AT&T’s fraud detector app just blocked its 1 billionth scam call

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If you hate robocalls, AT&T‘s got your back with a free app designed to shut the spam calls down cold before they even ring on your phone!

Back in December, AT&T released its Call Protect app, a free mobile app that automatically vets incoming calls to make sure they’re not associated with robocall scams.

AT&T has now blocked over 1 billion scam calls

In an effort to fight back against robocalls and other unwanted phone calls customers often receive, AT&T created an “analytics-based blocking program” — a system that allows the company to determine whether an incoming call is legitimate or part of a scam or other robocall scheme.

And apparently, it’s working!

In a press release issued on April 13, AT&T announced its system has now blocked more than 1 billion robocalls!

AT&T has blocked its billionth unwanted robocall using a new program that detects violators through network data analysis… [The program] examines more than 1.5 billion calls each day for patterns that indicate robocallers. It then drills down on suspicious activity that may be illegal or forbidden. One example is multiple short-duration calls to numbers on the National Do Not Call list.

According to the company, the program is now blocking an average of about 12 million calls per weekday.

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Call Protect app: How it works

If a call is flagged as being suspect, you’ll get a warning on your incoming call screen. That call will then go into limbo along with other calls listed as suspected robocalls.

If you believe a call has been incorrectly flagged as spam, you have the option to let it through.

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There’s also a reporting function that lets you alert AT&T if an unsuspecting spam call does slip through. Then they’ll know to flag that number going forward.

And if there’s a number that’s not spam, but it’s bugging you anyway, AT&T also offers a solution: You can use Call Protect to block any number for 30 days!

Download the free app for iOS or Android today.

But note this well: This helpful service only works with about two dozen select newer iPhones or Android that are compatible with AT&T’s free HD Voice technology.

Here’s a partial list of compatible devices:

  • Apple iPhone 7
  • Apple iPhone 7 Plus
  • Apple iPhone 6s
  • Apple iPhone 6s Plus
  • Apple iPhone SE
  • Samsung Galaxy S7
  • Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
  • Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
  • Samsung Galaxy S6

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