and iPhone and updates its spam list constantly.
2. Hiya: Hiya automatically detects and blocks spam calls, spoofed numbers, and telemarketers. It also identifies verified business calls, helping you distinguish between real and fake ones. Available on both Android and iOS, it integrates smoothly with your phone’s dialer.
3. RoboKiller: RoboKiller uses advanced AI and unique “Answer Bots” that waste scammers’ time by talking back to them. It also blocks robocalls, telemarketers, and known spam numbers with strong accuracy. The app works on both Android and iOS devices.
4. Nomorobo: Nomorobo is designed to stop robocalls and telemarketers while allowing genuine calls to get through. It works on both mobile devices and VoIP landlines, providing automatic call filtering and real-time spam detection.

Stopping spam calls on landlines can be more challenging than on mobile phones, but there are still effective ways to reduce or block them. The methods vary depending on whether your landline uses a traditional connection or a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service.

 
1. Use Your Service Provider’s Blocking Features

Many landline providers offer call-blocking or spam-filtering options that can help you manage unwanted calls.

1. AT&T: Dial *60 to activate Call Block and block up to 10 numbers. You can add new numbers by pressing #, entering the 10-digit number, then pressing # again to confirm.
2. Verizon: Use Anonymous Call Block by dialing *77 (or 1177 on rotary phones) to block calls without caller ID.
3. VoIP Users: Check if your provider offers spam-blocking tools like Nomorobo, which automatically screens calls and stops robocalls before your phone rings.

2. Install a Physical Call-blocking Device

You can connect a call-blocking device between your phone and the wall jack. These devices screen incoming calls and block known spam numbers using updated databases. Popular options include:

1. CPR Call Blocker – preloaded with thousands of known scam numbers and customizable block lists.
2. Sentry Call Blocker – screens calls before they connect, letting you approve or reject them.

These devices often include features like one-touch blocking and caller whitelists for trusted numbers.

Register Your Number on Do Not Call Lists

Registering your number on your country’s “Do Not Call” list helps reduce telemarketing calls and many unwanted automated calls. While it doesn’t stop all spam or scam calls, it cuts down a large portion of legal marketing calls. Below are key options for major regions:

1. United States: You can register your number at the Federal Trade Commission via the National Do Not Call Registry.
2. Canada: Use the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) managed by the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission.
3. United Kingdom: Register with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to opt out of unsolicited marketing calls.
4. Australia: Add your number to the Do Not Call Register overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
5. Germany and other European countries: Most have similar opt-out systems under their telemarketing or data-protection laws; check your national regulator if no specific registry is mentioned.

Spam and scam calls have become a daily nuisance, but knowing how to spot, block, and report them gives you control. Using your phone’s built-in tools, carrier protection services, and verified call-blocking apps can greatly reduce unwanted interruptions and keep your personal information safe. All in all, staying cautious and aware is the best way to avoid falling victim to scams.

Additionally, modern business phone systems like Calilio take that protection a step further. With advanced features such as call screening, smart filtering, blocking, and real-time monitoring, Calilio helps you manage your communications securely and efficiently.