The T-Mobile Scam Shield or ScamShield is a service that blocks scams and unwanted robocalls. Scam Shield is the name of the whole package of software and services designed to better protect customers from robocalls and spam. It involves several elements, including enhanced caller ID, call blocking, and replaces the previous T-Mobile app known as Name ID. And, since Sprint is a part of T-Mobile, it even helps to tackle a bigger problem. Scams and unwanted robocalls are the #1 complaint to the FCC and cost Americans over $10 billion a year. Now scammers are poised to prey on consumers’ growing health and financial fears in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
How ScamShield Works
Scam Shield attacks scams and unwanted robocalls from all angles with a series of moves designed to stop scammers in their tracks, give you more information about who’s calling and protect your personal information, including:
- Free Scam ID and Blocking. Suspicious calls are flagged, and customers can turn on scam blocking to never see those calls again.
- Free, Enhanced Caller ID. If we know who’s calling, you’ll know who is calling. And with new improvements, you’ll know when the number is verified as coming from a real person or business.
- Free Second Number. Introducing T-Mobile PROXY, a second number to keep your personal number personal.
- Free Number Change. If your personal number becomes a spam magnet, get a clean slate with a new number.
- Free Scam Shield App. The central spot to activate these new protections and, for an extra charge, unlock more advanced call controls. Sprint customers now get free protections — previously an added charge — in the upgraded Call Screener app.
- Free Be ID Aware Service. Get ID monitoring and alerts for 12 months from the experts at McAfee, available for a limited time.
T-Mobile said you can use Scam Shield on any phone within its wider network, which includes Metro by T-Mobile and now, after a mega-merger, Sprint. However, the company also said that Scam Shield will live as a dedicated app on your phone. Starting July 24, T-Mobile and Metro customers can download the Scam Shield app.
However, the same customers can also sign up for one layer of the service, Scam Block, any time before then by dialing #662#. Scam Block is designed to keep unwanted calls from ringing your phone, but T-Mobile's fine print admits that some legitimate calls you do want might also get blocked and some of the fake calls may bypass the shield app.
Therefore, here are some tips to help protect you against those robocalls:
- Don't answer calls from blocked or unknown numbers.
- Don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize.
- Don't assume an incoming call is really from a local number just because it looks like it is.
- Don't respond to any questions that can be answered with a "Yes."
- If someone calls you and claims to be with XYZ company, hang up and call the company yourself. Use the company's website to find an official number.
- If you do answer a call and hear a recording such as, "Hello, can you hear me?" just hang up.
- The same goes for a call where you're asked to press a number before being connected to a representative. (samshield t mobile)