What is "Scam Likely" and "Spam Risk"?
Understanding how US carriers label calls and destroy your business reputation.
SCAM
LIKELY
Quick Answer
"Scam Likely" and "Spam Risk" are warning labels displayed by US carriers when you receive a call from a number flagged as potentially fraudulent. These labels are generated by carrier analytics systems (Verizon Call Filter, AT&T Call Protect, T-Mobile Scam Shield) combined with third-party databases like Hiya, First Orion, and TNS. The STIR/SHAKEN protocol also plays a major role in caller verification.
The 6 Reasons You Get Flagged
1. High Call Volume
Too many outbound calls from the same number in a short time frame triggers automated detection.
2. Low Answer Rate
A "No Answer" rate above 70% is a major red flag for carrier analytics systems.
3. User Reports
When recipients manually block or report your number as spam through their phone or carrier app.
4. Poor STIR/SHAKEN
Low attestation level (B or C) in the STIR/SHAKEN framework indicates unverified caller identity.
5. Bad Timing
Calling during restricted hours (before 8am or after 9pm local time) violates TCPA and triggers flags.
6. Recycled Number
Your new number may already have a bad reputation from its previous owner or number range.
How "Scam Likely" Detection Works
US Carrier Spam Protection Comparison
| Carrier | Protection App | Warning Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Call Filter | "Spam Risk", "Potential Spam", "Robocall" |
| AT&T | Call Protect | "Suspected Spam", "Fraud Risk", "Telemarketer" |
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield | "Scam Likely", "Scam Risk", "Nuisance" |
| Sprint (T-Mobile) | Scam Shield | "Scam Likely" (same as T-Mobile) |
Note: MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket, etc.) typically inherit their parent carrier's spam protection.
STIR/SHAKEN: The FCC's Caller ID Framework
Full Attestation
Carrier has verified both the caller and their right to use the phone number. Lowest risk of spam labeling.
Best Protection
Partial Attestation
Carrier knows the caller but cannot verify their right to use the specific number. Higher scrutiny.
Medium Risk
Gateway
Call originated from a gateway where identity cannot be verified. Often flagged as spam automatically.
High Risk
FCC Mandate: As of June 30, 2021, all US carriers must implement STIR/SHAKEN on their IP networks. Calls without proper attestation are more likely to receive spam labels.
How to Know If Your Number Is Flagged
DIY Method
Call friends or colleagues on different carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and ask what label appears.
DIDChecks.com
Test your numbers across all major US carriers and analytics providers in real-time. Get instant results.
TCPA & FCC Regulations You Must Know
Calling Hours
- OK 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (recipient's local time)
- NO Before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- ! Sunday restrictions in some states
Do Not Call
- - Scrub against National DNC Registry
- - Honor internal DNC requests within 30 days
- - State DNC lists may have stricter rules
Penalties
- - Up to $43,792 per violation (FCC)
- - $500-$1,500 per call in private lawsuits
- - Criminal charges for willful violations
Consent Rules
- - Express written consent for autodialed calls
- - Prior express consent for non-marketing
- - Established business relationship exception
Prevention
- - Rotate numbers every 100-150 calls
- - Maintain answer rate above 30%
- - Register numbers with Free Caller Registry
- - Use carriers with STIR/SHAKEN Level A
- - Comply with TCPA calling hours
If Already Flagged
- - Rest the number for 30-90 days
- - Submit removal requests to Hiya, First Orion
- - Contact carrier business services
- - Switch to a new number range if persistent
- - Review and improve your calling practices
Number Recovery Timeline
| Flag Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Nuisance / Telemarketer | 30-45 days (complete rest) |
| Spam Risk / Suspected Spam | 60-90 days (complete rest) |
| Scam Likely / Fraud Risk | Retire the number |
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete diagnosis across all US carriers in under 30 seconds