The signals that decide the label
Caller-ID name (CNAM). The name registered for the number in LIDB. An unregistered or generic CNAM, such as WIRELESS CALLER or UNKNOWN, reads as effectively unregistered and weighs toward a spam label.
Line type. Mobile, landline, fixed VoIP, or non-fixed VoIP. Non-fixed VoIP numbers are disproportionately spam-labeled by call-analytics vendors.
Calling pattern and STIR/SHAKEN. High call volume, short durations, and weak STIR/SHAKEN attestation all feed the analytics models that assign the label.
Who applies the label
Carrier call-analytics vendors, primarily Hiya, TNS, and First Orion, are what assign a Spam Likely or Scam Likely label to a number. They read the signals above on the recipient's side. LineShield does not query those vendors; it reads the same CNAM and line-type inputs they judge, so you can see what they are reacting to before it costs you contact rate.
The Truth-in-Caller-ID dimension
A separate and more serious issue is a number whose CNAM displays a regulated third-party identity: a bank, law firm, hospital, mortgage company, or government body. The federal Truth-in-Caller-ID Act (47 U.S.C. Section 227(e)) prohibits knowingly transmitting misleading caller-ID information, so continuing to dial from such a number can expose you to liability, as well as trademark or trade-name claims from the named business. This is a stop-dialing situation, and an audit should treat it as an automatic F.
How to check your own numbers
Because the label lives on the recipient's side, the practical step is to read the CNAM and line type on each number directly. LineShield does this from the live caller-ID and line-type records, scores the signals into a 0 to 100 spam-risk number, and maps that to an A through F grade, with a third-party identity flag forcing an F on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I see my own spam label?
The caller-ID name and line type that decide your label are read on the recipient's carrier side, from LIDB and line-type records you never see. Your own handset shows the contact you saved, not the network CNAM, so a number can sit flagged for weeks before you notice your contact rate dropping.
What is CNAM?
CNAM is the Caller ID Name registered for a phone number in the LIDB database. It is the text a recipient's carrier can display for an incoming call. An unregistered or generic CNAM (such as WIRELESS CALLER) is treated by carriers as effectively unregistered and weighs toward a spam label.
Who decides if my call is Spam Likely?
The receiving carrier and its call-analytics partners, such as Hiya, TNS, and First Orion. They read the CNAM, the line type, the calling pattern, and STIR/SHAKEN attestation, then assign the label shown on the recipient's screen. The caller does not control that label directly.
What does Section 227(e) have to do with caller ID?
The federal Truth-in-Caller-ID Act (47 U.S.C. Section 227(e)) prohibits knowingly transmitting misleading caller-ID information. If a number's CNAM displays a regulated third-party business that isn't yours, continuing to dial from it can expose you to liability and to trademark or trade-name claims from the named business.
How do I check what my numbers show?
Read the CNAM and line type on each number. LineShield does this from the live caller-ID and line-type records and grades each number A through F, so you can see what a prospect's phone displays and which numbers carry the most risk.
See what your numbers show
Run your numbers through a free Caller ID audit. LineShield reads the CNAM and line type on each one and grades it A through F in about 30 seconds.
Run a free Caller ID audit