You get a call, and the Caller ID shows “Spam Risk.” “Spam Likely,” or “Fraud Risk” in big red letters. This can be a little scary, but don’t panic!
This warning is meant to help you avoid getting scammed or scammers wasting your time. We’ll explain where these warnings come from, what you should do, and how to prevent spammers from calling you in the first place.
What Is “Spam”?
“Spam” is a delicious (if rather unhealthy) type of canned pork; at least, it is when we’re talking about food! In the context of the internet and computers, spam refers to the junk mail that fills our email inboxes. You’ll find a spam or junk mail folder in your email client, where messages the software thinks is spam is sent without you ever seeing them.
Spam now also refers to more than just emails. You can be “spammed” just about anywhere; on social media, your messaging app, and through text messages and phone calls. Spam messages come in a wide variety. Some are just advertisements for real products and services, while others represent various attempts at scamming you or otherwise doing you harm.
Spam is easy enough to ignore when it arrives as an email. However, when you start receiving phone calls, your attention is demanded by these spammers. It’s much riskier speaking to a convincing salesperson or scammer on the phone than simply reading a dodgy email.
Who Labels Spam Risk Calls?
When you are being…
