In today’s business world, caller identification (ID) plays a crucial role in how people interact over the phone. Unfortunately, the increasing prevalence of robocalls, spam, and scams has made recipients wary of unfamiliar numbers.
This can be frustrating for legitimate businesses like yours if your calls are getting flagged as “Potential Spam” on your customers’ phones. Below, we’ll look into the reasons why your calls might be getting flagged and explore strategies to ensure your communication reaches the intended audience.
Key Takeaways:
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- Caller ID flagging is a system used by phone service providers to warn recipients about potential spam calls.
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- Several factors can contribute to your calls being flagged, including call history, calling patterns, and lack of Caller ID Name registration.
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- Implementing best practices, registering your Caller ID Name, and using reputable call providers can significantly reduce the risk of flagging.
The Rise of Caller ID Flagging and Its Purpose
The rise of robocalls and spam calls has become a major nuisance for phone users. To combat this issue, phone service providers have implemented caller ID flagging systems. These systems analyze various factors associated with a phone number and assign a risk score. If the score exceeds a certain threshold, the recipient’s phone will display a warning like “Potential Spam” or “Scam Likely” alongside the incoming number.
The FCC is also getting involved through the development of new authentication protocols. One such solution is STIR/SHAKEN, an acronym for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN).
This industry-standard framework uses digital certificates to verify the legitimacy of phone numbers, helping phone service providers identify and block spoofed calls. As STIR/SHAKEN adoption continues to grow, it holds promise for creating a more secure calling environment for both businesses and consumers.
Why Your Legitimate Calls Get Flagged
Several factors can contribute to your calls being flagged as potential spam:
High Call Volume
Making a large number of calls in a short period, especially to new numbers, can trigger spam filters. While this might be a result of legitimate business activities such as marketing campaigns or sales outreach, it can inadvertently lead to your calls being filtered as potential spam.
Robocall Detection Algorithms
With the rise of robocalls and automated spam campaigns, many phone carriers and call-blocking apps have implemented sophisticated algorithms to detect and filter out suspicious calls.
These algorithms analyze various factors such as:
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- Call frequency
- Caller behavior
- Call patterns
It uses these factors to determine the likelihood of a call being spam. While these measures help protect consumers from unwanted calls, they can sometimes mistakenly flag legitimate calls as potential spam.
Short Calls & Low Answer Rate
Frequent calls that last only a few seconds can be a red flag for spammers using automated dialing systems. Additionally, a consistently low answer rate for your calls can suggest you might be a telemarketer or robocaller. Both of these are factors that authentication algorithms look at.
Mismatched or Lack of CNAM Registration
Caller ID Name relies on a database called CNAM (Caller Name Identification) which displays the name associated with a phone number. In some cases, your calls may be flagged as potential spam due to mismatched Caller ID Name information. This can occur if the ID displayed to recipients doesn’t match the information associated with your phone number in their contacts or databases.
For example, if you’re calling from a business line but your Caller ID Name displays a personal name or number, recipients may be more inclined to ignore or block the call out of caution.
Previous Spam Reports
If your number has been reported for spam in the past, it may be automatically flagged for future calls by call-blocking systems. Even if you’re making legitimate calls, past reports of spam associated with your number can tarnish your reputation and lead to increased scrutiny from spam detection algorithms.
Network and Technology Limitations
Lastly, network and technology quality limitations can also contribute to your calls being labeled as potential spam. Factors such as network congestion, call routing issues, and technical glitches can disrupt the delivery of calls and trigger spam detection mechanisms.
Strategies to Avoid “Potential Spam” Flagging
Here are some actionable steps you can take to minimize the risk of your calls being flagged as spam:
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- Maintain Call Hygiene: Focus on quality over quantity. Target your calls to relevant individuals and avoid mass dialing. Maintain detailed call logs and remove any disconnected or non-responsive numbers from your lists.
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- Register your Caller ID Name: Ensure your business name and contact information are registered with your phone service provider for Caller ID Name display. A recognizable display name builds trust and helps recipients identify your calls as legitimate.
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- Use a Reputable Calling Service: Choose a reliable business phone service provider known for maintaining good call quality and adhering to anti-spam regulations.
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- Vary Call Timing: Spread out your calls throughout the day to avoid appearing like an automated dialing system.
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- Leave Voicemails: If your call goes unanswered, leave a clear and concise voicemail message introducing yourself and the purpose of your call. This mitigates what algorithms might consider a “too short” call time.
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- Respect DNC Lists: Do Not Call (DNC) lists are essential for protecting consumer privacy. Ensure your business complies with DNC regulations and avoid calling numbers registered on these lists.
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- Track and Analyze Call Data: Monitor your call logs and analyze data like answer rates and call duration. This can help you identify areas for improvement and adjust your calling strategies accordingly.
Feeling Frustrated by Blocked Calls or Poor Phone Service?
VerCom Systems is a trusted partner in hosted business phone systems, VoIP systems, cabling, and installation in Ohio. We understand the complexities of call verification and provide you with customized systems that can improve your business communications.
Call or message the VerCom Systems team today for a free consultation.