Caller ID Spoofing: How To Avoid It
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Unless you're living off the grid, you likely know that fraudulent calls are widespread in the US and show no signs of slowing down. According to the FTC, consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to phone scams in 2022, an increase of over 30 percent from the previous year. This type of fraud takes multiple forms, with impostor scams and online shopping schemes leading the pack.
You might believe you're too savvy to be a victim, but a scam call isn't always obvious. Identifying fraud is becoming increasingly challenging because criminals spoof phone numbers to make you believe you're receiving a call from a trustworthy party.
Understanding how these unsolicited calls work and what to look for can help you avoid falling prey. Read on to learn about caller ID spoofing and some ways to prevent it from impacting your life.
What Is Caller ID Spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing is when a caller purposefully sends incorrect information to your phone's caller ID display. In this scenario, your caller ID will show you a false number, making it more likely you'll answer the call.
These criminals may place a spoof call using a local number in order to trick you into believing that someone in your area is calling you. They might also use phone numbers from government agencies and local businesses, so legitimate contact information will appear when you access a phone number identifier online. Scammers can also utilize a cell phone name trick to display the agency's name on your call display.
Once the scammer has you on the line, they'll often attempt to persuade you to share personal information or send money. This could lead to identity theft or significant financial loss if you fall victim to the scammers' script.
How Do Scammers Spoof Phone Numbers?
It doesn't seem like it should be possible to have someone else's phone number show up on a caller ID display without some serious technological intervention, but it happens every day.
One method involves purchasing a subscription through a third-party company and using a 1-800 number. The scammer can make outgoing calls through this 1-800 service, falsifying the outgoing caller ID information. It only takes scammers a few seconds to place each call, and they can choose any phone number they wish to show up on the potential victim's caller ID.
Another way to get a spoofed number is through a caller ID spoofing app. This method is more direct because it doesn't require a 1-800 number, and the scammer can make calls directly from their cell phone. Multiple call spoofing apps are available, so scammers have plenty of options.
Using a computer with a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service is also possible. Scammers can combine an online spoofing service with their VoIP provider to make the calls using a fake number from a laptop.
The sheer number of options con artists have makes it possible to see why you're getting so many weird phone calls daily. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to stop the process and prevent yourself from falling prey to these con artists.
How to Stop Number Spoofing (Caller ID Spoofing)
Stopping caller ID spoofing takes some work, but it's possible to minimize the effect these calls have on you. If you're committed to getting trick phone numbers out of your life once and for all, you might have some success with the following methods.
1. Use a Caller ID Verification Service
Although it's becoming easier to weed out fake caller IDs, it still requires some effort. An increasing number of phone providers use caller ID authentication services to ensure the caller ID is accurate for every call you get.
This is possible thanks to the STIR/SHAKEN framework, an industry-standard caller ID authentication technology based on a set of protocols and technical procedures.
STIR/SHAKEN attaches a certificate of authenticity to each call, passing this information between providers to verify what's traveling through phone networks. You might have to activate the service through your provider to take advantage of it, and it isn't foolproof, but it's a step in the right direction.
2. Download and Install Trusted Call-Blocking Apps
The App Store and Google Play Store have a selection of call-blocking apps that automatically reject spam calls. Your phone probably has a built-in blocker, too, and you can blocklist scam numbers that repeatedly call you.
Some calls may get through, so don't let your guard down. Even so, these apps can reduce the volume of scam calls you receive, which provides some peace of mind.
3. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Never share personal information over the phone. Even if you're 99% sure you're speaking with the right person, giving out any information after receiving an unsolicited call is a surefire way to have your data stolen.
If someone calls and asks you for a PIN, your Social Security number, a credit card number or even your date of birth, decline to give out this information and call the company or government agency back using a number you know is correct.
4. Avoid Participating in Online Sweepstakes and Prize Competitions
No one will fault you for trying to get something for free. Life is expensive, and the thought of winning a free vacation might be too tempting to pass up. However, if you get a phone call saying you've won a prize, there's a good chance it's a scam.
You may have a message on your voicemail asking you to call back. When you call, they'll tell you they can only release the winnings if you pay taxes, a shipping charge or a processing fee. They might also ask for a credit card or bank account number to send your prize.
The catch is that none of these things are necessary when you win a legitimate prize. You're best off hanging up and blocking the number the second someone asks you for money unless you're confident of the phone number's identity.
Entering these contests can also get your name, phone number and address into the wrong hands — you'll likely see an uptick in the number of phishing calls you receive. Criminals could use a fake contest to get your information and then sell it to a scam phone numbers database, causing you to become the target of multiple schemes.
