Verizon helps customers avoid over 5 billion to date; leads industry in robocall protection

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon is enhancing its Call Filter service, now protecting over 75 million wireless lines against unwanted robocalls. Recent data indicate a 30% decline in unwanted calls over the last three months, reflecting a seven-month trend of decreasing spam calls. The company has identified nearly 40 new COVID-19 scams and is working with government agencies to combat these issues. The Call Filter app has prevented over 5 billion spam calls since launch. Customers can upgrade to Call Filter Plus for enhanced features at $2.99/month.

Positive

• Over 75 million customers protected by Call Filter.
• 30% decline in unwanted calls over the last three months.
• Successfully identified 40 new COVID-19 scams.
• Call Filter app has blocked over 5 billion spam calls.
• Call Filter Plus offers enhanced features for $2.99/month.

Negative

• None.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon leads the industry in protecting more than 75 million consumer, business and prepaid wireless lines with Call Filter, which helps curb unwanted robocalls made to consumers. In fact, for the past seven months, the industry has experienced a drop in monthly spam calls, according to Transaction Network Services, Verizon’s robocall analytics partner. 

Verizon’s ongoing efforts coupled with the global pandemic have disrupted robocallers, causing more than a 30% decline in unwanted calls over the last three months, and seven consecutive months of decline. 

Recently, Verizon systems have identified that illegal robocallers are changing their approach, using coronavirus as a lure when impersonating healthcare providers, government entities and credit card companies. Verizon customers can block or avoid many of these calls at no cost thanks to the free Call Filter app. 

“Our team has identified nearly 40 new COVID-19 scams since March and we’re making sure our customers don’t get bothered by those calls,” said Ronan Dunne, CEO Verizon Consumer Group. “In addition to improving the tools our customers can use to protect themselves via services like Call Filter, Verizon is actively working to help government enforcement agencies root out the bad actors by initiating tracebacks of illegal robocall campaigns. Our ongoing efforts have helped contribute to seven consecutive months of decline in unwanted robocalls calls, and we continue to make significant progress on behalf of our customers,” he added.

Since Verizon launched its free Call Filter app to smartphone consumers last year, we’ve helped customers avoid over five billion spam calls and robocalls, and we’re just getting started. Earlier this year, we expanded Call Filter to devices like Basic Phones, Wireless Home Phone, and the Google Pixel. Customers with those devices can enroll in Call Filter spam block via My Verizon to silence high risk spam calls. 

In addition to the free spam protection features of Verizon’s Call Filter app, which is preloaded on most Verizon Android devices and available on the Apple App store, postpaid customers can upgrade to Call Filter Plus for $2.99 per month. That version of the app offers additional features, including:

• Caller Name ID
• Spam Look Up                     
• Personal Block List             
• Spam Risk Meter
  

Fios Digital Voice customers automatically get Caller ID & Spam Alerts for free, which warn of potential fraud calls, and can opt into Nomorobo, a free tool that stops robocalls from ringing on your home phone.

Verizon has made significant progress deploying STIR/SHAKEN, an industry-wide effort that helps verify that a call is in fact from the number displayed on the Caller ID and not spoofed. Verizon is currently verifying billions of calls every month within our network and has sent three billion STIR/SHAKEN calls to other carriers.

About Verizon Communications, Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000, and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at www.verizon.com/about/news/. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contacts:
Jeremy Godwin
jeremy.godwin@verizon.com

FAQ

What recent actions has Verizon taken against robocalls?

Verizon has enhanced its Call Filter service, leading to a 30% decline in unwanted spam calls.

How effective is Verizon's Call Filter in reducing unwanted calls?

The service has contributed to a seven-month trend of decreasing spam calls and has blocked over 5 billion calls.

What is the cost and benefit of upgrading to Call Filter Plus for VZ customers?

Call Filter Plus costs $2.99/month and offers additional features like Caller Name ID and Spam Risk Meter.

How many COVID-19 scams has Verizon identified recently?

Verizon's team has identified nearly 40 new COVID-19 scams since March.