Callfilter.app vs T-Mobile Scam Shield

Callfilter.app is an Android app that blocks incoming calls according to rules set by the user. It can reject 8-digit numbers, numbers on a personal list, custom-pattern matches, or all incoming calls. Custom matching supports regular expressions, and users can choose to receive a notification when a call is rejected. CallFilter checks calls on the device through Android’s CallScreeningService API, using a local SQLite-based rule engine without remote database lookups. The maker describes it as offline, with no accounts or tracking. Its privacy policy says the app does not send personal data to external servers and does not use third-party SDKs, advertising networks, or tracking libraries. The app is free and open source, and the maker invites users to audit or contribute to the project on GitHub. It filters calls according to the user’s settings; it does not replace the phone app. The Play Store listing warns that some features may not work correctly on Samsung devices running Android 12 or later.

T-Mobile Scam Shield provides call, text, and web protections for customers on T-Mobile’s network. Incoming calls T-Mobile identifies as likely scams can be labeled Scam Likely, helping customers decide whether to answer or block them. Scam Block can automatically block those calls and can be disabled at any time. Included anti-spam protection covers SMS and MMS, while Safe Web Browsing helps block known malicious or dangerous sites on supported devices and experiences. Calling a number on the Scam Likely list triggers an audible warning through Callback Protection. Network protections work automatically without the app; customers can manage ScamShield in T-Life, turn on Scam Block by dialing #662#, or use My T-Mobile or the T-Mobile app. ScamShield is available for Android and iOS. The free plan is free at no extra cost for T-Mobile customers with qualifying service and a capable device. ScamShield Premium is $4 a month per line and adds categorized call types sent to voicemail, reverse number lookup, and automatic voicemail transcription by text.