5. Report Unwanted Calls
Whenever you receive an unwanted call from a suspected scammer, file a complaint with the FTC. The FTC's National Do Not Call Registry is convenient for reporting unwanted calls. You can also register your phone number on a Do Not Call list.
This list won't stop all unwanted calls, so you'll still need to exercise caution when answering your phone. If you get a call from a scam caller number after registering, report it through the Do Not Call website.
If you fall for a con and lose money to a spoofing scam, report the situation through the FTC's fraud reporting website. This government organization will provide tips on better protecting yourself and share the information you provide with the relevant law enforcement agencies, hopefully getting to the bottom of the scheme.
6. Uncheck Consent Boxes That Ask to Store, Share or Sell Your Personal Data
Nearly every website you visit or create an account on has a privacy policy that establishes how the company can use your data. Hardly anyone reads the entire agreement before signing up, but you should know that if you leave every box checked, there's a chance the business could legally sell your data to a third party.
As a rule, if you aren't going to read the entire privacy policy, it's a good idea to uncheck any consent boxes you see. By law, the company can't store or use your data if you opt out of it through these consent boxes, which could reduce the volume of spoof caller ID calls you receive.
7. Don't Answer Calls from Private or Unknown Numbers
We've reached a point in the caller ID faker process where you should just avoid answering calls from unknown numbers if you're able. Whenever you receive an incoming call, look at your caller ID, and if it isn't from someone in your contacts list, just let it go to voicemail.
Private number scams where no number appears on the caller ID are also prevalent. There's probably no reason for your friends or family to call you from a private number, so you'll want to avoid answering those calls, too.
The Dangers of Caller ID Spoofing
Phone spoofing scams are dangerous. There's no telling how much damage a criminal can do with your personal or financial data. In addition, if you're thinking, "My phone number is being spoofed," you could experience mental health issues from the fallout.
There are several specific consequences you could face as a victim of caller ID spoofing.
Identity Theft
When a criminal contacts you through a scam caller number that looks like it's from a legitimate agency, it's easy to convince yourself it's fine to give up your personal information. Once a scam artist has this data, they can use it to open bank and credit card accounts in your name, leading to significant challenges as you reclaim your identity.
Fortunately, if caller ID spoofing gets the better of you, Norton's LifeLock is here to help. This service detects and alerts you of potential identity theft threats so you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Financial Loss
If you become the victim of identity theft, there's a good chance financial loss will follow. Credit card companies will want their money. If a thief opened an account in your name, they could come after you for the owed balance.
You could also lose money directly through one of these scams if a criminal poses as a government agent or reputable business and convinces you to send money. Your losses could add up significantly through one of these scams, leaving you in financial peril.
Reputation Damage
Phone number spoofing goes both ways, as there's also a chance criminals will use your phone number when calling others. When scammers use your phone number for fraud, it can damage your reputation in a hurry and leave you answering phone calls from angry people who think you're calling them out of the blue or trying to scam them.
Emotional Distress
Stress and anxiety can follow if you're the victim of caller ID spoofing, no matter which side of it you're on. If you think a scammer is using your phone number, you'll probably feel emotional distress as others blame you for scam calls. Likewise, if you receive countless calls from a spoof calling app every week, your anxiety levels can go through the roof.
Caller ID spoofing is dangerous because it can hinder your finances and mental health. Finding the best identity theft protection on the market can go a long way toward avoiding these dangers.
How to Tell if Your Phone Is Spoofed
It's not always easy to determine when a scammer is using your phone number to make fraudulent calls. You probably won't know one way or the other unless someone calls you back after seeing your number on their display.
If you receive calls from people claiming you called them, but you know you didn't, there's a chance your phone number is spoofed. Call your phone service provider immediately in this situation: There could be some measures they can take to limit the use of your number by the scammer.
Is Spoofing Illegal?
According to the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009, it's illegal for any person in the United States to cause a caller ID system to send inaccurate information with the purpose of defrauding, harming or stealing information from the call's recipient. The penalty is up to $10,000 in fines for every instance.
Nonetheless, these calls persist, so you should be cautious when answering unsolicited calls.
Summary of Digg's Caller ID Spoofing: How to Avoid It
Caller ID spoofing is a significant problem in the US. It uses fake phone numbers to trick unsuspecting people into giving their personal or financial information to scammers. These con artists use various apps and services to mask their actual phone numbers, but there are some steps you can take to limit the damage they cause.
By using a verification service, blocking phone numbers used for scams and avoiding answering calls from unknown sources, you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Investing in identity theft prevention services like NortonLifeLock can also help stop stolen information from escalating into a life-altering problem.
