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T-Mobile, Metro customers: Here's how to get free scam-blocking call protection now

You can opt into free spam call protection called Scam Shield today. A dedicated app arrives later this month.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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T-Mobile's Scam Shield service provides a handful of protection measures to guard you from spam calls and scams.

T-Mobile/Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

T-Mobile has announced Scam Shield, a new free service feature for all T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro by T-Mobile customers that identifies spam calls and helps block robocalls. Carriers, including T-Mobile, have previously charged for this service.

You'll be able to access an entire suite of options through the Scam Shield app you can download on your phone starting July 24. For Sprint customers, you'll use the Call Screener app, which will become a free service. 

You don't need to wait to use one subset of Scam Shield -- the call-blocking service. You can take advantage of T-Mobile's promised protection in that regard right now. If you're a T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile customer, dial #662# to power up the Scam Block layer of the software and prevent unwanted calls from ringing your phone.

Watch this: T-Mobile CEO on the un-carrier's scam and robocall-fighting technology

The fine print? Scam Block will work for customers who pay a monthly bill, but not for prepaid customers. Your device has to work with the service, though T-Mobile didn't specify which devices are compatible. The carrier's website also acknowledges that "turning on Scam Block might block calls you want; disable any time."

Read more about ScamShield here and what other carriers are doing to block robocalls.