Does T-Mobile's Scam Shield Spam Blocker Work & Why Not Free?

T-Mobile scam calls blocked

There's a new weapon in the ongoing war against annoying robocalls and text spams.  WHY ISN'T THIS APP FREE?

In the ongoing war against annoying robocalls and text spams, T-Mobile has just created a new weapon. The company unveiled Scam Shield, a free service for all T-Mobile customers (including Sprint) that’s designed to prevent unwanted texts and calls from reaching your phone.

The idea is pretty simple: when you subscribe to Scam Shield, T-Mobile automatically blocks numbers that have been reported as scams. If you receive an unsolicited call from one of these numbers, it will drop off silently without leaving a trace on your phone. If you want to know if this is happening in real time, there's also an app for Android or iOS devices that will show how many texts and calls are being blocked each day.

Why isn't this app provided free?

Spam and robocalls are enabled by the carriers and the FCC and no one seems to care.  If wireless carriers truely cared about preventing you from getting spammed they would provide this free.  However, I think these carriers make too much money enabling companies to spam their customers.

For example, my wife was on Verizon Wireless for many years and recently switched over to T-Mobile.  Now she is innundated with spam calls and texts?  Why?  Does T-Mobile make money off of selling lists of phone numbers to spamming companies?  We might never find out and this maybe why T-Mobile keeps their pricing plans less than AT&T and Verizon. 

What is Scam Shield?

Scam Shield is a free service from T-Mobile that helps protect you from phone scams. It lets you automatically block calls, texts and spam messages from suspected scammers or fraudsters, as well as robocallers and telemarketers. You can also set up call alerts to be notified if a potential scammer is calling your number.

It's easy to set up Scam Shield with the T-Mobile app or by signing in to your account on web browser. The service works with all cell phones, even those not provided by T-Mobile. This makes it an excellent option for people who don't want to switch carriers because they're happy with their current provider but are also looking for extra protection against unwanted callers.

The basics of Scam Shield

Scam Shield is a free app for your T-Mobile phone, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. If you're an Android, iOS or feature phone user, you can download the app to take advantage of its call and text blocking features. For iPhone users, Scam Shield also works with iMessage.

One of Scam Shield's main features is Scam ID, which comes enabled by default when you download the app. With this feature turned on, you'll see a "Scam Likely" alert pop up when suspicious calls come through on your T-Mobile line. You can then choose to answer and speak with the caller or send them directly to voice mail without lifting a finger (or even looking at your screen). Scammers won't be able to leave prerecorded messages in your voice mail either if they get routed there; instead they'll hear a recording that warns them you may report this number as spam.

Should you get it?

If you're a T-Mobile customer, I recommend that you install the app. You can always turn certain features off if they don't work for your lifestyle and needs.  However, I wouldn't pay a dime for this product. 

As for everyone else? It's complicated. If you're on AT&T or Verizon, you may have a similar feature built into your network and/or phone, but it won't be as powerful as Scam Shield. For example, my friend Kevin has an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G phone with the AT&T Call Protect app installed. The app doesn't show where calls are coming from (other than the city), and it only labels numbers as scams after they've called him personally (the suspect numbers aren't blocked). With this protection in place, Kevin's still getting plenty of scam calls—but he'll get even more when he installs Scam Shield to compare them side by side. His phone will be ringing off the hook!

Verizon's Call Filter Plus or AT&T's Call Protect Plus which includes Caller ID and spam warnings right on your home screen whether the call comes in via VoIP or landline!

How much does Scam Shield cost and should you pay for it?

Scam Shield is available to all T-Mobile customers at no cost, and MetroPCS customers can also use all of the standard features. However, if you want access to the premium version, you'll need to be a postpaid T-Mobile customer. Postpaid customers are those who pay for their phones and plans at the end of each month instead of paying for them in advance.

The paid version costs $4 per month for your entire account, which gives both you and anyone else on your T-Mobile plan access to all of its features (though only one person can use identity theft protection at a time). It includes Scam ID and Scam Block, along with additional features like identity theft protection and fraud alerts that work even if you're not a T-Mobile customer; identity restoration assistance; dark web monitoring; up to $1 million in insurance covering stolen funds from accounts such as bank or investment accounts; up to $25,000 in coverage for online fraud that happens because someone misused your personal information or hacked into your email account; and credit reports and scores from three credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

What should you know about T-Mobile's Scam Shield?

You can try Scam Shield for free for 30 days. After that, it costs $4 a month.

This is what you should know about T-Mobile's Scam Shield service:

  • You can block all spam calls and texts, or just the ones that are likely to be scams.

