What is a spoofed call?
Definition
A spoofed call is a phone call where the caller deliberately changes the number or name that shows on your screen, so it looks like it comes from someone you trust, such as a bank, a government agency or a neighbor.
- Category
- Scams
- Also called
- spoofed calls, caller ID spoofing, call spoofing, Spoof call, Spoof calling
- Last updated
Caller ID shows whatever information the calling system sends along with the call, and that information can be edited. The FCC describes spoofing as a caller intentionally altering caller ID information to hide their identity. NIST's glossary defines spoofing more broadly as posing as an authorized user or deliberately inducing someone to take the wrong action.
Spoofing isn't always a scam. The FCC notes that it's sometimes legitimate, for example a business showing its main toll-free number instead of the desk line an employee is calling from. It becomes a problem when the goal is to defraud you, cause harm or wrongly obtain something of value. Under the US Truth in Caller ID Act that is prohibited, with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
A typical case: your phone rings and shows your bank's real number. The caller says there's fraud on your account and asks you to read out a verification code or move money. The number on screen was copied, not real.
Spoofed call vs. a blocked number
Hiding your own number so it shows as "unknown" or "private" is not spoofing. Spoofing shows a number that isn't the caller's real one. The FCC says blocking your own number is a different thing.
Why it matters
A trusted-looking number lowers your guard. Scammers use it to collect passwords, codes, card numbers or your Social Security number. If they already know your name and address from a people-search listing, the call sounds even more convincing.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Don't trust the number on the screen
If a call claims to be your bank, a government agency or a company, hang up and call back using the number on your card, a bill or the official website. Never use a number the caller gives you.
- 2
Skip unknown numbers and never press buttons
The FCC advises not answering numbers you don't know and hanging up on recorded messages that tell you to press a button to stop calls.
- 3
Never share codes or personal details on an unexpected call
No real bank or agency needs a one-time code read out over the phone. Give out your Social Security number, card number or passwords only when you started the contact.
- 4
Turn on carrier call blocking and set a voicemail password
Most carriers offer free call-blocking or spam-labeling tools, and the FCC recommends a voicemail password so callers can't use a spoofed number to reach your messages.
- 5
Make you harder to target
Scam callers lean on details they found about you. Serus finds where your phone number and address are listed and removes them, which cuts down the material a caller can use.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is spoofing a phone number illegal?
In the US, spoofing with intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongly obtain something of value is prohibited under the Truth in Caller ID Act. Showing a business's main number for legitimate reasons is not. Rules differ in other countries, so check your local regulator.
How can I tell if a call is spoofed?
You often can't from the screen alone. Warning signs are urgency, requests for codes or payment, and a caller who won't let you hang up and call back on an official number.
Can someone spoof my number?
Yes. A scammer can display your number on someone else's screen without any access to your phone, so seeing it on a call log doesn't mean you were hacked.
How do I report a spoofed call?
In the US, file a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov and say whether your number was spoofed, blocked or mislabeled. You can also report scams to the FTC.
Sources
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