blocking asterisk calls

[5verac]

(32 ) Spam Calls since January 9th.  I have not answered any of them.

We are enrolled in the Verizon call filter however "asterisk"  doesn't appear as a number that we can block.   Any other recourse?   Thanks 

[vzw_customer_support]

Hey, 5verac, we know how frustrating it is dealing with spam calls. Are there any numbers included in the number that the call is coming from or is it showing only an asterisk? 

-Cait

[5verac]

no numbers only the word "asterisk" is displayed.  Verizon call filter does not even register this call as received 

[SynthpopAddict]

I've never gotten any calls like this, but there was a different thread a little while ago saying the same thing.  Must be a new tactic from spammers or con artists to hide their number.  Can you block it from your phone app settings?

[5verac]

We are enrolled in Verizon call filter however "asterisk"  doesn't appear as a number therefore we are  unable to block it.

[SynthpopAddict]

Yes, but what about the block function in the phone app itself?  I am assuming you have a Samsung phone since this thread is in the Samsung forum.  My Samsung phone is unlocked, so doesn't support any of the Verizon-specific apps except My Verizon.  But in the phone app, if I open up "Recents", then tap on a specific call, then tap the rightmost icon (the gray one with the lines in it) to get more information on that specific call, at the bottom there's a "Block" option.  When I Googled "asterisk calls", it comes up with references to a company which uses a VoIP service and makes me think this is sort of like the old Vonage calls that spammers used to use, where the caller ID would show a super long string of text/numbers instead of a phone number.

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello, I would try saving it as a contact and blocking directly from the phone can you try that?

-Jaquetta

[vzw_customer_support]

We understand how frustrating spam calls can be. We are happy to help see if we can block the "asterisk" from the handset. Be on the look out for a Private Message so we can better assist. 

-Kristen

[5verac]

Samsung S22, Android 14.  When I open recent "asterisk" is displayed, no additional options for block, only "delete"

Thanks 

[SynthpopAddict]

There's no gray icon appearing to get you more information on the asterisk call when you tap the specific asterisk call from your Recents?  I have Android 14 with One UI 6.1, but if you have a newer version of One UI maybe they took it out.

[vzw_customer_support]

5verac, Upon investigating this further, it does seem like a newer tactic used to bypass all current available block filters. I am going to send you a private note as I want to gather a little more specific information from you so we can deep dive into this and see what more we can do. 

-Sara

[5verac]

Thank your for the reply.  Running One UI 6.1

A couple of screenshots.

Under Block numbers entering the symbol * did nothing.  Unable to enter letters.

[SynthpopAddict]

It took a little while before your images were approved so I could see what you were talking about.  That's too bad the dialer app can't block these calls either.  Obviously a means for spammers to circumvent filtering apps.  Someone else posted in a completely different thread that there are 3rd party anti-spam apps available, which may work better.  Otherwise, the only way to stop such calls would be to turn on the "block calls from unknown numbers", which would very likely cause to you to miss legitimate callers who aren't in your contacts.

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

Thank you for posting those images. As @SynthpopAddict had mentioned in the thread, the only way to block these types of numbers for now will be to turn on the block unknown numbers, which could lead to missing calls you are waiting for. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the call filtering service, and will certainly lift this feedback up. We are happy to look into any other quesitons you have around this or any other concerns, let us know.

-Anthony

[SynthpopAddict]

You may also want to file a complaint with the FCC about these asterisk calls.  If it is the Asterisk company which is providing a VoIP service whose services are being abused by spammers, then they need to close whatever loophole that is which is allowing junk calls to slip past filtering apps.

[5verac]

This is the Ebola of Spams.  In frustration I turned on the block for unknown numbers and... no calls for a couple of days.  Today it is back.  I am currently on a call with Verizon support.  So far all they have asked  I have tried on the call filter.  Thank you for your  support.   

[5verac]

Had a pleasant discussion with two customer support members from Verizon.  Expressed my dismay on how it bypassed blocking unknow numbers.  Even tried entering the * symbol.   All they could do is apologize for the frustrating condition.