Learn · Updated
Why do my sales calls show Spam Likely?
Because the network or app on the other end decided your number looks like spam. Labels such as Spam Likely, Scam Likely or Potential Spam come from each carrier's call analytics and from caller-ID apps, based mostly on how a number calls. Signing calls with STIR/SHAKEN helps, but the calling pattern matters most.
Who labels your calls
The person's mobile carrier runs an analytics engine that scores every incoming number, and caller-ID apps on the phone keep their own lists. Each one decides on its own, so the same number can show as spam on one network and clean on another. Scores come from signals such as how many calls a number makes, how long they last, how often people answer, block or report it, and whether the call is signed.
STIR/SHAKEN: proof the number is yours
In the US, the FCC requires voice providers to sign calls with STIR/SHAKEN, so the receiving network can check that the caller ID was not spoofed. The originating provider gives each call an attestation level:
- A (full): the provider knows the customer and that they may use the number.
- B (partial): the provider knows the customer, but not that they may use the number.
- C (gateway): the provider only knows where the call entered its network.
A full attestation helps, but it only proves who is calling. It does not tell the network the call is wanted, so signed calls can still be labelled.
Caller name and registered numbers
On US numbers, a registered caller name (CNAM) lets phones and networks that show names display your business name instead of a bare number; many mobiles still show only the number. Registering your business and numbers with the analytics providers the carriers use tells them who is calling and why, which lowers the chance of a wrong label and gives you a way to dispute one.
Calling patterns that trigger labels
- Many calls from one number in a day, especially short or unanswered ones.
- Low answer rates and calls hung up within seconds.
- People blocking or reporting the number.
- Old or bought lists with wrong and disconnected numbers.
- A brand-new number that starts at full volume on day one.
- Rotating through numbers to get around labels, which carriers watch for.
How to check a number
Call a few phones on different carriers and see what the screen shows, and ask people you call what they saw. Keep an eye on answer rates per number: a sudden drop on one number is often the first sign of a label. If a number is labelled, register it, dispute the label with the carriers' analytics providers, and slow down its calls while you fix the pattern.
What helps
- Signed calls (STIR/SHAKEN), a registered caller name and registered numbers.
- A daily cap on calls per number, and enough local numbers for your volume.
- Clean lists: remove wrong numbers and honour your do-not-call list.
- Calls inside the person's calling hours, from a number they can call back.
- A slow start for new numbers, and a rest for numbers whose answer rate drops.
What DialSavvy does today
- We file your business profile, SHAKEN/STIR, caller name (CNAM) and caller-ID registrations for your numbers.
- Each number makes up to 50 calls a day and rings one person at a time.
- Every call shows a local number your workspace owns, and is checked against your do-not-call list and the contact's calling hours.
- You can release a number and get a new one in Settings › Phone numbers.
ComingNumber health (warm-up, rest and answer rates per number) and spam protection (label checks, fixes and replacements, with your approval).
Spam label questions
Anything else, ask in your demo. We look at your numbers and countries with you.
Book a demoDoes STIR/SHAKEN stop the Spam Likely label?
No. STIR/SHAKEN proves the number on a call was not spoofed, and a full (A) attestation helps, but carriers' analytics still label signed calls when a number's calling pattern looks like spam.
How do I check whether my number shows as spam?
Call a few phones on different carriers and see what the screen shows, and ask the people you call. In the US, the analytics providers behind the main carriers accept number registrations and label disputes from businesses.
How many calls a day can one number make?
There is no published limit. Labels follow patterns, and many short or unanswered calls from one number in a day is a common trigger. DialSavvy caps each number at 50 calls a day.
Will a new number fix a spam label?
Often for a while, but a new number with the same calling pattern is usually labelled again. Fix the pattern first: list quality, calls per number and answer rates. Carriers also watch for businesses that rotate numbers to get around labels.
Learn
How it works, how it differs from power dialing, and the rules on abandoned calls.