How to Remove Spam Likely Labels in the USA
The complete guide to disputing spam flags with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and analytics providers.
The Hard Truth
There's no magic "unblock" button. US carriers use multiple overlapping systems. You need to dispute with each carrier AND their analytics providers separately.
Success rates: ~10% via carrier support, 20-30% via analytics providers, 70-90% via rest + STIR/SHAKEN fix. The winning strategy combines all three approaches.
The US Spam Detection Ecosystem
Unlike some countries with centralized systems, the US has multiple overlapping layers of spam detection.
Your Outbound Call
STIR/SHAKEN Check
Analytics Provider
"Spam Likely" Label
Carrier Dispute Processes
Each major US carrier has different systems and dispute processes. You may need to address multiple carriers.
Verizon
Analytics Provider: TNS (Transaction Network Services)
Dispute Process
- 1Visit TNS Smart Dial portal for Verizon
- 2Submit business verification documents
- 3Provide STIR/SHAKEN attestation proof
- 4Wait 2-4 weeks for review
Important Notes
Verizon uses TNS Call Guardian. Getting verified through TNS is the most effective approach.
Visit Dispute PortalAnalytics Providers to Contact
These companies power the spam detection for major carriers. Disputing directly with them is often more effective than carrier support.
Hiya
Powers T-Mobile Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor, Samsung
Email: support@hiya.com
Portal: hiya.com/contact-us
First Orion
Powers AT&T, US Cellular, many regional carriers
Email: businesssupport@firstorion.com
Portal: firstorion.com/contact
TNS Call Guardian
Powers Verizon, other major carriers
Email: callguardian@tnsi.com
Portal: tnssmartdial.com
Truecaller
Popular consumer app, 300M+ users
Email: business@truecaller.com
Portal: truecaller.com/unlisting
STIR/SHAKEN: The Key to Prevention
FCC-mandated caller ID authentication
Level A
Full Attestation - You own the number and are authorized to use it. Lowest spam risk.
Level B
Partial Attestation - You're authorized to use the number but may not be the original owner.
Level C
Gateway Attestation - Origin cannot be verified. High spam risk. Red flag for carriers.
How to Improve Your Attestation
- 1Contact your VoIP provider about their STIR/SHAKEN implementation
- 2Ensure your numbers are properly registered in their system
- 3Verify your business identity with required documentation
- 4Request Level A attestation once verified
Recommended Rest Periods
| Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Score 30-70% (Suspicious) | Stay vigilant, adjust practices |
| Score 70-80% (Nuisance) | 15 days complete rest |
| Score 80-90% (Spam) | 30 days complete rest |
| Score 90%+ (Scam/Fraud) | Consider new numbers |
Dispute Email Templates
Template for Hiya
support@hiya.com
Subject: False Positive Report - Phone Number Incorrectly Flagged Dear Hiya Business Support Team, I am writing to dispute an incorrect spam/scam label on our business phone number(s). BUSINESS INFORMATION: - Company Name: [Your Company Name] - EIN/Tax ID: [XX-XXXXXXX] - Business Address: [Full Address] - Website: [URL] - Industry: [Your Industry] PHONE NUMBER(S) AFFECTED: - Primary: [+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX] - Additional: [List any other affected numbers] - VoIP Provider: [Provider Name] - STIR/SHAKEN Attestation Level: [A/B/C] EVIDENCE OF LEGITIMATE BUSINESS USE: - We maintain opt-in consent records for all outbound calls - Our average daily call volume is [X] calls - We are compliant with TCPA and FCC regulations - We are registered with the Do Not Call Registry SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION (attached): - Business registration/Articles of Incorporation - Phone bill showing ownership - Sample consent form/opt-in process - STIR/SHAKEN certificate (if available) We respectfully request a review of this flagging and removal from your spam database. Best regards, [Your Name, Title] [Company Name] [Contact Information]
Template for First Orion
businesssupport@firstorion.com
