How do I block calls from bogus spoofed numbers?
me141
Enthusiast - Level 2

Why isn't Verizon blocking obviously fake calls from overseas scammers?

Some calls are even using impossible spoofed numbers -  too many or too few numbers.

Also for the past couple weeks I have received voicemails from robocallers without ringing through.  The voicemails have a recording of a persons name (possibly the actual person of the spoofed local number) followed by minutes of their menu to press a number to talk to the scammer.

Blocking these fake calls should be part of the basic system.

Help?

22 Replies
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

me141, I know how challenging it can be to receive unwanted calls and I want to ensure that we're able to explore all our options to manage your calls. Help is here. For best results, I recommend registering with the Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov/ I also recommend signing up for our complimentary Call Filter app: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/call-filter-faqs/ I'm confident that these resources will be beneficial. Let us know if this helps.

 

LorenzoP_VZW

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me141
Enthusiast - Level 2

In other words, Verizon does not care to move forward with blocking obvious scam calls from fake numbers.

The scam callers don't care about the do not call list other than the do not call list being a list of verified valid numbers to call.

Verizon's complimentary call filter is not available to all verizon customers.

The fake spoofed number calls should be really easy for verizon to automatically block.  Unused area codes, local area code then six digit number, local area code then eight digit number.

I get that verizon wants money they can get from and not hurt the economy in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, but verizon shouldn't be actively helping scammers trying to steal from their customers by not blocking calls from spoofed numbers.

deloused
Master - Level 3

You can block those specific numbers for free via MyVerizon

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me141
Enthusiast - Level 2

Really?

There is an option to block made up impossible phone numbers?

I want to block all calls from unused area codes, unused exchanges, six digit numbers, eight digit numbers.

Ideally there would be a system where caller id numbers could be verified.  There are claims by some that verizon is required to communicate all calls under federal rules.  It doesn't make sense that a requirement like that wouldn't prohibit filtering calls with obviously fake information.

It could be a bit challenging to determine what calls are valid when legitimate numbers are broadcast, but many numbers broadcast as caller id aren't even valid numbers in our numbering system.  Scammers don't need to go to the effort of using real numbers when companies like verizon don't even offer the option to their customers of blocking calls that aren't even possible to be valid.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I’m so sorry this is happening to you, me141. Caller ID Spoofing is not something that only happens to Verizon customers. This is an industry wide concern and all carriers are working towards solutions to minimize this inconvenience to our customers. To assist with reducing the number of spoofing calls received, you can subscribe to Call Filter, Verizon's spam protection solution. This was previously mentioned in our other post. You can enroll in Call Filter for just the basics (spam detection, blocking and reporting) for free, or Call Filter Plus for all that and more for $2.99/mo per line or $7.99/mo per account. With Call Filter, you can set up your spam filter to automatically block spam calls (including those that may be spoofed) based on your preferred level of risk or receive real-time spam alerts on your incoming call screen so you can better screen unwanted calls. I hope this helps point you in the right direction. We wouldn't have any other options outside of this. I apologize if this is not a viable solution, but we do appreciate your feedback very much. Was there anything else we can assist with?

 

AnthonyC_VZW

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MrPhoto
Enthusiast - Level 1

This call filter is garbage. I am on the do not call list and have been for a long time with no reduction in spam calls. As far as the Verizon call filter, it is a joke. I signed up for it, and now I am receiving more robo calls then I was getting before I added the call filter. Verizon is not doing enough to address the robo calls for their customers, oh they do offer a more robust filter plus for an additional $8.00 per mo. What a joke, they just want to drain more money out of their customers.

deloused
Master - Level 3

I'm not on the do not call list, and I receive no spam calls. It must be something you're doing or have done. You want Verizon to spend more money and resources to solve your problem without paying for it? Take some responsibility instead. My bill or everyone's bills shouldn't go up because of your issue. If you want them to provide solutions for your problem you should pay for it!

