What does “calls with a checkmark have been verified by the carrier” mean?

What the Verified Checkmark Indicates

Calls that display a checkmark on a device screen or in the call history indicate that the originating service provider cryptographically signed the call and that the caller ID information was not altered as the call traveled through the network.

This verification is performed using the STIR/SHAKEN framework, which allows the terminating carrier to confirm that the call signature is valid and that the call originated from a provider that authenticated it. Under FCC‑recommended best practices, this typically means the caller’s identity was vetted by the originating service provider and that the phone number was not illegally spoofed while in transit.

‍

Why the Checkmark Is Not a Guarantee

However, the presence of a checkmark should not be treated as an absolute guarantee of trust. Illegal spoofing can still occur at the point of call origination, before a call is signed, and it is then up to the originating service provider to decide whether they have sufficient information to assign A‑Level Attestation. If a provider fails to properly vet the caller, an illegally spoofed call may still receive attestation and appear as verified to the recipient.

‍

Why This Matters

Because STIR/SHAKEN is still relatively new and continues to evolve in the United States, it remains susceptible to misuse and edge cases. As a result, while a checkmark signals that a call was authenticated, it does not guarantee that the call is legitimate, wanted, or free from fraud.