Robocall Blocking

Effective on or after October 19, 2020


Americans were hit with 58.5 billion robocalls in 2019, an increase of 22% from the 47.8 billion received in 2018, according to YouMail. Once this feature launches, our Robocall Blocking program will identify and reduce the number of robocalls to your number. This service will be automatically added to every Shentel customer’s account – free of charge!

Robocalls are not only annoying, they can be dangerous. By blocking the fraudulent or potentially harmful calls, we will be giving you more protection from scamming, spamming and spoofing, thereby lowering your risk of identity and data theft.

Our goal is to reduce customer frustration and increase satisfaction!

We will attempt to block as many potentially harmful calls as possible while allowing legitimate calls through.

 

NEW FEATURE ADDED

All calls are given a reputation score based on the severity of consequences of an associated threat.

  • Calls that are confirmed as dangerous will be blocked.
  • Suspicious calls will be sent through and will be identified with a message on your Caller ID to let you know that it is potentially spam.
 

WE AIM TO BLOCK:

  • Call attempting identity theft
  • Money scams
  • Calls presenting false caller ID info
  • Other forms of fraud

WE TRY NOT TO BLOCK:

  • Appointment confirmations
  • Public notices
  • Announcements from schools or churches
  • Legitimate charities
  • Utility notifications

 

How does it work?

Our system leverages external data sources, algorithms, analytics and historical records of the callers past activity to identify calls with a high risk of spamming, scamming, and spoofing. The system assigns each call a "reputation score" that we use to determine whether the call represents a high security risk and should be blocked.

 

RISKS IN USING THIS SERVICE:

Please be aware that this system is NOT GUARANTEED to block 100% of harmful calls. It is possible that a harmful call will go through unblocked, so you should always take precautions. If you receive a call with a pre-recorded sales pitch, or if you are asked to provide personal or financial information, the FTC recommends that you hang up immediately and report the call to donotcall.gov.

Visit the FTC website for more information about how to further protect yourself from fraudulent phone calls.

By using this service, there is a chance that legitimate calls could be incorrectly identified as a threat, and blocked. If you have concerns that you are not receiving all the calls that you should, you can call 1-800-SHENTEL at any time to receive assistance.

You may also opt out of this service at any time by calling 1-800-SHENTEL or by completing the opt-out form below.

 

RISKS IN OPTING OUT OF THIS SERVICE:

By opting out of the Robocall Block feature, calls will not be screened and you could receive harmful calls to your number.

If you have opted out but would like to re-enable the service, please call 1-800-SHENTEL.



Frequently Asked Questions


What is a robocall?

An automated phone call containing a prerecorded message or artificial voice to a large number of people. Robocalls are often used by spammers, spoofers and scammers.

  • Spammers: individual or organization that places automated phone calls, telemarketing and informational, in a manner that is in non-compliance with state and federal laws governing the use of auto-dialers.
  • Spoofers: individuals or organizations that knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate Caller ID information. These calls may be placed manually or through an auto-dialer. Spoofers often mask their telephone number in order to show a completely different number--often a number that may be local or familiar to you – and would be categorized as potential fraud.
  • Scammers: individuals or organizations in complete disregard of state and federal laws, employing deceptive caller ID practices to avoid detection. Scammers use an auto-dialer to commit identity theft or other types of fraud.

Are all robocalls being blocked?

Simply put, no. Some robocalls are calls you want to receive, such as from your children’s school, church, or doctor’s appointments. Our system uses a data sources and algorithms to identify robocalls that have a known history of spamming, spoofing or scamming. Most likely, your church or school will come through with an alert; however, if you should have a concern about a number you are not receiving, but should, please call us at 1-800-SHENTEL.

What calls are being blocked?

Our call-blocking program aims to reduce or block as many of the unwanted calls made with malicious intent as possible. We know these types of calls have the potential to invade your privacy through identity theft, money scams and other forms of fraud.

How are these harmful calls identified?

Our solution is an industry leading call analytics solution with over 1.8 billion records using complex algorithm and data sources to identify robocalls, differentiate between wanted and unwanted calls, identify spoofing events, and identify with certainty which calls should be blocked.

What can I do if I think a number is being wrongly blocked or is incorrectly marked as spam?

Help us improve our service by letting us know. Call 1-800-SHENTEL and one of our Customer Service Representatives will be glad to assist you, or you can opt out by visiting this link.

How can I report malicious robocalls?

If you want to report a robocaller, spoofer or scammer, you can add your number to the Nationwide Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov. If you receive an unwanted call after your number has been on the National Registry for 31 days, report it to the FTC here.

What if I don't want any of my incoming calls blocked?

You can opt out of this free service at any time. Simply call 1-800-SHENTEL for assistance or click here to complete the opt-out form.