Do you remember a time when answering the phone was a simple, worry-free task? The most annoying call that you’d get would be from someone trying to sell you new windows and doors. These days, as technology has advanced, it seems like every other call could be a scammer trying to part you from the little money you have left.
There are many scams to look out for in 2024, but one of the most recent and deceptive tactics that phone criminals are using is known as “caller ID spoofing”. It’s something that you and everyone should be aware of. So here at Phonely, we’ve put together this blog to help you understand what this scam is, how it works, and most importantly, how to keep yourself safe from it.
What is caller ID spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing or phone number spoofing is a dangerous technique that deceives millions of people worldwide. Criminals deliberately falsify the information that appears on your phone’s display when they call you. Instead of showing their real number, they can choose any number they want. Scammers use this tactic to make their calls look like they’re coming from a trusted source, like your bank, a local number or even a family member. Your caller ID will read 01263 758965 and you’ll think it’s from a local business in town, yet when you answer you’ll find yourself pressured into paying a hefty fine or facing an imminent visit from bailiffs.
How does caller ID spoofing work?
Now, we won’t bore you with the technical details, but here’s the gist of call spoofing:
- Scammers use special software such as fake number generators or internet-based phone services like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol),
- They choose a false number to display on your phone. If they’ve done their research they will know the right number to display to you.
- When they call, your phone thinks it’s coming from that fake number & not their actual number.
For those who live for all the techy details, this next bit’s for you!
Internet-based phone spoofing technology
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows phone calls to be made over the Internet instead of traditional copper wire phone lines. This technology is the future of communication and has many benefits but it also makes it easier to alter the number that appears when making a call.
Spoofing apps & services
There are applications and online services designed specifically for caller ID spoofing. These tools allow users to input any number they want to appear on the recipient’s phone display. The main intention of these apps is to enable businesses to market themselves more favourably and consistently to customers.
Fake number generators
These are tools that create seemingly legitimate phone numbers. Scammers often use these to generate numbers that match local area codes, making the call appear more trustworthy.
Exploiting network protocols
Phone networks use specific protocols to set up calls. These protocols have vulnerabilities that can be exploited to alter caller ID information during the call setup process.
VoIP manipulation
VoIP systems use a protocol called SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to manage calls. This protocol can be manipulated to change the caller ID information that’s transmitted.
The key point to understand is that while the technology behind caller ID spoofing can be complex, the basic concept is straightforward: scammers have found ways to fake their phone numbers for criminal gains.
Why should you care about caller ID spoofing?
Well, it’s simple. Scammers use call spoofing to:
- Make you more likely to answer the phone
- Gain your trust by pretending to be someone you know
- Trick you into giving away personal information or money
And let’s face it, none of us want to become a victim of a scam!
The impact of spoofing on individuals
Caller ID spoofing has both financial and emotional consequences. Victims often lose significant amounts of money through fraudulent schemes. Additionally, the emotional stress caused by scams—especially for the elderly and vulnerable—can be devastating. According to recent data, the UK public loses millions each year due to spoofing-related scams.
Common caller ID scams to look out for
Here are some sneaky spoofer scams to watch out for:
- The ‘bank’ calling about ‘suspicious activity’: They pretend to be your bank, telling you there’s a problem with your account. They’ll ask for your details to ‘verify’ your identity. Don’t give them anything!
- The ‘taxman’ demanding payment: Scammers pose as HMRC, saying you owe taxes. They might threaten you with arrest if you don’t pay immediately. Remember, real tax offices don’t work this way!
- The ‘tech support’ offering help: They’ll say they’re from a big tech company and that your computer has a virus. They’ll offer to fix it – for a fee, of course. But really, they just want access to your computer. Just think, if you didn’t know your computer had a virus – how do they? And trust us, you’d know!
- The ‘family member’ in trouble: This one’s particularly nasty. They’ll pretend to be a relative in distress, asking for money to help them out of a tight spot. They are playing with your deepest emotions, don’t let them!
- Business email compromise & CEO fraud: Beware if you have a business. Scammers may spoof the numbers of company executives to trick employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information, leading to huge corporate losses.
How to detect caller ID spoofing
Spotting a spoofed call isn’t always easy, but here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Unexpected calls from official-looking numbers
- Callers who pressure you to act quickly
- Requests for personal information or money
- Numbers that look similar to ones you know, but are slightly off
It’s not always easy or practical to have your wits about you, so you could try using an app to detect scam numbers or take advantage of services like Who Called Me which allows people to verify numbers and report suspicious activity.
