My Phone Number is Being Spoofed: Easy Fixes

Have you ever had another person’s phone number appear on someone’s caller ID, even though you didn’t make the call?

Creepy, right? However, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

Phone spoofing is a growing epidemic that affects millions and contributes to a rise in online threats. Once your number is spoofed, the scammer can place calls that appear to be from you, compromising your reputation and security. It is a violation and often dangerous. But the news is good: You can fight back, and the solutions are easier than you think.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what spoofing is, why it happens, and how you can stop it.

Let’s get started!

What is Phone Number Spoofing?

Phone number spoofing allows callers to alter their caller ID. It appears as if the call is being made from another number. Usually, one that is in good standing or familiar to you, such as your own number or a local number. Attackers often use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This allows them to hide caller ID data and their real identity.

Caller ID spoofing often appears in spam call campaigns, social engineering, phishing, and various online scams. Scammers send fake text messages and forged voicemails to gain access to your account and steal sensitive information. They trick users into clicking harmful links, adjusting their security settings unknowingly, or accessing personal accounts.

How to Know if Your Number is Being Spoofed?

Phone number spoofing happens when the caller ID shows a different number. It can even show your own number. It can result in unwanted calls, confusion, and even harm to your reputation.

Here are some signs that your number may be spoofed:

1. Unexpected Callbacks:

Phone number spoofing causes surprise calls and texts. The recipient sees a number that claims you called them, even though you didn’t. Your spoofed number shows up on their caller ID. This confuses and frustrates them. They could believe that you were the one calling, and as a result, misunderstandings may arise.

These revenge calls and messages can be stressful. They may ask why you called since the call looks like it’s from your number. They don’t know it was a spoofed call.

2. Unusual Charges or Activity on Your Phone Bill:

One sign is unusual charges or activity on your phone bill. If your phone shows calls from unknown numbers or calls you didn’t make, your number might be spoofed. These charges could be part of the abuse or fraud by the spoofer.

A spoofer calls victims using your number, pretends to be a well-known entity. In many cases, you might also pay long-distance charges. The charges are not necessarily calls you place. Still, they might appear on your bill if your carrier has not marked them as suspicious.

3. Carrier Alerts:

The majority of the mobile operators have in-place systems that will identify strange patterns or suspicious use of phone number spoofing. In case your number is being used in such fraud, you may receive messages or alerts from your operator about potential fraud. These alerts are to notify and warn you of any abuse of your number.

4. Reports of Spoofed Calls:

If friends, coworkers, or even strangers complain that they got strange calls from your number, it could mean someone is spoofing. These calls may seem like they were made by you, yet you did not make them.

Spammers use fake numbers to commit fraud. This can damage your reputation without you being aware of it.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Number is Spoofed

Phone number spoofing is a rather serious situation in which your phone number is spoofed by scammers to deceive individuals. If that ever happens to you, then act quickly to safeguard your identity and avoid possible harm.

Those are the steps that you must take as soon as you suspect you are being phone number spoofed:

I. Contact Your Mobile Carrier:

If you suspect at all that your number is spoofed, you should call your phone carrier straight away. They can take proactive steps, for example, placing a flag on your number so it can be monitored and even adding further protection features. Cell carriers can provide call filtering, call blocking, or advanced fraud detection to prevent future spoofing from happening.

They can provide advice on preventing your account too, such as using additional PINs or passwords.

II. Report a Complaint with the FCC and National Do Not Call Registry:

Reporting to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) informs authorities of the issue so that they may monitor and investigate the scam. The FCC has tools at their disposal that may resolve spoofing cases.

Registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will not prevent spoofing itself, but it can reduce unwanted calls.

III. Change Your Voicemail Password:

If your voicemail is being hacked, attackers can listen to your voicemail messages. They can access sensitive information. It is necessary to reset your voicemail password to a strong and unique one so that unauthorized access is not allowed.

Make sure you don’t use easily guessable passwords, for example, your birthdate or phone number. Use a mix of letters, numbers, or a completely random password. Most voicemail systems also provide a method to reset your password, and you should do so as soon as you suspect any violation.

IV. Use a Blocking App:

Blocking apps are great resources for protecting yourself from the chaos of spoofed calls. Apps such as Hiya, Nomorobo, and RoboKiller use advanced algorithms that screen and block known spam or spoofed callers before they can even reach you.

These apps have the functionality of real-time and call blocking. This will disconnect the interruptions by spammers, and your phone is protected as well.

V. Notify Contacts:

When your number is being spoofed, it is not only about your privacy; it is also about keeping your contacts safe from getting caught up in the scam. Warning your friends, family, colleagues, and everyone else who can get spoofed calls from your phone is essential.

A simple SMS, email, or social media post can alert them not to answer any suspicious calls or provide any personal information if they do. Let them know that if you call them and request money, personal information, or confidential information.

Long-Term Fixes and Prevention Tips

Spoof calls are possibly dangerous, but there are some precautions you can take beforehand to reduce your exposure in the long run.

The following are some measures that will protect against spoofing and other scam calls:

1. Add a Secondary Number for Public Use:

The smart method of protecting your primary phone number from being a target by scammers is through the utilization of burner apps for such services, where a telephone number is required.

