What is Spam Risk?

A Spam Risk is an alert by mobile carriers to warn users that an incoming call has been identified as spam. Between Mar 1, 2023, and Feb 29, 2024, Truecaller identified 88.33% of the spam calls as US origin.
 

Out of the 11.67% of spam calls originating outside of the US, India dominates (78.09%), followed by South Africa (3.6%) and Columbia (2.26%).
 

These calls are typically flagged by the carrier’s automated systems, which analyze databases of known or suspected telemarketing numbers to protect users from unwanted calls, scams, and potential fraud.

Your number may be showing up as a spam risk if carriers flagged it as suspicious or potentially fraudulent. This labeling is part of mobile carriers' efforts to reduce unsolicited and fraudulent calls.

While these systems aim to protect consumers, they can sometimes mistakenly flag legitimate numbers, leading to their labeling as ‘Spam Risk’. Additionally, you can use features on your phone to screen for unknown numbers or silence notifications from potential spam calls.

To address this issue, you can take steps such as registering your number with free caller registries, ensuring transparent and customer-friendly calling practices, and monitoring your call history for any incorrect spam flagging.

Spam risk calls are determined by sophisticated machine learning algorithms that analyze various call patterns and behaviors, including call frequency, duration, and the number of calls made from a specific number within a certain timeframe. Mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile use these algorithms.
 

Hence, suspicious behavior like a sudden rush in calls from an unknown number triggers the calls as ‘Spam Risk’ or ‘Scam Likely’. Databases of known numbers are utilized to cross-reference incoming calls for potential risks.

Not all spam risk calls are necessarily scams. Calls can range from uninvited telemarketing efforts to automated calls called ‘robocalls’.

While spam risk calls encompass a broader category that includes unwanted, illegal, or abusive calls, scam calls specifically involve attempts to steal money or personal information.

To alert recipients of potential risks associated with answering spam calls, it’s important to differentiate between telemarketing calls and robocalls, as both can be flagged by carriers but with different intentions behind them.

The accuracy of spam risk labels can vary, as they are not always 100% precise. While mobile carriers use machine learning and databases to identify risk, there can be instances where legitimate calls are mistakenly flagged as potential spam.

Despite efforts to filter and screen incoming calls, the system may not always be perfect due to the high volume of spam call operations. Therefore, it's advisable to verify important numbers manually in your call history and take additional steps like using features on your phone to manage or block spam risk calls.

You should generally avoid answering spam risk calls. These calls can range from unsolicited telemarketing efforts to potential scams, and answering them can lead to various risks, such as identity theft, financial loss, or time waste.

While spam risk labels are meant to alert you of potential risks associated with these calls, it's advisable to let them go to voicemail or use call-blocking features on your phone to manage them effectively.

Additionally, engaging with spam risk calls can accidentally confirm to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more unwanted calls in the future.

There are several effective methods you can use to put a stop to spam risk calls.

• You can take on your carrier services by dialing #662# or using the Scam Shield app provided to activate Scam Block.
• Instal third-party apps such as Hiya, RoboKiller, Truecaller, or Call Control to block spam calls and receive alerts for unsure ones.
• Block specific numbers using your phone's built-in features.
• Registering your phone number with the FTC's Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted calls, although it may not eliminate all spam calls.

By utilizing the above strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls. You can also receive and protect yourself from potential scams and unwanted telemarketing calls.

To stop spam risk calls on your iPhone, consider using a trusted third-party app from the App Store that can block spam calls.

1. Install and launch a third-party app. Follow the setup instructions and grant necessary permissions for effective functioning.

2. Enable the app's call-blocking feature to block spam calls on your iPhone.

3. With iOS 13 and later, you can turn on the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature. To do so, go to Settings > Phone, scroll down, and tap on Silence Unknown Callers.

The Silence Unknown Callers feature blocks phone numbers you have never been in contact with and which are not saved in your contacts list. Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail, ensuring that only known contacts can reach you.

By applying these methods, you can effectively block spam risk calls on your iPhone and reduce the inconvenience of unwanted calls.

To stop spam risk calls on Android, you can take several effective measures:

1. Open the Phone app, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and tap Settings. Tap caller ID & spam in the assistive section. Toggle on features like filter spam calls to block spam calls automatically.

2. If you receive spam calls from specific numbers, you can manually block them by long-pressing the number in the Phone app and selecting Block.

3. Some mobile communication providers offer advanced tools with paid features for blocking suspected spam calls. Check with your carrier for available options.

4. Some mobile communication providers offer advanced tools with paid features for blocking suspected spam calls. Check with your carrier for available options.

By utilizing the above methods, you can effectively reduce the impact of spam risk calls on your Android device.

To stop spam risk calls on a landline, there are several effective strategies you can implement:

1. Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive.

2. Use anti-spam software like Community Phone's Robocall Blocker or Nomorobo to automatically block spam, fraud, or robocalls before your phone rings.

3. Install call-blocking devices such as the V5000 by CPR. It can help block thousands of known spam numbers and allow you to add customized numbers to the block list.

4. Community Phone's Complete Scam Blocking feature allows you to create an ‘Allow List’ of approved callers, blocking all other calls by default to prevent 100% scam calls and unwanted solicitations.

5. Landline users can dial *60 to block up to 12 user-entered phone numbers or *77 to block all anonymous calls, providing a manual way to block unwanted calls.

6. Contact your landline carrier or provider to inquire about additional call-blocking resources or features they offer to help you manage spam calls effectively.

By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the impact of spam risk calls on your landline and enjoy a more peaceful calling experience.

Spam Risk call is a common problem that many individuals face daily. Mobile carriers flag these calls as potential spam, ranging from annoying telemarketing efforts to dangerous scams aimed at stealing personal information or money. It is very crucial to be careful and avoid answering whenever possible. You can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive by utilizing tools like call-blocking apps, activating carrier services like Scam Block, and registering with the FTC's Do Not Call Registry. Remember to stay observant and take proactive measures that can help safeguard your privacy and financial well-being from the risks associated with spam calls.