Spam Calls: Who tags phone calls as spam? Find out how Truecaller and Google identify them..

In today's world, spam calls have become a major nuisance for people. Calls from unknown numbers frequently interrupt important office meetings or distract drivers. While many of these calls originate from marketing companies, in some instances, cyber fraudsters also use such numbers. But have you ever wondered why the word 'Spam' appears alongside a number on your phone screen, and who decides this? The answer lies in how Caller ID apps function.

Why has a dispute arisen between TRAI and Caller ID apps?
Recently, a dispute has emerged between TRAI and certain Caller ID platforms regarding this issue. Several banks complained that some Caller ID apps were flagging their official numbers—specifically those in the 140 and 1600 series—as spam. Consequently, many customers missed critical calls, such as banking alerts and loan recovery notifications, because their phones labeled these numbers as spam or blocked the calls entirely.
However, TRAI is not currently proposing direct regulation of these Caller ID apps. Instead, the regulatory body is preparing to introduce new rules to address the problem and ensure that important calls are not inadvertently categorized as spam.

How does Google's Caller ID identify spam calls?
The Google Phone app, found on Android smartphones, employs its own system to protect users from spam calls. This system identifies numbers based on public business directories, verified business profiles, and user-submitted reports.

If a large number of complaints are received against a specific number, Google begins displaying a spam warning to the user when a call comes in from that number. Additionally, Google has introduced an AI-based 'Scam Detection' feature on select Android devices. This feature analyzes conversation patterns during a call; if it detects signs of fraudulent activity, it flags the call as potential spam or a scam.

How does Truecaller determine which calls are spam?

Truecaller, one of India's most widely used Caller ID apps, does not label a number as spam based on a single complaint alone. The company analyzes data from various sources, including user spam reports, calling patterns, unusual activity associated with the number, and the frequency of complaints received against it.
Only after analyzing these indicators does the system determine whether or not to assign a spam tag to a number. The company states that if a number's activity returns to normal over time, the spam tag can be removed.

What happens if a number is mistakenly tagged as spam?

Sometimes, even official numbers can be mistakenly tagged as spam. To address this, Caller ID platforms allow companies to verify their official numbers. If a verified number is accidentally tagged as spam, the company can submit a request to have the tag removed. Following an investigation, if the claim is validated, the spam tag is removed from the number.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content