Should I Answer? vs T-Mobile Scam Shield

Should I Answer? is a community-based service and mobile app for identifying and guarding against unwanted calls, telemarketing, and expensive outgoing calls. Its database combines community reviews with phone number ratings and is refreshed daily. On Android, the app can check a locally stored database without an internet connection and can optionally block unwanted calls automatically. The maker warns that automatic blocking may not work on every phone model. On iOS, number ratings appear in CallerID during calls or in Call History through the call blocking and identification extension. The service is also available on the web and as an extension. The Android app requires Android 4.1 or higher; Android 6 and newer require permissions for contacts, call information, and drawing over other apps. The Android manual says the local database stores phone numbers and statistics, while user reviews can be downloaded from the web service. The Android plan is free. An iOS automatic database updates plan has no listed price and includes a one-month trial period and free phone number information search.

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.