What does calls with a checkmark have been verified by carrier mean?

The Checkmark on Your Calls: What Does “Verified by Carrier” Mean?

In today’s digital landscape, receiving a phone call can often be met with suspicion. Is it a telemarketer? A scammer? A genuine call? Thankfully, a new feature is emerging to help you know for sure: verified calls. These calls are marked with a checkmark and are authenticated by your carrier, signifying their legitimacy.

What is a Verified Call?

Verified calls are calls that have been verified by your mobile carrier using a technology called STIR/SHAKEN. This stands for Secure Telephony Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN).

How does it work?

Think of it like a digital signature for phone calls. Carriers use STIR/SHAKEN protocols to verify the caller’s identity and authenticate the call. This means the call is coming from the actual phone number displayed on your screen, and not a spoofed or fake number.

Why is this important?

In an era rife with robocalls and scams, verified calls provide a crucial layer of security. By confirming the caller’s identity, these protocols help you differentiate legitimate calls from potential threats, giving you peace of mind and preventing fraudulent activity.

What to look out for:

When you receive a call on your smartphone, look for the checkmark icon next to the caller ID. This checkmark indicates that the call has been verified by your carrier.

The future of phone calls:

Verified calls are becoming increasingly commonplace, with major carriers worldwide adopting STIR/SHAKEN technology. This shift towards call authentication is a positive development, promoting greater trust and security in the future of phone calls.

In conclusion:

Verified calls are a valuable tool in the fight against fraud and scams. The checkmark signifies that the call has been authenticated, giving you confidence that it’s a genuine call. By embracing verified calls, we can create a safer and more trustworthy environment for phone communication.