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Spam calls have become more than just an annoyance: they have turned into a digital security and privacy problem. In recent weeks, thousands of users reported an increase in calls coming from numbers very similar to theirs — in some cases, only differing in the last four digits. This behavior, far from being coincidental, is the result of a technique known as number spoofing, used by scammers and automated systems to deceive call recipients.
In spoofing, criminals mask the originating number to make it appear trustworthy, simulating local prefixes or combinations similar to those of the victim. The scam has become viable with the advancement of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, which allow calls to be made over the internet and manipulate their metadata — including the number displayed on the screen.
The Role of Anatel in Combating Spam Calls
To try to curb this practice, Anatel developed the Verified Origin program, which authenticates calls before they reach the user. The system works like a kind of verification seal, similar to what is seen on social networks.
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Starting from November 17, 2025, all companies that make more than 500,000 calls per month will have to validate their calls. In these cases, the user will see a seal with a checkmark symbol (✅) on their phone screen, indicating that the number has been confirmed by Anatel. The goal is that by 2028, the entire telecommunications ecosystem will be integrated, drastically reducing spam calls and phone scams.
How the Authentication System Will Work
Each call will undergo a cryptographic check that validates the originating number. If the system confirms the authenticity, the call will be displayed with the seal. Otherwise, it may be blocked or flagged as suspicious. This additional step brings a layer of trust to corporate communications, especially in sensitive sectors like banking, insurance, and collection agencies.
In addition to curbing fraud, the measure also aims to restore the credibility of legitimate calls, which are currently affected by consumer distrust.
What Users Can Do Now
While the system does not cover all carriers, some actions can minimize the problem:
- Register the number on the “Do Not Disturb” website, blocking calls from banks and providers.
- Activate native spam protection filters on Android or iPhone.
- Use apps like Whoscall and Truecaller, which identify and block automated calls.
- Block unknown numbers in cases of abuse.
A New Security Standard
Call authentication is a structural change that is expected to mark the end of spam calls in the coming years. Although the final deadline is 2028, the advancement of the Verified Origin program represents a historic step to protect the privacy of Brazilians.
With Anatel’s seal, answering the phone will return to being a simple act — and not a risk.
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