  • You can add phone numbers to a blacklist and won't get any calls from them.

  • There's a log of blocked calls and texts so you can see which ones were filtered out.

Can't you block spam calls yourself?

It's true that you can block spam calls yourself. The problem is, blocking each number individually takes a lot of time and effort. If you miss one, or if the scammer spoofs another number, you're back in the same boat.

One solution is to use an app. There are free ones like Hiya and Truecaller, but there are also paid options like RoboKiller ($3/month) and Nomorobo ($1.99/month). These apps work with your carrier to automatically identify suspected spam calls before they reach your phone; you can then set up automatic blocking at a system-wide level if you'd like. It's a hassle to set up and run these apps in addition to your regular phone experience, but they do provide some comfort in knowing that your phone has been protected from spammers without any active participation on your part (beyond the initial setup).

If you don't want to deal with blocking numbers individually or downloading an app, Scam Shield is the way to go.

If you're the type of person who hates constantly fiddling with your phone to block unwanted texts and calls, T-Mobile Scam Shield will save you time and frustration. If you have an iPhone, you can use the feature to block spam texts from appearing in your messaging app. With iPhones running iOS 13 or later, you can download a third-party app that automatically sends spam calls straight to voicemail. That's something that Android users don't get with Google's built-in call screening features.

For those who want more control over their phones, there are cheaper options available. You could just download an app like YouMail Voicemail & Spam Blocker (free; $3 per month for premium version) or Hiya (free), which offer a lot of the same features as T-Mobile's service as well as additional ones, like reverse phone number lookup and ID verification tools. Alternatively, instead of paying for a service to do it for you, you could block numbers on your own manually if they show up frequently enough.

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Americans Are Drowning in Spam & Robocalls & FCC Does Nothing


Americans Are Drowning in Spam & Robocalls & FCC Does Nothing

robocalls spam chart

You're not imagining it: The flood of spam calls, texts, emails and social media posts into your life is getting a lot bigger.

Why it matters: Junk messages aren't just annoying — they also open the door to more fraud, cybercrime and identity theft than ever before.

Driving the news: The average American received roughly 42 spam texts just in the month of March, according to new data from RoboKiller, an app that blocks spam calls and texts.

  • Spammers like using text messages because of their high open rates — and are now even mimicking targets' own phone numbers to get them to click malicious links, the New York Times reported.

What they're saying: "Just like with robocalls, it's extremely easy to deploy [spam texts] in enormous volume and hide your identity," Will Maxson, assistant director of the FTC's division of marketing practices, told Axios.

  • "There's a large number of actors all over the world trying to squeeze spam into the network from almost an infinite number of entry points all the time."

It's not just texts. Every form of spam is on the rise.

  • There were more spam calls last month than in any of the previous six months, per YouMail's Robocall Index.
  • Spam emails rose by 30% from 2020 to 2021, according to a January report from the Washington Post.
  • There was an unprecedented increase in social media scams last year, according to data from the Federal Trade Commission. Many scams were related to bogus cryptocurrency investments.

Between the lines: Experts attribute the sharp increase in spam to the pandemic. People's increased reliance on digital communications turned them into ready targets.

  • The Federal Communications Commission saw a nearly 146% increase in the number of complaints about unwanted text messages in 2020.

And it's working: Americans reported losing $131 million to fraud schemes initiated by text in 2021, a jump over 50% from the year before, according to data from the FTC.

Our thought bubble: Email spam has been around forever, but email providers have largely filtered it out for us. Cell providers, though, are still behind.

What's next: The FCC tried to reduce robocalls in part by working with cell phone carriers to implement call authentication requirements. But now the agency is playing catch-up on policing spam texts.

  • FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal in October to craft rules that would require wireless providers to block illegal text messaging, but her plan has not yet been voted on by the agency.

Yes, but: As regulators and service providers try to crack down, spammers keep getting more creative. Their latest tactic is mass FaceTime calls, often at late hours of the night.

Related Article:

Does T-Mobile's Scam Shield Spam Blocker Work & Why Not Free?


Why isn’t Instagram loading? 8 Reasons Why Your Feed is Down

instagram down detector

Do you have problems with your Instagram feed and application? Well, internet applications can have problems for anyone. That is why we will try to give you the best options you have if ever your Instagram gets problematic.

You can try getting rid of different problems you have with the application. We will try to talk about when to reinstall, when to uninstall it and reinstall and when to see error messages. We will also try to cover much more.

1) Instagram Update 

One of the reasons for Instagram’s problems is installing its new version. So, if you are facing a problem after you installed a new version of it, you can try restoring the older version. You can use the APK mirror to remove this problem.

