How to block ‘Scam Likely’ and other scam calls on your phone

December 14, 2022

By Kim Komando

Most can relate to the anxiety an unknown phone caller can evoke. When you see “Scam Likely” on caller ID, this feeling can instantly become frightening. Tap or click here for details on the top scam calls and what you can do to get them to stop.

If you’re frustrated by scam calls, we’ve got the key to freedom, no matter who your carrier happens to be. Not all robocallers are alike, but you can keep them out of your life using these helpful tips. Enough is enough.

Keep reading to find out how to block scam calls.

How to block robocalls on your smartphone

Below, we’ve broken down scam call blocking for all four major carriers.

How to block spam calls on T-Mobile and Sprint

The “Scam Likely” moniker was invented by T-Mobile as part of its Scam Shield campaign against robocalls. Using the Scam Shield app, you can fine-tune these settings more precisely. If you see a Scam Likely notification, the number has been identified as a fraudulent caller within a database of crooks.

Even without the app, you can block Scam Likely callers with a feature called Scam Block. To do so on both iPhone and Android:

• Open the Phone app.
• Dial #662# and hit Call.
• Confirm that the feature has been enabled at any time using the dial code #787#.

To disable Scam Block, you must dial #632# to reverse the command. It’s easy and worth it if you’re consistently getting scam calls.

How to block spam calls on AT&T

AT&T Call Protect offers similar protection for any device using this carrier. You’ll need to download the AT&T ActiveArmor app to optimize spam call blocking for your smartphone. It’s free to download for iOS and Android devices.

Download the app to activate services for an extra layer of protection that helps you secure your data, manage nuisance calls and more. It has an Auto Fraud Call Blocking feature that detects and blocks calls from likely fraudsters before they reach you. It also blocks or sends calls to voicemail if identified as spam risk.

How to block spam calls on Verizon

Verizon users won’t see Scam Likely pop up on their screen, but they can still block any offending numbers from calling them again. If you’ve got an iPhone, simply:

• Open the Phone app and select Recents.
• Find the robocaller under your recent calls.
• Tap the “i” symbol.
• Scroll until you see the Block this caller option.
• After tapping this, choose Block contact in the prompt that follows.

On a Verizon Android:

• Tap into Recent in the Phone app.
• Select the caller you’d like to block.
• Hit the “i” button.
• At the bottom of the contact card, tap Block.
• Confirm at the pop-up.

This approach is excellent if you can keep up with new spam callers as they come. Make a habit of blocking every problem caller, and you’ll be able to prevent them from interrupting your day.

More ways to keep robocalls at bay

One of the best ways to avoid spam calls is to register with the national Do Not Call Registry. Once you do, you should get fewer unsolicited calls and messages within a month at most.

Other best practices include ignoring unknown calls you receive and keeping personal contact information under wraps. Sometimes, it’s easy to tell when a call has been pre-recorded, so if you do pick up, hang up as soon as you realize the truth.

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