Why are my Calls marked as Spam, and How can I avoid it ?

Modified on: Mon, 16 Jun, 2025 at 8:17 AM

If your business calls are being flagged as 'Spam Likely' or 'Scam,' it can reduce answer rates and harm your credibility. This guide explains why calls are marked as spam and provides actionable steps to prevent it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Are Calls Marked as Spam?
Key Impacts of Calls Being Marked as Spam
How to Prevent Your Calls from Being Marked as Spam
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Next Steps

Why Are Calls Marked as Spam?

Carriers and mobile devices use algorithms to detect and flag suspicious calls. If your number is labeled as spam, customers may ignore or block your calls, impacting your business communication.

Common Reasons for Spam Labelling:

High Call Volumes: Making too many calls in a short time can trigger spam filters.
Unfamiliar Numbers: Calls from numbers not recognized by the recipient or without proper caller ID.
Frequent Customer Complaints: If your number has been reported as spam multiple times.
Low Engagement Rates: If a high percentage of your calls go unanswered or are rejected.
SHAKEN/STIR Authentication Failures: If your caller ID isn’t verified, it may be flagged.

Key Impacts of Calls Being Marked as Spam

When your business number is flagged, it can lead to:

Decreased Answer Rates: Customers may ignore flagged calls, reducing conversions.
Damaged Business Reputation: Being labeled as spam can create a negative impression.
Communication Barriers: Important calls may be blocked or filtered by spam detection systems.

How to Prevent Your Calls from Being Marked as Spam

Follow these best practices to improve your call credibility and avoid being flagged.

1. Register Your Number with the Free Caller Registry (U.S. Only)

For US-based numbers, registering with the Free Caller Registry can help remove negative labels. This registry collaborates with major analytics companies that support key US wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

How to Register:

Go to Free Caller Registry.
Click on 'Register Here'.
Fill out the required information. Recommended values:
1. Display Name (beside Phone Number): Leave blank.
2. I believe my calls are: Select 'Other'.
3. Service Provider: Twilio.
4. Additional Information: Leave blank unless you have specific feedback.

The Free Caller Registry helps businesses verify their numbers with major carriers.
Registration can improve caller ID accuracy and reduce spam mislabeling.
Visit the Free Caller Registry website to submit your business details.

2. Enable SHAKEN/STIR Authentication (U.S. Only)

SHAKEN/STIR is a set of protocols designed to authenticate caller ID information and verify that it is coming from a legitimate source. The protocol works by using digital certificates to validate the caller's identity. When a call is made, the caller's identity is verified through these certificates, which are then stored in an online database. This ensures that when someone receives a call, they can trust that it is coming from who they think it is.

These protocols verify your caller ID information, preventing fraud.
Contact your phone service provider to enable SHAKEN/STIR on your number.

Note: SHAKEN/STIR won't remove nuisance labels but may boost answer rates due to the "Trusted Call" label.

3. Update CNAM (Caller Name Presentation) Information

Updating or adding CNAM (Caller Name Presentation) might increase call answers by offering accurate caller information, though it won't affect nuisance labels. CNAM is a feature in the United States public telephone network that identifies an incoming caller by a personal or business name associated with the calling party.

Note: CNAM doesn't remove nuisance labels, but accurate caller information can enhance answer rates.

Ensure your number correctly displays your business name on the caller ID.
Work with your carrier to register or update your CNAM records.

Any entity with a business registration number—including sole proprietors with an EIN—may sign up for CNAM. An EIN is mandatory, whether you’re a one-person operation or a larger, registered brand.

4. Contact the Terminating Carrier (For International Numbers)

Currently, there is no centralized system to remove spam labels from international numbers. If your calls are flagged as spam outside the US, contact the terminating carrier directly to address the issue.

5. Consider Replacing the Phone Number

If the phone number flagged as ‘Spam Likely’ is relatively new, non-critical, or has an FTC complaint associated with it, replacing the number may be the fastest and easiest solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will registering my number immediately remove spam labels?

Not necessarily. Registration helps, but it may take time for carriers to update records.

Q. Should I register newly acquired numbers?

Yes, registering new numbers can prevent potential spam mislabeling.

Q. How long does Free Caller Registry (FCR) registration take?

Approval can take up to 4 business days.

Q. Is there a cost for FCR submission?

No, registering with the Free Caller Registry is completely free.

Q. How will phone numbers be linked to the SHAKEN/STIR Profile?

All numbers will be Linked Automatically. All current available numbers and future bought numbers will automatically be linked with the registered SHAKEN/STIR.

Q. Will registering my number with FCR fix mislabeled calls?

While registration often rectifies mislabeling, it's not foolproof. Registered numbers can still be flagged based on suspicious call patterns or consumer reports. Thus, we advise:

Monitoring call behavior for unusual traffic spikes.
Adhering to TCPA laws, FCC regulations, and our Acceptable Use Policy.

Next Steps

Register your number with the Free Caller Registry.
Contact your provider to enable SHAKEN/STIR authentication.
Regularly monitor your number’s reputation and take action to resolve complaints.

By following these best practices, you can reduce the likelihood of your calls being flagged as spam and ensure successful business communication.