Restoring Trust in Phone Calls: Combating the Scam Likely Epidemic

Our phones have become indispensable tools for communication, information, and productivity in the digital age. However, a menace has emerged alongside the legitimate calls—calls that display a dreaded "Scam Likely" label on our caller IDs. This label is an ominous warning sign that urges us to let these calls go straight to voicemail. No one in their right mind answers these calls anymore.

The Rise of Scam Likely

The ubiquity of the "Scam Likely" flag is a testament to the relentless onslaught of spammers, spoofers, fraudsters, and robocalls. These unsavory characters are constantly devising new ways to exploit innocent individuals. As a response to this growing problem, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the three major phone carriers have launched concerted efforts to combat this digital menace, alongside the rise of third-party technologies designed to thwart these unsolicited calls.

Unintended Consequences for Legitimate Businesses

While these measures aim to protect consumers, they have had unintended consequences, particularly for legitimate businesses. Many companies that rely on outbound calls for honest and essential business communications have been inadvertently mislabeled as "Scam Likely." This is a situation that no business owner, marketer, or salesperson wants to find themselves in.

Our Commitment to Address the Issue

At our company, we understand the gravity of this problem. We've dedicated ourselves to studying, learning, and researching the intricate factors that contribute to the reputation of phone numbers. Our mission is clear: We want to assist you in mitigating the risk of being unjustly labeled as "Scam Likely" and help you regain trust in your call campaigns. The good news is that we've developed a comprehensive plan of action to achieve this.

Reputation Analytics and Spam Labels

To address the "Scam Likely" issue, it's essential to comprehend the key components of the battle against spam calls. One crucial element is reputation analytics. It involves evaluating the history and behavior associated with phone numbers. When a number exhibits suspicious activity, it can trigger spam labels.

STIR/SHAKEN: A Tool in the Fight Against Scam Likely

To combat the growing epidemic of spam calls, the telecommunications industry has introduced a powerful tool called STIR/SHAKEN. This acronym stands for "Secure Telephone Identity Revisited" (STIR) and "Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using Tokens" (SHAKEN). It's a framework designed to verify the authenticity of caller ID information and reduce fraudulent calls.

The Global Impact of Scam Calls

The issue of scam calls extends far beyond the United States. It's a global problem that affects individuals and businesses worldwide. To illustrate the magnitude of this challenge, consider some striking statistics:

Companies and individuals suffer substantial financial losses due to scam calls.
Public trust in phone calls has eroded, affecting the credibility of legitimate companies.
Even reputable companies, including ours, have fallen victim to being mistakenly labeled "Scam Likely."
For those in the sales and marketing business, this problem is pervasive, impacting up to 90% of their calls.

Taking Action to Rebuild Trust

In the face of this crisis, it's crucial to take action to rebuild trust in phone calls. Whether you're a business owner or a concerned individual, there are steps you can take:

Stay informed about reputation analytics and spam labels to understand how they affect your calls.
Embrace technologies like STIR/SHAKEN to verify caller ID information and reduce mislabeling risk.
Advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement against scammers and fraudulent callers.
Consider using third-party tools and services that specialize in call reputation management.

Conclusion

The "Scam Likely" epidemic is a pervasive issue affecting everyone. It's time to unite and take a stand against unwanted and fraudulent calls. By staying informed, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and advocating for stronger regulations, we can work towards a future where our phones once again become reliable tools for communication and business, free from the shadow of scam calls. Together, we can restore trust in phone calls and ensure that the digital age remains a safe and productive environment for everyone.