Verizon says ‘NO’ to more than 7 billion robocalls and counting

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon is enhancing its robocall protection for over 75 million customers, successfully reducing spam calls for the tenth consecutive month. The introduction of iOS 14 settings enables automatic blocking of potential fraud calls, allowing customers to view missed calls without action needed. More than 80% of Fios Digital Voice customers receive free Caller ID and Spam Alerts. Verizon's collaboration with other providers is expanding authentication measures through STIR/SHAKEN to combat spoofed calls, while its commitment to enhancing customer protection against scams remains steadfast.

Positive

• Reduction in robocalls for ten consecutive months.
• iOS 14 features auto-block potential fraud calls.
• Over 80% of Fios customers receive free Caller ID & Spam Alerts.
• Collaboration with other providers on STIR/SHAKEN to authenticate calls.

Negative

• None.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon continues to be an industry leader in protecting over 75 million customers from pesky robocalls, with over 7 billion calls and counting. And for the 10th consecutive month, there’s an industry-wide decline in the volume and frequency of robocalls that customers receive. This is due, in part, to Verizon’s continued efforts on behalf of customers within the network and application levels, including the rollout of new network technology in iOS 14 that automatically sends robocalls to voicemails for Verizon iOS customers. 

We’ve got your back. 

With the introduction of a new setting in iOS 14 to Silence Junk Callers, Verizon is able to provide further protections for iOS customers by auto-blocking potential fraud and spam calls and sending them directly to voicemail. 

This advanced setting is now auto-enabled on devices with iOS 14, resulting in a decrease in spam calls received, with no action from the customer needed. Customers can always view incoming calls in Recents, as well as toggle the setting off if they wish to still have access to spam call alerts.

“We continue to prioritize our customers' needs by advancing our technologies to help them avoid more illegal robocalls every day,” said Ronan Dunne, CEO Verizon Consumer Group. “Robocalls are more than a nuisance - they pose a real risk to security and are a growing area of fraud that requires constant vigilance. We are staying ahead of this concerning behavior by developing new ways to protect our customers, and the integrated Silence Junk Callers feature is an example of this."

Verizon works with Transaction Network Services to power the analytics behind Verizon’s network spam blocking features, Silence Junk Callers and the Call Filter app. 

More Support for Fios voice customers - Say it with us ‘Nomorobo.’ 

More than 80% of Fios Digital Voice customers automatically have access to Caller ID & Spam Alerts for free. Effective in August, Verizon started automatically blocking calls in the network from telephone numbers that are deemed invalid or on a Do Not Originate list. These are likely spoofed calls from numbers that should never be making calls in the first place. These calls are terminated in the network and never reach your device. For more protection and control, customers can opt into Nomorobo - a free tool that blocks even more robocalls from home phones.

What’s shaking? 

Verizon is also working with dozens of other providers to deploy STIR/SHAKEN, an industry-wide effort which verifies a call is actually the number displayed on the Caller ID and not a spoofed call. Through those efforts, we’re authenticating billions of calls each and every month. 

Scammers are getting crafty, but we’re a step ahead

Despite the volume of illegal spam calls related to selling car insurance, employment opportunities, and social security fraud, Verizon remains committed to protecting customers by expanding defensive tactics and offering greater control.

Verizon customers can learn more about additional tools to help block or avoid robocalls by visiting here.

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 data, video and voice 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 https://www.verizon.com/about/media-center. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media Contacts:
Adria Tomaszewski
adria.tomaszewski@verizon.com

Sravya Gajjala 
sravya.gajjala@verizon.com

FAQ

How is Verizon protecting customers from robocalls?

Verizon has implemented new features in iOS 14 that automatically block potential fraud calls and send them to voicemail.

What percentage of Fios customers have access to Caller ID and Spam Alerts?

More than 80% of Fios Digital Voice customers automatically have access to Caller ID and Spam Alerts.

What is the impact of STIR/SHAKEN on call verification?

STIR/SHAKEN verifies that calls are from the displayed Caller ID number, helping to combat spoofed calls.

What recent statistics highlight Verizon's success against spam calls?

Verizon reports a decline in robocalls for 10 consecutive months, protecting over 75 million customers.

What features help Verizon customers avoid illegal robocalls?

Verizon offers auto-blocking features in iOS 14 and a free tool called Nomorobo for additional protection.