T-Mobile has unveiled Scam Shield as part of its latest Un-carrier Move, taking on robocalls and scams.
YouMail, one of the leading robocall blockers, estimates there were some 3.3 billion robocalls made in the US in June 2020, averaging 10 calls per person. Recent legislation has made an effort to address the problem, with the FCC and the Supreme Court both weighing in on the matter.
T-Mobile’s new Scam Shield aims to go even further, offering an array of tools to help protect users. These include Scam ID and Blocking where scam calls are flagged, and the user is given the option to block them permanently. Enhanced Caller ID will tell the user if the number is verified and from a person or business. T-Mobile is also giving customers a free second number they can use to keep their main number more private, as well as a free number change for individuals whose numbers are overrun. The company is also offering free monitoring and alerts from McAfee for 12 months.
Significantly, this is the first major Un-carrier announcement since T-Mobile and Sprint’s merger, and this one is aimed at all of the company’s customers.
“Now that Sprint is a part of T-Mobile, we can take on even bigger problems, so today, we’re taking on one of the biggest pain points in wireless — scams and unwanted robocalls,” said Mike Sievert, CEO at T-Mobile. “Scam Shield has never been more needed than it is right now. Scammers see COVID-19 as an opportunity to take advantage of Americans at their most vulnerable. When we saw that happening, we knew we had to take bold, swift action. With Scam Shield, T-Mobile customers get fewer scam calls, period … and it’s all because of our advanced network.”
Not surprisingly, T-Mobile used the opportunity to call out its competitors, some of whom charge for similar features.
“As an industry, we have to be better. Today, Verizon and AT&T are profiting off consumer fears. They’re charging to protect you from the very scams and robocalls their network brings you. It’s wrong, and it’s got to stop,” added Sievert. “We can be better, and at T-Mobile, we will continue righting the wrongs of this industry. Today, I’m challenging the Carriers to get off their assets, stop profiting from fear and do the right thing, because everyone needs and deserves protection now, more than ever.”
Like many of the company’s previous Un-carrier moves, this one is sure to be a hit with customers and continue to put pressure on Verizon and AT&T.