You can go to the phone browser, go to the APK mirror, and search for “Instagram.” Then you can tap “Apps,” scroll down and find “Instagram” by Instagram. You must select it and tap the latest version of the application. Once you have that, you can tap “All Releases.” You can tap a version that is older than your last update.

This is how you can have an older version of the application that helps you have better results for your application loading problems. 

2) Enabling Application Permissions 

The experts say that the Instagram application would need several permissions to work properly on your phone. It goes for iPhone and Android both. So, making sure that you have permitted the application to access certain parts of your cell phone is essential.

You should allow it access to your contacts, microphone, storage, and photos to point out some. You must also give access to storage. If you do not know how to allow this access on Android, you can do that:

  • Go to “settings” of the cell phone.
  • From there, you can tap “app & notifications.”
  • Go to “Instagram” in this section.
  • Tap on “permissions,” and then you can enable them from there. Different versions of Android would need different types of taps for enabling them.

If you are looking to allow these permissions on an iOS device, you can go to “Settings,” then “Instagram,” and to the permission, you are looking to enable. 

3) How To Know if Instagram is Down 

Sometimes there are problems with the application, and you cannot know if there is some issue with you or the application. Well, if you are looking to know if there is some problem on your side or Instagram’s, you can try some applications for that. 

Some of the best options for this are:

  • Is it down or just me?
  • Why isn’t Instagram loading?
  • Is it down right now?

These applications can help you understand if there are any reasons for the platform not being available. If there is a problem on the other side, you cannot do much. It will take time, and you will have to wait till the problem is resolved. 

4) Trying Different Devices May Help

The experts believe that trying a different device may help your application access. So, you can try using the application on some other device or someone else’s phone. It will help you know if there is some issue with your phone or if there is some other reason.

You can try your best to get more Instagram followers and to get better at making new followers. But if your application goes down for some reason, your access may not get active. So, ensure having a good connection to make your content get good followers.

5) Reinstallation of the App

You can reinstall an application if there is a problem due to a bug there. The procedure to do that is:

  • Go to “Settings” and open them.
  • You must open “Apps & notifications” from there.
  • Then you must tap the “see all apps” button.
  • You can find the list of applications.
  • From there, you can uninstall the application.
  • Once it is uninstalled, you can go back to Google Play Store and install it once again. 

There might be some chances that you would not need or get results with this solution. So, you should know well about the error messages and issues you can face. Once you understand these messages, you can solve the problems you could ever face. 

So, be aware of these problems that commonly appear due to some bug or other reasons.

6) Error Messages and Issues You Should Know 

You should make sure if the Instagram application has some issue or there is some issue in the whole system. For this purpose, you can use the web version of this application. We should call it the browser version or the website. 

So, if you ever face such a problem, you can go on and check if there is some issue with the application or the whole system is down. 

7) VPN May Cause Problems 

The experts say that a VPN can be a reason behind problems in your Instagram feed loading problems. So, you must try removing such an application to make sure there are no issues due to it.

It is said that such an issue can occur due to a faulty VPN. Such a VPN can cause other problems as well. So, if you have problems sending or receiving messages within Instagram, you should try turning off your VPN. 

If you are looking to keep your feed regular, you should make sure there are no such problems there. You cannot have a great number of Instagram Auto likes if your Instagram is down all the time. So, make sure you remove such problems. 

8) Cell coverage issues or WiFi network is slow or down

Check to see if you might have a cell phone coverage issues.  Users of Instagram are most likely using their phones.  Here is an easy mobile web app to report cell phone coverage issues.  No download is required. 

Final Thoughts 

Every application in the world has a chance of temporary failure to launch or work. So, if your Instagram application has gone down, you should know if there is some problem on your side.

Ensure that your Insta has permissions it needs to run, is the latest version, or needs reinstall. At the same time, there can be some problems due to the update you gave the application recently. 

So, make sure there is no such issue with the application to keep running most of the time and bring solutions when problems occur. 

Why Are The FCC Cell Phone Coverage Maps Gone?

 

When did the FCC shut down these maps and why?  (Please comment below)

You were able to use the map to see how well cell phone service is in your area. They told you if you were able to see areas that have good reception and bad reception.

You could tell if a cell phone carrier has coverage in an area if you know the extent of their network. The FCC doesn't know where each carrier's towers are. Because of this, you won't be able to compare two different carrier's coverage on the map.

The data for the map is generated by testing cell phones over a period of time and seeing what signals they get. This means that it will not predict how well future devices will work. There could be new towers that were built after the data was collected, or there could be more people using data than usual which causes phones to have trouble connecting to towers nearby. Also, radio waves travel poorly through buildings so there may not be as much signal indoors as you would think based on the outdoor measurements shown on the map.

