Scam Shield: T-Mobile’s new free plan to combat automatic calls. Everything to know

Automatic calls, spam calls, scammers. No matter what you name them, T-Mobile is taking this kind of unwanted inbound call in the operator’s latest offering to win subscriber hearts, and perhaps point a little in the eyes of Verizon and AT&T. During an announcement last week, T-Mobile unveiled Scam Shield, a service to block automatic calls and protect you from scams, like IRS imitators to get your money.

In the US alone, Americans received more than 58 billion automatic calls and nearly 30 million Americans were scammed last year, according to T-Mobile. COVID-19 scams increased 70% from May to June, T-Mobile added, citing the FTC, and says Americans lost more than $ 80 million.

So what exactly is Scam Shield and how does it work? The nuts and bolts get a little confusing. This is what we know so far.

What is Scam Shield and who can get it?

Scam Shield is the name of the entire suite of software and services designed to better protect you from automatic calls and spam. It involves various elements, including improved caller ID and call blocking. We’ll go into more detail below. Replaces the previous T-Mobile app known as Name ID.

Can I start using Scam Shield now?

T-Mobile said you can use Scam Shield on any phone within its broader network, which includes Metro by T-Mobile and now, after a mega merger Sprint. However, the company also said that Scam Shield will live as a dedicated app on their phone. In July 24, T-Mobile and Metro customers “can download the Scam Shield app,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said during the recorded presentation.

However, customers themselves can also subscribe to a layer of the service, Scam Block, at any time before by dialing # 662 #. Scam Block is designed to prevent unwanted calls from ringing on your phone, but T-Mobile’s fine print supports that some legitimate calls you want can also be blocked. Read more details here.

What about Sprint customers?

T-Mobile is in the early stages of migrating Sprint customers to its network. Meanwhile, the network is making the Sprint Call Screener app, which has similar features, free for users, T-Mobile said.

Is it really free? What if I was already paying for it?

If you were already paying for T-Mobile or Sprint services, Sprint’s new Scam Shield and existing Call Screener service will now be free, you will not be charged in the future.

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How do you know who is really calling you?

Operators may have more power to identify callers than you know. CNET called the FCC protocol known as SHAKEN / STIR “steroid caller ID” And for good reason. It is an improved form of identification that helps detect false or unwanted calls that include scammers trying to steal your money. Not exclusive to T-Mobile: Verizon already launched a free version of its Call Filter service to all customers

AT&T has also been implementing the protocol, including partner with T-Mobile last year to verify calls between the respective networks of the two operators.

SHAKEN / STIR (also known as STIR-SHAKEN) forms the backbone of T-Mobile’s Scam Shield. The protocol already exists to show you the real name of the caller (as much as possible) even if the person is not in your contact list. For example, your doctor or dentist’s office, or other business, such as your local pharmacy.

You will also see the words “verified number” with a check mark and the phone number, if T-Mobile has it, indicating that it did not come from a bot or call center. A suggestion, “probable scam”, might also appear on the screen when the phone rings from a suspicious source.

What are Scam ID and Scam Block?

These are the T-Mobile names for the various functions. Scam ID marks suspicious calls and Scam Block automatically blocks these possible scam calls from being seen.

Can I change the way my Caller ID name is displayed to others?

T-Mobile customers: Sign in to My T-Mobile and go to Profile > Line settings. Then click Caller ID and add your company name (in the first name field), legal name, or nickname that is a variation of your legal name. Changes must take effect within 72 hours. Profanity and special characters will not work. Names will be shortened after 15 characters. Call 611 if it doesn’t work.

Sprint Customers: Login to MySprint and choose Profile > Configurations > Limits and permits > My preferences > Rename Caller ID. Please enter the legal name or full name and surname – punctuation, profanity and special characters are not allowed.

How do you get a second toll free number?

T-Mobile Proxy is the operator name for a second number that you can give to companies and people that you do not want to access their primary phone number. Those calls, text messages, and voice messages are removed from your primary number so that you are not disturbed and can be managed from the Digits app. The whole family can use the proxy number.

The fine print: Magenta, Magenta for Business, and Essentials plans get one free proxy number per account. T-Mobile may cancel it “for lack of use”. Calls to 911 may be “limited”.

How many times can you change this number?

Each account is allowed one number change per year.

What if I have a landline phone?

T-Mobile also announced the free scam block for Line Link, the operator’s fixed line replacement.

What was T-Mobile saying about the dark web?

This is a bit tricky. During the period from July 24 to August 31, you can subscribe to 12 months of free McAfee identity theft protection. It will alert you if you the identity appears on the Dark Web and agents will help you reclaim and restore your identity, even if you lose your wallet and confidential documents.

The fine print: only one per line, you must redeem your code in a “timely” manner and not all service plans may qualify.

read more: Why is the CEO of T-Mobile calling an iPhone 5G a “dream”?