What is a “Potential spam” call? Should you block such phone numbers?

What does “Potential spam” mean?

“Potential spam” calls are those that look suspicious according to your mobile provider or call app. Providers run spam analytics that weigh many signals and label or filter calls accordingly:

• Reputation algorithms. Large, fast spikes in call volume, short call durations, and high hang-up rates can flag a number as a robocaller.
• User reports and crowd signals. When enough people report “spam” or “scam,” the number’s reputation drops.
• Caller-ID checks. If the caller identity can’t be validated (or appears to be changed due to spoofing), risk scores rise.
• Known bad lists and honeypot traps. Carriers set up decoy numbers to catch illegal dialers, and hits are added to blocklists.

However, false positives still happen. Recycled numbers that previously had a bad reputation and inconsistent call patterns that resemble spam behavior also trigger a false positive.

“Potential spam” vs. “Suspected spam”

Both “Potential spam” and “Suspected spam” mean the network/app has assessed the call as likely unwanted, but phrasing varies by ecosystem. For example, Google’s Phone app warns about “Potential spam” callers, while Verizon Call Filter alerts if a number may be a “Suspected spam.” In practice, “potential” and “suspected” indicate the same risk: Proceed carefully, let the call go to voicemail, and verify the caller through official numbers if needed.

“Potential spam” vs. “Scam likely”

“Scam likely” generally signals a higher risk of fraud than “Potential spam.” Carriers typically reserve the strongest labels (and auto-blocking) for campaigns tied to known phone scams and vishing. Regardless of label, the best practice to keep yourself safe is to let unknown calls roll to voicemail and call back via the organization’s official number.

What to do if you get a “Potential spam” call

“Potential spam” calls can happen to anyone. Treat the label like a hazard sign. Your goal is to avoid engaging, avoid revealing information, and maintain control of the next move. Follow these tips when you’re faced with such calls:

• Let it go to voicemail. Unknown numbers, especially those flagged as potential or suspected spam, are best ignored. If the message is important, the caller will leave a message you can verify later. You can also reduce interruptions by turning on built-in filters.
• Never share one-time codes, PINs, or banking info. Some spam calls are from scammers trying to trick you into giving away sensitive information.
• Hang up and verify on your terms. If the caller claims to be from your bank, delivery firm, or a government agency, end the call and contact the organization using the official number from its website or the back of your card.
• Report it to help others. In your phone app, use “Report spam” or “Block” to downgrade the number’s reputation for everyone. Then report the potential fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (US) or your country’s fraud agency.

What to do if you have answered a “Potential spam” call

If you’ve already answered a “Potential spam” call, follow these steps:

• If the call seems suspicious because it is an automated message or pressures you to share personal information, it’s best to hang up.
• Avoid pressing any keypad options because doing so might let callers know your number is active.

What could happen if you answer a “Potential spam” call?

Most calls flagged as “Potential spam” are simply unwanted or annoying, like telemarketers or robocalls. Usually, these calls aren’t harmful if you don’t engage. However, if the call is from scammers pretending to be legitimate, interacting with them could lead to risks like losinmoney. Here’s what could happen if you interact with such calls:

1. You might get tricked into sharing personal or financial information. Fraudsters pretend to be from banks, delivery services, or even law enforcement. They rely on a sense of urgency, a pretence of authority, or instilling fear in you to pressure you into giving away details or sending them money.
2. Your voice could be cloned. Even a short conversation provides scammers with a clear voice sample. 
3. Your number could get flagged as active. Simply picking up the call, even if you only say hello, confirms that your number works. Active numbers are shared or sold, which means more spam calls in the future.

How to block a “Potential spam” number

Blocking is a two-step mindset. Block and report the number and tighten your global anti-spam settings. Your mobile devices can also provide you with automatic filters that will lessen the probability of spam calls coming in.

How to stop spam calls on iOS

Spam calls are a common nuisance, but your iPhone has built-in features to help you stay in control. Let’s take a look at two effective ways to reduce unwanted calls. 

Blocking a number is a quick way to stop repeated spam calls from the same source.

1. Open the “Phone” app and go to “Recents.”
2. Tap the “ⓘ” next to the number you want to block.
3. Select “Block this caller.”

For calls from numbers you don’t recognize, you can have them go directly to voicemail.

1. Open “Settings” > “Phone.”
2. Turn on “Silence unknown callers.”

How to stop spam calls on Android

If you’re planning to stop spam calls on an Android device, keep in mind that menus can differ depending on the type of phone. These steps use Google’s Phone app as a reference.

If a spam call or message comes from a particular number, blocking it is the fastest way to prevent future contact.

1. Open the “Phone” app and go to “Recents.”
2. Tap or press and hold the number you want to block.
3. Select “Block/report spam.”

Android phones can detect spam calls and warn you before you answer if you choose the right settings.

1. Open the “Phone” app > “More options” > “Settings” > “Caller ID and spam.”
2. Turn on “See caller and spam” and “Filter spam calls.”