CNET is reporting that T-Mobile and Sprint are working together to combat spoofed calls between their two networks.
Call spoofing is a popular tactic scammers use to make their calls seem legitimate. They mask their number, instead showing a number that is local, perhaps even one the recipient knows, such as a local business, friend or family. STIR/SHAKEN are protocols the FCC recommends carriers implement to cut down on the practice.
The protocols provide a way for a carrier to verify the identify of a caller, and then pass that verification on to the recipient’s carrier, who verifies it once again. The recipient’s caller ID then shows “Caller Verified” underneath the incoming phone number.
As CNET points out, T-Mobile and Sprint may be waiting for a verdict in their merger case, but the two companies are working to make sure STIR/SHAKEN works between their two networks.
Merger or not, this is good news for users of both networks who are tired of being harassed by telemarketers and scammers.