When you receive a spam call has it happened to you? Spam call recipients should avoid any further contact with such unwanted telephone communication.
Do you want to know why? Keep reading.
Truecaller performed a statistical survey in 2024 which showed that spammers tricked 56 million Americans during last year’s period.
The data in the study demonstrates how U.S. customers lose more than $25 billion due to this issue.
Understanding the “Spam Risk Calls” concept requires knowing its overall definition.
We will provide both the specific definition of spam calls together with guidance on receiving these telephone communications. The following piece includes instructions to help you block unwanted calls while preventing spam disruptions.
What Are Spam Risk Calls?
Cell phone companies make use of the term “Spam Risk Calls” as their standard definition. Mobile carriers express their detection of potential scam calls by showing the notification named “Spam Risk Calls” to notify users about incoming communications from fraudsters. There is evidence the incoming call originated from an untrusted source based on the identification by your mobile operator. All communications from unverified sources fall under the category of spam based on the operator’s automatic detection system. The carrier system detects spam when callers establish several brief connections or customers consistently report the specific number. The spam identification term represents more than the warning shown when possible spam calls occur. You will encounter two types of spam alerts during incoming calls: “Spam Risk Calls,” “Spam Likely,” “Suspected Spam” or their equivalents. You have the option to decline incoming calls if you merely observe these warning terms on your caller ID.
When you encounter a phone call labeled as a potential spam risk should you answer it?
Most people who receive spam risk calls wonder whether they should take them but the proper response is to simply dismiss these contacts. You must not answer these calls directly because your number becomes visible to possible spammers after encountering their calls. Fraudsters who call to scam you will attempt social engineering techniques to deceive you when you are dealing with a spam caller. Spam call blocker or ignoring the calls consistently protects you from unwanted types of contacts therefore providing your safety. The following paragraphs teach a method to block unwanted calls followed by additional measures to prevent spam telephone contact on your device.
Why do you continuously receive spam risk telephone calls?
Many individuals continue to receive warning terms in their phone calls labeled as spam risks.
The continuous receipt of these unwanted calls indicates high danger of falling victim to fraudulent activities. Do you know why it happened?
The following list contains reasons that explain why these calls are received.
1. Data brokers obtain public data from sources which they sell both individually as well as in bulk for low prices. Your number appears on the databases of numerous spammers if you continually receive those phone calls.
2. You appear in either someone’s social media post tagging or in shared numbers in the same post.
3. A number generator might have disclosed your phone number to spammers who utilize it for their activities. The automatic programs simultaneously produce random phone numbers as part of their programmed operations.
4. Scammers employ web-scrapping techniques to obtain an uncountable number of mobile phone numbers. Automated bots deployed by these companies search the web while performing the copy-paste retrieval of data.
What actions will take place when users respond to calls categorized as spam risk?
Using statements such as spam risk when you receive phone calls might put you in serious danger during communication.
The following situations apply to anyone who wants to receive spam risk calls:
Your phone continues displaying a “live” status that intensifies the number of spam calls you receive. Fraudsters adopt vishing methods by pretending to be bank representatives while also pretending to represent official representatives as well as law enforcement officials. The identical approach used by your spam caller allows them to obtain your personal details and monetary data which can provide them entry to your bank account.
- The spammer will manipulate someone who answers a spam call to say “yes.” Throughout such occasions you need to refrain from answering the call because your call recording may become a tool for fraudsters to commit fraudulent activities.
- When you select a spam call you will usually receive an automatic recording which prompts you to move through its menus using your phone keypad. The systems will validate your number as a valid contact if you simply press any button on your phone keypad.
- The computer criminals will capture your voice to carry out fraudulent activities through impersonation scams against people in your contact list.
- Your valuable time will be lost after receiving these calls without incident even though you prefer to use it for other activities.
Numerous individuals inadvertently contact numbers which they receive this type of suspicious call. All cases you encounter on phone calls will remain the same as if you initiated the contact. The most effective way to prevent encountering these described situations is to stay away from suspicious calls or use blocking features for numbers. Further details are presented about avoiding phone calls that lead to scams.
How to Spot and Stop Spam Risk Calls
Spam calls are a growing nuisance, and while mobile operators work hard to filter them out, scammers are always finding new ways to sneak through, such as spoofing caller IDs to appear legitimate.
Even if your phone does not flag a call as “Spam Risk,” it might still be one. Here is how to recognize these suspicious calls and what you can do to stop them.
Signs You Are Getting a Spam Call
Unknown Callers
If you do not recognize the number, it could be a spammer. Scammers often hide their real number to avoid detection. Be extra cautious when answering unknown calls.
Urgent Requests or Pressure Tactics
Scammers create urgency to rush you into making bad decisions. They might claim that your bank account is at risk and request your CVV or OTP. They may also say that a loved one is in the hospital and ask you to transfer money immediately. Their goal is to make you react emotionally rather than think logically.
Silence on the Line
If you pick up and hear nothing, it could be a scammer recording your voice. You might also notice clicking sounds in the background. Avoid saying “Yes” or anything that could be misused later.
Late-Night Calls
Most legitimate businesses do not call outside working hours, but scammers do. If you receive a strange call late at night, it is best to ignore it.
How to Block Spam Calls
While you cannot stop spam calls entirely, you can filter or block them using these methods.
Block Spam Calls on Android
Android has a built-in feature to help with this:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the top-right.
- Go to Settings → Caller ID & Spam Protection.
- Turn on See Caller & Spam ID and enable Filter spam calls.
To block specific numbers:
- Open your Recent Calls list.
- Tap the number you want to block.
- Select the info (“i”) icon.
- Tap Block.
Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
While iPhones do not have a built-in spam filter, you can silence unknown numbers:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Enable Silence Unknown Callers.
This sends all unknown calls to voicemail without ringing your phone.
Block Spam Calls on Landlines
For landlines, register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222. While this reduces telemarketing calls, scammers who ignore the registry might still get through.
Final Thoughts
Spam risk calls are not just annoying; they can be dangerous. Scammers use them to steal money and personal information. The best defense is to avoid engaging with them, stay cautious, and use built-in call-blocking tools to minimize these interruptions.
FAQs:
What does “Spam Risk” mean on my phone?
“Spam Risk” is a label used by mobile carriers to warn users about potential scam or spam calls. It means the incoming call has been flagged as suspicious based on call patterns and user reports.
2. Should I answer a call labeled as “Spam Risk”?
No, it is best to avoid answering calls marked as “Spam Risk” or “Spam Likely.” Answering these calls can confirm your number is active, leading to more spam calls.
3. Why do I keep getting spam calls?
Spam calls occur for various reasons, including:
- Your phone number being sold by data brokers.
- Exposure on social media posts or online directories.
- Random number generation by scammers.
- Automated web scraping of public phone numbers.
4. How can I identify a spam call?
Look out for these red flags:
- Unknown or hidden caller IDs.
- Urgent requests for money or personal details.
- Silence or clicking sounds on the line.
- Calls outside regular business hours.
What are Spam Risk Calls, and How Can You Protect Yourself?
What are Spam Risk Calls, and How Can You Protect Yourself?
Have you ever received a spam call? If so, don’t ever think about receiving them.
Do you want to know why? Keep reading. A Truecaller survey in 2024 revealed that spam calls or scams affected 56 million people last year in the US. The same study revealed that it results in the overall loss of US customers of over $25 billion. Read More
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