Why am I getting verified calls?

The Comfort of “Verified”: Why You’re Seeing Verified Callers and What It Means

In a world increasingly plagued by robocalls and scam attempts, the simple word “Verified” on your phone’s screen during an incoming call can feel like a small beacon of hope. But what does it actually mean when a call is verified, and why are you seeing it more often? The answer lies in a technological advancement aimed at restoring trust in the phone system: STIR/SHAKEN.

Simply put, a verified call indicates that the caller’s number is genuine. It signifies that the originating phone carrier has authenticated the call and confirmed that the caller is who they say they are. This verification process is driven by a framework called STIR/SHAKEN, an acronym that sounds like a cocktail recipe but is actually a powerful weapon against caller ID spoofing.

Caller ID Spoofing: The Scammer’s Secret Weapon

For years, scammers have exploited a weakness in the phone system known as caller ID spoofing. This technique allows them to mask their actual phone number and display a completely different one on your Caller ID. Often, they’ll use a local number or even a number similar to yours, hoping you’ll be more likely to answer the call. This deceptive practice makes it extremely difficult to identify and avoid fraudulent calls.

STIR/SHAKEN: Bringing Honesty Back to Calling

STIR/SHAKEN (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs) tackles caller ID spoofing head-on. It’s a set of technical standards that allow originating phone carriers to digitally “sign” calls originating from their networks. This signature is then verified by the receiving carrier, confirming the authenticity of the caller’s number.

Think of it like a digital passport for phone calls. The originating carrier verifies the identity of the calling party and attaches a digital “stamp of approval” to the call. When your phone receives the call, your carrier checks this stamp. If the stamp is valid, meaning the call originated from a legitimate source and the caller ID hasn’t been tampered with, your phone displays the “Verified” indicator.

Why Are You Seeing More Verified Calls Now?

The increasing prevalence of verified calls is a direct result of the widespread adoption of STIR/SHAKEN by phone carriers. Regulatory mandates and public pressure have pushed carriers to implement these standards across their networks. As more and more carriers embrace STIR/SHAKEN, you’ll likely see even more calls being verified.

The Limitations of Verification

While STIR/SHAKEN is a significant step forward, it’s not a foolproof solution. It’s important to understand its limitations:

• Not All Carriers Participate: Some smaller carriers might not have fully implemented STIR/SHAKEN, meaning calls originating from their networks might not be verified, even if they’re legitimate.
• Does Not Guarantee Legitimate Content: Verification only confirms the caller ID is genuine. It doesn’t guarantee the content of the call is legitimate. Scammers can still spoof numbers and engage in fraudulent activities even with verified caller IDs.
• Potential for Misidentification: While rare, there’s a possibility of legitimate calls being incorrectly flagged as unverified due to technical issues or incorrect carrier configuration.

What to Do When You See a “Verified” Call

Seeing “Verified” on your screen offers a greater degree of confidence that the call is legitimate. However, you should still exercise caution:

• Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Even with a verified caller ID, be skeptical of unsolicited offers, requests for personal information, or demands for immediate payment.
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, even with a verified call, it’s best to err on the side of caution and hang up.
• Research the Caller: If you’re unsure about a verified caller, try searching the phone number online to see if others have reported it as suspicious.

In Conclusion: A Safer Phone Landscape

The rise of verified calls, thanks to the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, is a positive development in the ongoing battle against robocalls and caller ID spoofing. While not a complete cure-all, it’s a crucial step towards restoring trust in the phone system and making it harder for scammers to deceive unsuspecting individuals. By understanding what call verification means and remaining vigilant, you can navigate the increasingly complex world of phone calls with greater confidence and security.