Subject: Call Labeling Dispute - Legitimate Business Number Dear First Orion Support, I am requesting review and removal of spam/scam labels on our business phone number(s). COMPANY DETAILS: - Legal Business Name: [Company Name] - Federal Tax ID (EIN): [XX-XXXXXXX] - Physical Address: [Address] - Company Website: [URL] AFFECTED PHONE NUMBER(S): - Number: [+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX] - Carrier/Provider: [Provider] - Purpose: [Outbound sales/Customer service/etc.] TCPA COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION: - We maintain prior express written consent - We honor opt-out requests within 24 hours - We scrub against the National DNC Registry - Our calling hours comply with FCC regulations REQUEST: Please review our number and remove any incorrect spam/scam labels. We can provide additional documentation upon request. Contact: [Email] | [Phone] Thank you, [Name, Title]
Template for TNS (Verizon)
callguardian@tnsi.com
Subject: Call Guardian Whitelist Request - Business Number Verification Dear TNS Call Guardian Team, We are requesting verification and whitelisting of our business telephone number(s). BUSINESS VERIFICATION: - Company: [Legal Name] - Tax ID: [EIN] - D-U-N-S Number: [If available] - Business Type: [LLC/Corp/etc.] - Years in Business: [X years] NUMBER DETAILS: - Phone: [+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX] - Use Case: [Outbound calling purpose] - Provider: [VoIP/Carrier name] - Average Daily Volume: [X calls] COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: We confirm that we are compliant with: - Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) - FCC robocall regulations - State-specific telemarketing laws - National Do Not Call Registry requirements Please add our number(s) to your verified caller database. Best regards, [Name, Title] [Company]
Why Was Your Number Flagged?
High Call Volume
Making too many calls per hour triggers carrier algorithms. Over 100 calls/day from a single number raises red flags.
User Complaints
Recipients marking your calls as spam in their phone app or reporting to carriers directly.
Short Call Duration
High rate of calls under 10 seconds suggests robocalling or unwanted sales calls.
Poor STIR/SHAKEN
Low attestation level (B or C) or missing caller ID verification makes you suspicious to carriers.
Stay TCPA & FCC Compliant
TCPA Requirements
- Prior express written consent for marketing calls
- Calling hours: 8am-9pm recipient's local time
- Honor opt-out requests immediately
- Maintain internal do-not-call list
- Scrub against National DNC Registry
FCC Robocall Rules
- STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication required
- Register in FCC Robocall Mitigation Database
- No caller ID spoofing with intent to defraud
- Identify yourself at the beginning of calls
- Provide callback number when requested
DANGER ZONE: DO NOT DO THIS
Switch to new numbers immediatelyUsing the same calling patterns will get new numbers flagged within 48 hours.
Call carrier customer service repeatedlyFrontline agents don't have access to spam filtering systems. You need the business/enterprise dispute forms.
Keep calling hoping it clearsEvery flagged call generates more reports, making your situation exponentially worse.
Make 'test calls' during cooldownEven one call can reset the flagging timer and waste weeks of rest.
Trust 'number cleaning' servicesNobody can guarantee removal. Anyone promising instant results for a fee is likely scamming you.
If Disputes Fail: Alternative Strategies
Rest + Monitor
- 1Put flagged numbers on complete rest
- 2Monitor scores weekly with DIDCHECKS
- 3Resume when risk drops below 40%
- 4Implement better calling practices
Fresh Numbers
- 1Order new DIDs from your provider
- 2Verify STIR/SHAKEN Level A attestation
- 3Check reputation BEFORE using
- 4Change your calling patterns first
Number Rotation
- 1Maintain 5-10 numbers minimum
- 2Rotate numbers every 50-100 calls
- 3Monitor all numbers continuously
- 4Retire numbers before they're flagged
Pro Tip: Register Your Numbers
The Free Caller Registry (freecallerregistry.com) allows legitimate businesses to register their phone numbers. This helps analytics providers distinguish your calls from spam.
- Free to register
- Integrates with major analytics providers
- Helps prevent false positive flagging
Also consider paid services like Numeracle, Quality Voice & Data, or TransNexus for enterprise-level reputation management.