Burner apps offer temporary and disposable numbers and can be utilized to attain online registration, sign-up, or even social media posting.

2. Use a Virtual Number for Online Registrations:

When signing up on websites or participating in online sweepstakes, having a virtual number can safeguard your primary phone line from being made available to data brokers.

Virtual numbers work in a similar way to burner numbers but enable more extended online conversations without surrendering your real number. This reduces the likelihood of your number being revealed to spammers or hackers.

Best Apps to Stop Spoofed Calls

If you are fed up with being spoofed and scam-called, relying on a good call-blocking app may be all you need.

The following are some best apps to keep your phone safe:

1. Truecaller: Truecaller allows you to recognize unknown numbers. It allows you to see other users’ reports about spoofing scams.

2. RoboKiller: RoboKiller not just blocks robocalls. It uses predictive algorithms to block calls from spoofed caller IDs.

3. Hiya: It is reported to detect neighbor spoofing methods. It detects patterns from scam calls.

4. Nomorobo: Both on texts and calls, Nomorobo blocks incoming numbers from suspected spammers. Sends real-time alert messages when a call is suspicious or spoofed.

How Spoofing Affects Business and What They Should Do?

Spoofing is particularly dangerous for companies because it destroys trust. Companies can be legally vulnerable and risk losing customer data.

This is how companies are affected by it and what companies can do about such threats:

How Spoofing Affects Companies?

A. Loss of Trust:

When scammers spoof a business’s phone number, it can be unsettling for customers. It can even damage the business’s reputation. Customers can lose faith in the business’s ability to keep them confidential if they happen to provide sensitive information to a scammer without realizing it. This can result in lost sales and damage to the brand in the long run.

B. Legal Implications Under the Caller ID Act:

The Caller ID Act outlaws the use of false or misleading caller ID information. This law aims to prevent fraud, harm, or the wrongful obtaining of something of value. If a business number is spoofed, it could unintentionally violate these laws. This can lead to legal consequences.

C. Data Theft:

Attackers employ spoofed calls to deceive staff into revealing confidential company data or access to critical systems. In this case, social engineering may result in data breaches, financial loss, and damage to reputation. This is particularly true when customer data is compromised.

What should companies do?

A. Practice Good Internet Security Habits:

Firms should give top priority to internet security. Encryption is required, regular software updates are automatically applied, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) must be implemented on communication lines to protect company and client data. This will prevent fraudsters from exploiting weaknesses in corporate networks.

B. Implement Call Blocking Systems:

To prevent spoofing calls, businesses should use call-blocking software. This type of software identifies and blocks incoming spoofing calls. Most phone systems now offer this option. They even use apps like Nomorobo or RoboKiller on business lines, which offer protection from unwanted calls.

C. Regular Credit Monitoring:

If a breach is detected, affected customers should be offered credit monitoring by businesses. This identifies abnormal activity that would otherwise signal stolen data. Offering the service to customers also proves a commitment to customer security and builds trust.

How to Educate Others Not to Get Scammed by Spoof Calls?

Spoofing calls are a serious and rapidly growing problem. They occur when criminals manipulate caller ID information to make it appear they are calling from a known or trusted source. This could be government authorities, banks, or even family members.

Here’s how you can assist others to remain safe:

1. Avoid sharing sensitive information:

Tell your family members not to share any Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card details with any suspicious calls. Legitimate organizations will never request this information without prior notice.

2. Never take caller ID at face value:

Callers may spoof caller IDs to make the call as legitimate. Always verify the identity of the caller first.

3. Look for common patterns found in the scheme of scams and phishing attempts:

Watch for warning signs of the scam. This includes urgent requests to act quickly. Pressure to make decisions and unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

4. Report spoofed calls:

Encourage reporting spoofed calls to the fraud-reporting mechanisms. So, it allows authorities to track and prevent subsequent scams.

Conclusion

While call spoofing is certainly frustrating and even dangerous, you are not helpless against it. You can use effective methods to protect your identity and secure your cell phone. Enable call-blocking features. Also, be careful of any suspicious activity. These active measures can be very effective in counteracting spoofing. They also help secure your information.

Acting now stops future attacks. It also helps you feel confident when making use of your mobile phone without fear. This blog offers tools and tips to protect you from unwanted calls, online bullying, and identity theft. With increased awareness and taking the right steps, you can improve your digital security and reduce the risks of call spoofing.

FAQ

Should I change my phone number if it has been spoofed?

No, usually changing your number is not necessary because spoofer criminals do not truly control your line. Focus on safety and reporting.

How do I remove by number from the spam list?

Notify your wireless company, the FCC, and record your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Utilize call-blocking functionality to reinforce filtering of calls.

Can spoofed numbers be blocked?

While you cannot block your own spoofed number, you can block the spoofer through call-blocking apps and services.

Can phone number spoofing be stopped?

Technologies like STIR/SHAKEN, spoof protection tools, and caller ID authentication can keep spoofing under control, but complete prevention relies on industry collaboration.

What to do if a scanner has my phone number?

If a scammer has your phone number, monitor your accounts for signs of fraud and update all passwords with added security features. Watch out for SIM swap attacks and consider credit monitoring to catch suspicious activity early.