T-Mobile launches free scam services just in time to block fake IRS calls
Last week I received a call directing me to call a particular phone number or I would be faced with a serious IRS penalty. It was obviously a scam since I have yet to file my taxes, but scammers steal from innocent people every year to the tune of a reported half a billion dollars.
The IRS just released another alert to US taxpayers yesterday and then T-Mobile issued a press release today announcing tools to help people fight back and protect themselves from thieves.
There are no apps to download or special versions of a mobile phone operating system to run as both Scam ID and Scam Block are integrated into T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile's patent-pending technology analyzes the call and compares it against a global database.
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When a suspected scam caller is identified, the customer is warned that the call is likely a scammer so the customer can then choose to ignore the call. That is Scam ID. If you never want to be bothered by scam calls and want to let T-Mobile filter and terminate them before they reach you, then you can turn on Scam Block.
The rollout will start with T-Mobile One customers on April 5. Other postpaid customers can also enable Scam ID beginning on April 5 by dialing #ONI# (#664#) and pressing the call button in their phone's dialer. To turn on Scam Block, customers can dial #ONB# (#662#) or, to turn it off, dial #OFB# (#632#). To check whether Scam Block is on or off, customers can dial #STS# (#787#).
Why you shouldn't call a Windows tech support scam: