How to Block 'Scam Likely' Calls on iPhone

You can use the iPhone Unknown Call blocker or T-Mobile's Scam Block

By
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Senior News Editor, Fact Checker
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Gulf Coast Community College
Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others.
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Updated on December 11, 2021
Reviewed by
Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger headshot
Reviewed by Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
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What to Know

  • 'Scam Likely' is a designation used by T-Mobile to indicate an incoming call is likely a scam call.
  • Customers still using the Sprint mobile service may also see the 'Scam Likely' designation on incoming calls.
  • T-Mobile/Sprint customers can automatically block 'Scam Likely' calls by dialing #662#, which activates a free Scam Block service.

This article provides information on how to block 'Scam Likely' calls on iPhone using both the built-in iOS capabilities as well as the Scam Block service from T-Mobile/Sprint.

How Do I Block Scam Calls on My iPhone?

If you've noticed 'Scam Likely' calls increasing on your iPhone, it could be because you're a T-Mobile (or Sprint) service customer. T-Mobile uses technology to compare incoming calls to a list of known scam calls to provide the 'Scam Likely' designation. It's still possible for a 'Scam Likely' call to be legitimate, but it's rare. Most of the calls receiving this designation are scam calls.

The problem with the 'Scam Likely' designation is it doesn't block the call. It only labels the calls as possible scams to help customers avoid being tricked by these calls. However, on the iPhone, you can block these calls with ease.

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings.

  2. Scroll down and select Phone.

  3. Scroll down and select Silence Unknown Callers.

  4. Make sure Silence Unknown Callers is turned On (it should be green).

    Screenshots showing how to Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone.

Doing this will silence those 'Scam Likely' calls, but it will also silence all incoming calls from numbers not included in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions.

Because of this feature, we've missed calls from schools and doctor's offices. We still keep it turned on, but it's something to keep in mind.

How Do I Stop Scam Phone Calls?

An alternative method for blocking 'Scam Likely' calls on your iPhone is T-Mobile's Scam Block service. The Scam Block service will block 'Scam Likely' calls from coming through, but it might not block all incoming scam calls if they don't get caught by the 'Scam Likely' filters. Still, turning this service on might be worth it if you don't want to block all unknown callers on your iPhone.

To activate the Scam Block, open your Phone app, enter #662# on the keypad, and press the call button. You can deactivate it by dialing #632#. If you're not sure if you've activated this service or not, you can dial #787# to find out.

What Is the Best Spam Blocker for iPhone?

If using the built-in iPhone unidentified call blocker or the T-Mobile Scam Block doesn't seem to do the trick for you, you can always download a third-party spam blocker for your iPhone. There are tons of them out there, though, and some are better than others. Your personal preference also plays a role in what you might consider the best spam blocker, so you'll need to try a few different ones that suit your needs the best.

FAQ
  • How do I block Scam Likely calls on Metro PCS?

    One option is to download the Scam Shield app for your iPhone or Android device to turn on the Scam Block feature. You can also dial #622# or log in to your Metro PCS account online and choose My Account > Add Services > Protection > Scam Block. If you have the MyMetroApp, you can also turn this feature on from Shop > Add Services > Confirm your PIN > Scam Block.

  • How do I block Scam Likely calls on AT&T?

    If you're an AT&T wireless user, the AT&T Call Protect service is free to use and sends spam calls to voicemail. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to activate this feature. You can also report unwanted calls to AT&T on the company's support site.

  • How do I block scam calls on Android?

    You can block specific numbers on your Android phone by selecting the number from the phone app > opening the details or options menu > and tapping Block. The language and steps vary depending on your Android device. You can also use or opt in to your mobile provider's available spam call services or download a third-party blocker app.

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