February 24, 2021
Americans received more than 4 billion robocalls in January 2021 according to the YouMail Robocall Index, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to new phones scams, including calls about contact tracing or vaccine sign-ups. UScellular has taken action to help solve the frustrating and sometimes costly issue of unwanted calls. Through the company’s network blocking solution, highly fraudulent robocalls are blocked before ever reaching customers on UScellular’s VoLTE network, significantly reducing the amount of unwanted calls they receive. This solution is provided automatically and at no cost to them.
For an extra level of security, UScellular offers two apps to help consumers stop unwanted calls and texts:
- The free Call Guardian app for Android and iOS app provides potential spam call identification based on known offenders and allows users to create a personal spam list. Users can also report suspect numbers quickly within the app or by going to com. For added protection and features, a premium version of the app is available for $3.99 per month and provides enhanced details for all potentially risky calls, the ability to block individual calls or block all calls for selected risk levels, and Caller ID.
- The free Spam Response app gives users the ability to easily report spam text messages that are then investigated, leading to a safer messaging experience for all consumers.
“Our customers and associates are fed up with unwanted and deceptive robocalls that can disrupt our everyday lives,” said Nathan Waddell, UScellular’s director of sales in East Tennessee. “We have our customers’ backs and are committed to helping them avoid unsolicited calls, and we will continue to enhance the tools and solutions we offer to keep our customers protected.”
To further protect customers, UScellular and T-Mobile recently began introducing STIR/SHAKEN number verification across their networks, meaning that calls from UScellular customers to T-Mobile customers where this has been deployed (and vice versa) are verified to be coming from the real number displayed in their caller ID. Number verification provides customers better ability to make decisions on which calls to answer, and agreements like this are a key step in the ongoing fight against unwanted robocalls. UScellular expects to have this deployed throughout its network soon.
The wireless carrier also shares the following tips to help consumers stop unwanted calls and avoid phone scams:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. If you miss a call from an unknown number, don’t call it back.
- You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Caller ID showing a “local” number does not necessarily mean it is a local caller.
- Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords or other identifying information if you are at all suspicious.
- More tips are available at the FCC’s website: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts
Customers who prefer to opt-out of UScellular’s call-blocking service can call 1-888-944-9400 or visit their local store.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with UScellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