If you run a business, we recommend that you train employees to recognise spoofing attempts and implement strict verification processes for financial transactions and data sharing. Using free dedicated business communication tools such as those offered by SwitchboardFREE, can also help mitigate risks.
How to stop caller ID spoofing
Currently, there is no way to stop phone number spoofing, however, there are robust protections available. Scam and spoofing protection is where Phonely really excels. Our CallGuard technology is designed to keep even the most vulnerable in society safe from telephone crime. Here are just some of the features:
- Anti-fraud intro: When someone calls you, they’ll hear a message saying you’re protected by CallGuard. This often scares scammers into hanging up before your phone even rings!
- Automatic call blocking: CallGuard checks every incoming call against a database of known scam numbers. If it’s on the list, the call gets blocked before it can even reach you. You can add to this list too.
- Trusted person nomination: Have human backup & intervention should you ever need it.
- Suspicious call & keyword notification: Our cleaver AI will scan your calls for suspicious intent and criminal vocabulary.
- Call recording: Have all your calls recorded to give you peace of mind and evidence if you ever need it.
With CallGuard, you can answer your phone with confidence, knowing you’re protected from scammers and their antics.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve received a spoofed call, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t give out any information, even if they seem to know things about you, don’t confirm anything.
- Hang up, the sooner you end the call, the better.
- Report it to Action Fraud. Reporting a scam is so important, as every report helps in the fight against scammers.
- Tell your friends & family. The more people who know about these scams, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
- Seek support. Phone crime is the same as any other, it can be traumatic, so don’t feel you should cope with it alone. It’s well-documented that scams can affect your mental health.
Remember, you’re not by yourself in this. At Phonely, our mission is to keep you safe from scams and give you the confidence to use your phone without fear.
Is caller ID spoofing illegal?
You might be wondering, is caller ID spoofing even legal? Well, sadly, it’s a bit of a grey area.
In many countries, including the UK, caller ID spoofing is illegal when used with malicious intent. The Communications Act 2003 prohibits individuals from using telecommunications services to deceive others, particularly if the intent is to defraud, cause harm, or obtain something of value. However, there are legal instances where caller ID spoofing might be permitted, such as protecting the privacy of individuals like doctors when contacting patients. Ofcom has specific guidelines on this and will fine legitimate companies who do not comply, however, this does not protect you from the professional criminal.
One problem is that many of these scammers operate from overseas, making them hard to catch. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself as much as possible and stay vigilant if you can.
Caller ID spoofing FAQs
What does caller ID spoofing mean?
Caller ID spoofing is when a criminal displays a fake number when calling you, to trick you into trusting the call.
Why do scammers use caller ID spoofing?
Scammers use caller ID spoofing for one main reason: it works. People are more likely to answer a call from a familiar number. Spoofing builds a false sense of trust, making it easier for scammers to manipulate their victims.
How are caller IDs spoofed?
Scammers rely on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services to spoof numbers. These services allow them to modify the information sent to your caller ID display.
What can you do if your number is spoofed?
If you find out that your number is being spoofed, there isn’t much you can do to stop it directly. However, you can report the issue to your phone provider and ask them to flag your number for monitoring. Additionally, informing friends and family about the issue can help stop confusion.
Can the Telephone Preference Service stop number spoofing?
Sadly not. The TPS is designed to prevent legitimate businesses from calling people for sales and marketing purposes.
Can you stop caller ID spoofing?
Unfortunately not, however, you can protect yourself from it. Using scam protection technology such as Phonely’s CallGuard can either prevent, deter or catch scammers.
Why isn’t caller ID spoofing illegal?
Phone number spoofing can be legally used for privacy reasons, however, it is illegal to do this with malicious intent.
How to report a scammer UK
If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam you should report it to Action Fraud. You can find more resources on reporting scams on our dedicated blog.
Caller ID scams, wrapped up
Caller ID spoofing might sound scary, but knowledge is power. Now that you know what it is and how it works, you’re already better protected. And with tools like Phonely’s CallGuard, you can feel even safer.
Remember:
- Be cautious of unexpected calls, even if they look legitimate
- Never give out personal information over the phone
- If in doubt, hang up & call back on a number you trust
- Use CallGuard for a robust layer of protection
At Phonely, we believe your phone should be a source of connection and joy, not stress and worry. With the right knowledge and tools, you can keep it that way.
Stay safe out there, and happy chatting!
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