Why Are Calls Labeled as Potential Spam?

There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about why calls get flagged as spam. One of the most frequent questions is whether these labels are related to the type of dialer you’re using. The answer, in most cases, is no. Whether you’re using a desk phone, a compliant click-to-call feature through your CRM, or any other legal dialer, the tool itself isn’t usually the problem. Of course, if your dialer is violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) or other regulations, that’s a different story. But assuming your calling practices are legal and compliant, the dialer is not the primary factor in your calls being marked as spam.

The Role of Carrier Algorithms in Call Labeling

If it’s not your dialer, what is it? The real issue lies with the algorithms that carriers have implemented on their networks. These algorithms analyze a wide range of data points related to your calling habits, such as:

• The total number of calls made from a phone number.
• The duration of each call.
• The frequency and timing of calls.
• Consistency in call volume over time.

These algorithms are designed to identify patterns that could indicate spam-like behavior.

Another question we often hear is whether consumer complaints contribute to spam labels. While customer complaints to carriers or the FCC can impact your calling reputation, they are generally not the main reason your calls are flagged. The algorithms monitoring call patterns are much more influential in determining whether your calls get labeled as spam.

Debunking Myths Around Call Volume and Spam Labeling

Many dealers believe that making a large number of calls automatically results in a spam label, but this is not necessarily true. Through our Dealer Identity program, we have the ability to analyze phone numbers against carrier networks in real-time. We’ve found that spam labeling isn’t solely about volume.

For example, a phone number making 1,000 calls in a month might not be flagged, while another number making 4,000 calls could be labeled as spam by one or more carriers. Surprisingly, we’ve also seen cases where a number that made just one call in an entire month was flagged. This clearly shows that it’s not just about the quantity of calls but rather the consistency and patterns of your calling activity.

What Can You Do About It?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix to doing this on your own to avoid getting your calls labeled as spam, as it involves navigating complex carrier algorithms. However, understanding that it’s not necessarily about your dialer or the sheer volume of calls, but rather the traffic patterns carriers are observing, is an important first step.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, if your calls are being labeled as spam, it likely has less to do with your tools or the number of calls you’re making, and more to do with the consistency of your call patterns. While this is a complex issue, being aware of these factors can help you strategize and reduce the chances of your calls being flagged.

If you have more questions about this topic or need further insights, feel free to reach out. Understanding the factors behind spam labeling is crucial for maintaining your dealership’s communication effectiveness.

Thank you for reading, and here’s to keeping your calls spam-free!