Numerous studies have demonstrated that even the most cynical among us have a psychological tendency to believe everything that’s presented to them in writing, and the more frequently we view false information, the more likely we are to perceive it as true, a phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect.
This tendency to blindly trust written information is even more powerful when it comes from a trusted source, such as a major news outlet, a reputable bank, or the good folks at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
So, when a carrier flashes a warning to its customers that a call they’re receiving is “Scam Likely” or a “Potential Fraud,” you can be certain that everyone who reads that warning is going to believe it, regardless of its truth or falsity.
Clearly, if you happen to be the party placing the call, you have a serious problem. Having your calls go unanswered due to a “scam likely” label can cost you thousands of dollars every month, but if just one of those calls does get answered, your problems are just beginning.
Ask yourself this question: Why would anyone in their right mind answer a call from someone they’ve been told is trying to scam them?
When you think about it, the only logical reason someone would be willing to have a phone conversation with a suspected criminal is to identify the caller so they can report them to the FTC or their state attorney general. And if you happen to be that caller, even though your call was perfectly legal and legitimate, your company is now on law enforcement’s radar, and no matter what kind of business you’re in, that is never a good thing.
It should be clear by now that how your calls appear on Caller ID displays isn’t just important - it’s absolutely critical. Unfortunately, the algorithms designed by carriers to curb illegal robocalls, along with mobile device solutions like Samsung's Smart Call routinely tag perfectly legitimate business calls as “Scam Likely” or “Probable Fraud,” and the long-term results of being tarred with that brush can be devastating.
If your company places outbound calls to consumers, you need Number Verifier.
NumberVerifier reveals exactly how your calls are displayed on mobile devices based on carrier type and mobile device OS. NumberVerifier also checks and rechecks your numbers on a regular ongoing basis in accordance with a schedule set by you. This is important, as a number that shows clean today may be tagged Scam Likely tomorrow.
NumberVerifier is a separate service that requires the purchase of usage credits that are not included with your Blacklist Alliance subscription. However, the flexible, credit-based system means you only pay for what you use, with no subscription required. Better still, all Alliance members are entitled to a free initial load of up to 1,000 numbers.
Don’t waste another day not knowing how your calls appear to those you’re trying to reach. Schedule a NumberVerifier demo today.
You can also access NumberVerifier directly from the Blacklist Alliance user dashboard by clicking the new NumberVerifier Module.