You use to be able to find an address or zip code that you want information about using the search bar at https://www.fcc.gov/general/wireless-coverage-maps (page not found).  The FCC has never been known to be very competent and it is not surprising that they have a new landing page and haven't redirected the old links. https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps

Per the FCC "Other Mapping Improvements Are Coming" Last Update Friday, August 6, 2021

Once the Broadband Data Collection is fully implemented, the FCC’s broadband maps will include additional layers and functions. For fixed internet service, the maps will show – on a house-by-house, location-by-location basis – where broadband internet access service is available, meaning that it has a broadband connection or could be connected within 10 business days with a standard installation. The FCC will standardize location data through the use of a Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, a common dataset of all structures in the United States where mass-market fixed broadband internet access service can be installed.

The Broadband Data Collection maps will also incorporate systems and processes for the validation and verification of provider-submitted data to improve their accuracy, as well as a user-friendly challenge process that will allow consumers, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other third parties, to dispute the information shown on the maps.

We will provide updates as more information related to the full set of Broadband Data Collection systems and processes becomes available.

AT&T Coverage Maps

AT&T is the nation's second-largest cell phone carrier. Their interactive map lets you see coverage details for your area, and they offer three types of coverage: 5G, 4G LTE, 4G, 3G

If you're looking to stream any video content or play online games, your best bet is to make sure that there's 4G LTE coverage in your area. If that isn't an option (or if you're a T-Mobile customer), it's worth checking AT&T's website to see how strong their signal is. Your search will be much more fruitful in larger cities than rural areas.

Verizon Coverage Maps

The first thing you'll want to do is visit the Verizon coverage map.

Once there, you can enter up to 10 addresses at a time to see the level of voice, 3G, 4G, 5G and LTE coverage for that particular area.You'll also be able to check coverage for data and messaging if those are services that are important to you.A Verizon representative will also be able to offer guidance on international roaming options while in a foreign country.

T-Mobile Coverage Map

This map shows T-Mobile’s 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G network coverage in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can search for a location or use your device's current location to find out if you're covered by T-Mobile's network. The map includes coverage for voice, text and data services as well as roaming (where available). *5G coverage not available everywhere; only available in limited locations with eligible devices and features.*

These maps can help you find cell phone coverage for your wireless carrier in an area where you might want to move, travel or do business in.

You can use these maps to find the cell phone coverage for your wireless carrier in an area where you might want to move, travel or do business. These maps are particularly useful for those planning business trips and vacations, as well as those looking for the best coverage when shopping for a new home or apartment. If you have been experiencing problems with your wireless service, these maps can help you determine if the problem is with your carrier or phone.

5 Reasons You Need Reliable Cell Service

Cell phones have become a bigger part of life in recent times, and there’s been plenty of talk about their true necessity.  Some people say cell phones are a cancer (or even cause cancer), and some people rave about their capabilities.  

Opinions aside, having a phone with good service could save your life.  Take a moment to read through these crucial reasons why you need reliable cell service, and consider just how pertinent the need is in your life.  


Safety in a dangerous situation


The most obvious reason for having a cell phone is to keep yourself safe in a tough situation.  If you’re broken down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, you need to know that you have solid enough cell service to get a call out to someone who can help. 


If something terrible happens, you’ll want to know that you have a device in your pocket that can notify help in an instant.  If you need the help of emergency services, all you have to do is press a button.  


Research for various things 


Research is an important part of getting through life.  If you don’t understand something, you can always use the web to learn about it.  If you need services, like finding a good senior living community, you can use your cell phone to look up prospects.  


Your phone is an endless supply of information, especially if you have reliable service.  When you don’t have time to sit down at a computer, see what you can dig up on your phone’s browser instead.  


Communication with family and friends


Keeping in touch with the people you love and who love you back is a very important part of living a healthy life.  Your mental health needs the loving connection you have with your friends and/or family. 


A cell phone with good service can keep you connected with the people you need most wherever you choose to be.  Give yourself the comfort of knowing that your favorite friends and family members are only a phone call away.  


Professional communications


If you want to start your own business, or even move up within the company that currently employs you, you’ll need to be in good contact with various individuals.  Be the reliable professional you know you are with a cell phone that gets good service in your pocket.  


Convenience and efficiency


Finally, good cell service gives you all kinds of perks throughout the day.  You can use it to check social media, buy concert tickets, or play games.  It can also help you be more efficient in the things you do.  A good GPS program can get you places without getting lost, and there are countless business apps that could help fuel your professional goals.  

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