Overview
If your business phone number is being flagged as "Spam Risk," "Scam Likely," or similar labels when you call customers, you're not alone. Many legitimate businesses are affected by aggressive spam filtering systems implemented by carriers and phone manufacturers.
Why This Happens
Phone numbers can be flagged as spam for various reasons:
- High call volume from the number in a short period
- Recipients marking your calls as spam
- Calling patterns that resemble robocall behavior
- The phone number was previously used for spam before you acquired it
- Your number has characteristics similar to known spam numbers
The TRACED Act
The TRACED Act (Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act) was passed in 2019 to combat robocalls. While well-intentioned, its implementation has affected many legitimate businesses. Carriers are now required to implement STIR/SHAKEN protocols and robocall mitigation, which can sometimes result in false positives for legitimate callers.
How to Fix It
The primary solution is to contact the called party's carrier directly. Unfortunately, there is no single universal database to request removal from—you must contact each carrier or use their designated services.
Step 1: Identify the Carrier
Ask the person who received your call which mobile carrier they use. This determines which company to contact.
Step 2: Submit a Request to Remove the Flag
Contact the appropriate carrier using the information below.
Carrier Contact Information
Free Caller Registry
Many carriers now use the Free Caller Registry as a centralized place to report and resolve spam flagging issues:
Registering here can help with multiple carriers at once.
AT&T
AT&T uses the Free Caller Registry. Submit your request at freecallerregistry.com.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth powers many VoIP and communications platforms. Use the Free Caller Registry for issues related to Bandwidth-powered services.
Lumen / CenturyLink
Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) participates in the Free Caller Registry program.
Comcast / Xfinity
Contact Comcast business support or use the Free Caller Registry.
Frontier Communications
Frontier has a dedicated email address for spam-related issues:
Email: nospam@ftr.com
Include your phone number, business name, and a description of the issue.
Inteliquent
Inteliquent is a major carrier providing services to many VoIP providers. Use the Free Caller Registry for issues.
Sprint (now T-Mobile)
Sprint has merged with T-Mobile. See T-Mobile below.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile provides a business registration portal. They also participate in the Free Caller Registry. For direct assistance, businesses can contact T-Mobile's business support line.
US Cellular
Use the Free Caller Registry for US Cellular spam flag issues.
Verizon
Verizon uses the Free Caller Registry. Register your business numbers at freecallerregistry.com.
Additional Resources
First Orion / Hiya / TNS
Some carriers use third-party analytics companies to identify spam. These companies also offer registration portals for businesses:
- First Orion: Powers AT&T and T-Mobile spam detection
- Hiya: Used by Samsung and carrier apps
- TNS (Transaction Network Services): Provides robocall mitigation services
Best Practices to Avoid Future Flags
- Register with STIR/SHAKEN: Ensure your calls are authenticated through your VoIP provider
- Use Caller ID Name (CNAM): Register a proper business name for your caller ID
- Avoid high-volume bursts: Space out your calls rather than making many calls rapidly
- Get consent: Only call people who have agreed to receive your calls
- Honor do-not-call requests: Remove numbers promptly when requested
- Consider branded calling: Some services let you display your business name and logo on recipients' phones
Timeline
After submitting requests, removal from spam lists can take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks depending on the carrier. Be patient and keep records of all submissions made.