What you need to know
- Scam likely calls are flagged by your carrier as suspicious or fraudulent.
- Data leaks, spoofing, and shady data brokers can put your number on scam lists.
- Robocalls, telemarketers, and impersonators are the most common types.
- iPhone, Android, and carrier tools can help block or silence scam calls.
- Extra steps like removing your number from broker sites can reduce spam long-term.
- Falling for a scam can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or account takeovers.
What is a scam likely call?
When your phone flashes “scam likely,” it’s your carrier’s way of flagging a call as potentially fraudulent or deceptive. In most cases, it’s a warning that someone on the other end—scammer or bot—is trying to get you to share personal details, send money, or click on a dangerous link.
This warning appears based on algorithms that detect scam-like patterns or match the number to a known scam database.
Different carriers may use different labels like “Spam Risk,” “Potential Spam,” or “Fraud Risk.” But the purpose is the same: to warn you before you pick up. These systems use analytics and data on the number’s history to flag numbers that seem linked to robocalls or other forms of telemarketing fraud.
While the label isn’t always 100% accurate, it’s usually a sign that the call isn’t worth answering.
Why you keep getting scam likely calls
You might be getting scam likely calls because your number has ended up on telemarketer or scammer lists. This can happen through data breaches or shady data brokers. The biggest data breaches worldwide have run into the billions of records exposed. A huge percentage of people have had their personal information leaked.
Scammers often rely on random dialing or caller ID spoofing, cycling through phone numbers automatically to reach as many people as possible. If you’ve ever answered or interacted with similar calls, your number may be marked as “active,” which can put you on the radar for even more scam likely calls.
And sometimes, exposure happens in less obvious ways. Entering your phone number online, signing up for giveaways, or posting it on social media can make it accessible. Even everyday actions—like subscribing to a newsletter or using a store loyalty card—can quietly place your number on lists that get shared or sold without you knowing.
Types of scam likely calls
Scam likely calls can come in many forms, and some are even legal, but simply unwanted. Understanding the different types can help you better recognize which calls to avoid and block.
Legal robocalls
Not every robocall is a scam. Some are allowed by law—think calls from charities, healthcare providers, or political campaigns.
That said, even legitimate calls can set off scam alerts if they behave like spam. Automated messages, repeated call attempts, or high call volumes can make them look suspicious. The same technology that spots real scam calls can flag these too, prompting your phone to issue a warning.
Illegal robocalls
These are automated calls that push fake offers or misleading messages—something most of us have encountered before. They often pose as a bank, a delivery service, or another trusted source, and many use pre-recorded voices meant to sound official and reassuring.
Recent laws have made most AI-generated robocalls illegal under FCC rules, but that hasn’t stopped determined scammers. Those already breaking the law may still use AI to make their calls sound even more convincing.
Telemarketing
Unwanted sales calls without your explicit consent are considered spam and can be flagged as scam likely. Some are run by actual businesses using shady tactics, while others are fronts for more serious scams, like fake product subscriptions or investment fraud. Telemarketers aren’t a new problem, but scam likely warnings are a relatively new way of dealing with them and getting a heads-up before choosing whether to answer.
Most telemarketing calls are illegal (with a few exceptions). According to FCC, it is illegal to “initiate any telephone call to any residential telephone line using an artificial or prerecorded voice to deliver a message without the prior express consent of the called party.”
Impersonation scams
These are some of the most dangerous scam likely calls as they prey on trust. The scammer pretends to be from an official organization. It could be the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or even tech support pretending you need to take urgent action to secure your account.
They’ll often use fear or emotional manipulation to try to get your personal information, credit card details, or remote access to your device where they can access your information or even transfer your funds.
How to block scam likely calls on your devices
Both iPhone and Android offer built-in tools to block or silence these types of calls. In addition, most major phone carriers provide optional free or low-cost features to filter out known scam numbers before they even reach you.
How to block scam calls on iPhone
On an iPhone, open your recent calls list, tap the “i” icon next to the number, then select Block this Caller.
To take an extra step in reducing interruptions, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on. Once enabled, calls from numbers not stored in your contacts will bypass the ringer and head straight to voicemail, allowing you to stay focused.
How to block scam calls on Android
On Android devices, go to your recent calls, press and hold the suspicious number, then choose Block/report spam from the menu.
You can also enable spam protection in Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam, which will warn you about scam likely numbers automatically.
Use spam filters and carrier tools
Major mobile carriers offer their own tools to filter or block scam calls:
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield
- Verizon: Call Filter
- AT&T: ActiveArmor (formerly Call Protect)
These services often include caller ID, spam warnings, and auto-blocking features but may come with a fee. Some cybersecurity plans can also cover spam calls and protect your devices by giving you a warning.
Extra steps to stop scam calls
Blocking individual numbers can help in the short term. But for a lasting reduction in scam calls, you should take additional measures. These steps make your number less visible to scammers and reduce their chances of contacting you again.
Register with the Do Not Call list
You can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. This helps reduce calls from legal telemarketers, but it won’t stop illegal robocalls or spoofed scam likely numbers.
Remove your number from data broker sites
People-search and data broker websites often sell phone numbers to marketers, and scammers can get them too. Use opt-out forms on popular data sites to remove your number. It takes effort, but over time, it can potentially reduce exposure and spam.
What to do after receiving a scam call
If you answer a scam likely call or get a voicemail that sounds suspicious, don’t panic, but do take action. You can help stop future calls and protect others by reporting it.
Report suspicious numbers to the FTC
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. These reports help authorities track down scammers and may lead to investigations that reduce spam activity over time.
What can happen if you trust the wrong caller
Answering a scam call and believing the caller can have serious consequences. Scammers may pressure you into sending money or handing over passwords, which can open the door to identity theft, financial loss, or even a full account takeover. Many of them are experts at creating panic or urgency, making you feel you have to act right away. Even people who are certain they’d never fall for a trick like this have been caught off guard.
If you have any doubt, ask the caller to verify their identity. If they say they are from a bank and that there has been a problem with your account, for example, you could hang up and call back the official, trusted number for your bank. They will be able to deal with any issues, but if it was a scammer, they will be able to give you peace of mind.
Even basic information like your birthdate or last four digits of your SSN can be used to access accounts or impersonate you. One moment of trust can open the door to long-term damage. The tools that block or warn you about calls are very useful, but being smart and never sharing details unless you are certain it is safe are still the best protections.