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cwdonverizon
Enthusiast - Level 2

deloused,

How can someone be so dismissive toward another who is having problems with robo calls which is the number 1 complaint to the FTC?  I have a few hundred numbers in my contacts and I'm not about to change my number to call those few hundred people to say, "hey, I changed my number", only to have some unscrupulous company sell my number again and start getting more robo calls.

I get anywhere from 8 - 10 spam calls every single day and Verizon refuses to tell me who they are, where they are, or anything about those spammers so I could file a law suite against them.

If my electicity went out 3 times a day, it is the reposibility of the electric company to fix their issue, just as it is Verizons responsibility to fix garbage phone calls.

verizonlovespam
Enthusiast - Level 1

shill much?

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I am a consumer too and I sincerely understand your discontent with unsolicited/spoofed calls (I receive them too). Particularly when those calls show our number (Verizon). While we do not have any way to prevent anyone from spoofing a phone number. Please review this link (https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/knowledge-base-218765/) for more information on spoofing.

 

We make every effort to provide options for our valued customers to minimize unsolicited calls (and spoofing), and we now offer Call Filter. You can get just the basics (spam detection, blocking, and reporting) for free, or you can subscribe to Call Filter Plus for all that and more for $2.99 per month per line, or $7.99 per month for accounts with 3 or more eligible lines, please note that premium services are optional and you do not have to subscribe. Please visit this link (https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/call-filter-faqs/) for details about the Call Filter feature.


Aside from clarifying the Call Filter feature options (https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/call-filter-faqs/), are there any other Verizon Wireless questions I can answer for you today?

-Antonio

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H_o_b_b_e_
Enthusiast - Level 1

When the spoofed number is a new one every time they call, blocking does absolutely nothing. I have my phone on "do not disturb" with only contacts allowed through, in order to stop these daily interruptions. PLEASE allow us to block ALL calls with a spoofed phone number, and PLEASE stop suggesting stupid ideas that you know full well will not work. An overseas computer "calling" from unused numbers in my area code, will not be blocked by anything that you are selling. But you DO have SHAKEN/STIR. Use it.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

H_o_b_b_e_

What you are experiencing is called Caller ID Spoofing. Spoofing is not caused by an error in the network or your phone, and this happens when the calling party uses a service that allows them to change the number shown on the Caller ID. The FCC has gotten involved and has recommended customers file a complaint. I have included a link where the complaint can be filed. http://spr.ly/6187DdAMz Does this information help?

-Edward

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

MrPhoto We are sorry to learn the Call Filter is not working out for you. We are always working to improve our service and developing new features. There is always the option to change your number if you feel that will be beneficial. DoloresK_VZW

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Piscestg
Specialist - Level 1

How is changing his phone number going to help? These spammers call random numbers or go down a line of numbers. They don't call specific numbers and not others.

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello Piscestg, being on top of your incoming calls is vital, especially if they are spam or fraudulent numbers. Who is contacting you and how often are they bothering you? Why are they reaching out to you (what do their message consist of)? How have you attempted to block them?

 

GilbertoL_VZW

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7898pppp
Enthusiast - Level 1

Unless The FCC gets involved Verizon it's not going to do anything as far as the free and pay apps it concern it's garbage and when you call for assistance this days you have to wait over thirty minutes to speak to some one Shame I have been a loyal customer for over twenty years but I think I be cutting this company out of my life why pay premium when you not getting it

me141
Enthusiast - Level 2

Dear 

Community Manager 
Community Manager
 
 
 
You do know that not all verizon customers are offered Call Filter?
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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We appreciate your feedback, and we will use it to improve our processes moving forward, me141. I understand these calls can be frustrating, and we want to provide you with all the available options. An alternative in this situation is to complete a number change at no cost. Here's information on changing your mobile number. https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/change-mobile-number-faqs Please refer to option #1 under 'How to change your mobile phone number' for more information on how to complete this process.

 

GersonG_VZW

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verizonlovespam
Enthusiast - Level 1

I just love how we have to pay more to verizon for the privilege of not being harrassed.  

 

Brilliant way to earn money until someone puts out a service and cares about the company. 

Mdwy
Newbie

I have the purchased call filter, started getting repeated phone calls with my own caller ID!

 

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