When you report a number on TelCheck, you must choose a category from a predefined list. That category directly influences the reputation score and helps other users instantly understand the nature of the call. This guide details each TelCheck category, its score impact, and concrete examples.
Spam
The Spam category covers unsolicited calls that don't fit more specific categories — repeated calls with no clear commercial content, fake silences, immediate hang-ups, or automated messages with no specific offer. Moves the score into the orange zone (5–6). Example: you answer, hear a click, and the call drops.
Scam / Arnaque
This is the category with the strongest impact on the TelCheck score. It covers all deceptive attempts aimed at financial gain or fraudulent collection of personal data: fake bank advisers, false CPAM refunds, fake Microsoft support, one-ring scams, crypto investment fraud. Even one or two reports quickly push the score to 7–8.
Telemarketing / Démarchage
Covers unsolicited commercial calls offering products or services — insulation, energy, insurance, telecoms, credit, home security, etc. May be legal (if respecting Bloctel) or illegal. Example: a call proposing to switch your energy supplier or install solar panels.
Survey / Sondage
Survey or opinion poll calls, typically from polling institutes acting for businesses or political parties. These are exempt from Bloctel. Moderate TelCheck score impact. Example: a call asking your views on a political candidate or service quality.
Debt collection / Recouvrement
Calls from debt recovery agencies seeking repayment — either entirely legitimate (if you have an actual debt) or fraudulent (extortion for a non-existent debt). TelCheck score impact varies based on associated reports.
Legitimate service and Other
Legitimate service is the only TelCheck category with a positive score impact — it signals a trusted number (bank customer service, GP, public administration). It is valuable for offsetting false negative reports. Other is a catch-all with neutral score impact. When in doubt, always choose the more specific category — TelCheck community data quality depends on it.