“Scam Likely” is a label your mobile carrier (like T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T) adds to a call that their network-level filtering identifies as likely fraudulent or spam.
Stopping these calls requires a multi-layered approach, using tools provided by your carrier, your phone, and the government.
1. Carrier-Provided Tools (Most Effective)
Your phone company already provides the service that labels the call, but they also offer free and premium blocking services that can block the calls entirely.
Carrier |
Service Name |
Action to Take |
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield | Dial #662# on your phone to turn on Scam Block (which blocks the call entirely instead of just labeling it). You can also download the free Scam Shield app for more controls. |
| Verizon | Call Filter | Download the free Call Filter app or enroll through your My Verizon account. The basic version automatically blocks high-risk spam. |
| AT&T | ActiveArmor | Download the free ActiveArmor app. It automatically blocks known fraud calls and provides warnings for suspected spam. |
| Google Fi / Pixel | Call Screen / Spam Protection | On Google Pixel phones, open the Phone app $\rightarrow$ Settings $\rightarrow$ Spam and Call Screen. Ensure “Filter spam calls” is turned ON. |
2. Built-in Phone Settings
You can adjust the settings on your phone to filter or silence calls from numbers not in your contacts.
Device |
Action to Take |
| iPhone | Go to Settings $\rightarrow$ Phone $\rightarrow$ Silence Unknown Callers. Toggle this ON. Calls from numbers not in your contacts will be silenced, sent to voicemail, and appear in your Recent calls list. |
| Android (Generic) | Open the Phone app $\rightarrow$ Tap the three-dot menu $\rightarrow$ Settings $\rightarrow$ Block numbers. Look for an option to “Block calls from unknown numbers” and toggle it ON. |
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3. Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
These apps use large databases and crowdsourced reports to identify and block calls, often offering more aggressive filtering than carriers.
| App Name | Key Feature |
| RoboKiller | Blocks spam calls and can send them to “Answer Bots” (pre-recorded messages) to waste the scammer’s time. (Subscription required after trial.) |
| Truecaller | Provides robust Caller ID for almost any number globally and automatically blocks known spammers based on its massive user database. (Free basic version). |
| Hiya | Works well with carrier filtering to identify and block robocalls and spoofed calls. (Free basic version). |
4. Government Registry (Essential First Step)
While this won’t stop illegal scammers, it prevents calls from legitimate telemarketers, which helps reduce overall call volume.
- National Do Not Call Registry: Register your number for free at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. Legitimate telemarketers must stop calling you within 31 days.
Pro-Tip: Never Interact
If you receive a call labeled “Scam Likely,” remember these rules:
- Do Not Answer: Answering confirms your number is active and guarantees more calls.6
- Do Not Say “Yes”: Scammers often try to record you saying “Yes” to commit fraud later.7
- Do Not Press a Number: Pressing a number to “opt-out” also confirms your number is active. Just hang up.
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