Phone Call Spoofing 101: What You Need To Know?

Do you get frequent calls from different numbers asking for your personal information and sharing your bank details and address?

These calls are called Phone Call Spoofing. They have been a serious threat in the digital era of telephony. They trick their victims by calling from trusted sources’ phone numbers to reveal their identity and sensitive information. 

So, how can you be safe from this kind of cyberattack?

In this article, we will discuss phone call spoofing, how it works, the types of phone call spoofing, how to spot it, how to protect yourself from it, and what to do if you are a victim of a phone call spoofing. 

So, let’s get into it. 

What is Phone Call Spoofing?

Phone Call Spoofing is a kind of cyberattack that involves using a fake a different phone number and false identity to manipulate the victim into disclosing their private information or allowing access to their device. 

Phone call spoofers claim to be reliable people or businesses and gain the trust of the victim to steal their personal data and information or to gain access to their devices. 

When you receive a spoof call, you will see a different caller ID and CNAM rather than the original one. Hackers display themselves as others to make you receive calls and trust them. 

Phone Call Spoofing is a valuable tool for many businesses, but it is also a common strategy used by scammers to manipulate victims. 

Cybercriminals change their caller ID or email address to disguise themselves as genuine people. In different forms of spoofing, attackers create fake versions of real websites, hide IP addresses, and even send false GPS signals to trick their victims.

How does Phone Call Spoofing work?

Phone call spoofing is done by connecting a phone to a spoofing application. These application uses Voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) technology and Private Branch Exchange(PBX) to alter the Caller ID and address. 

Here’s a step-by-step process on how Phone number Spoofing works. 

VoIP Technology: The caller uses VoIP technology, which converts analog voice into a digital one for sending over the Internet. VoIP technology allows the signal to travel more efficiently across networks and facilitates clear and high-quality voice communication. 

PBX configuration: The call is routed through a PBX system, which is normally used to manage internal phone lines in a business or organization. By accessing the software’s loophole, scammers can alter Caller ID to any number they want, including the country code, area code, and local code. 

Spoofing Application: Spoofing applications and software allow the PBX system to simulate legitimate numbers, which will further show the caller more as a real person. 

Orange Boxing: An alternate technique of call spoofing is called “orange boxing,” which is used to fool someone into thinking they are getting a call from a spoof number when, in reality, they are not. The fraudster can spoof the caller ID display by utilizing hardware or software that can simulate the signal of an incoming call.

Phone spoofing can have certain legitimate legal uses, such as protecting privacy or helping businesses hide numbers, but it is illegal to do so with the intent to deceive or damage others, according to Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations. 

Spoofing, which typically occurs on local or remote networks, is the practice of attackers pretending to be an authorized system or user in order to trick the victim. Because of these advanced methods, phone spoofing is a constant issue in telecommunications and cybersecurity. 

Lastly, if you know how these manipulative techniques operate, you can defend yourself from these scammers. 

Types of Phone Call Spoofing

There are different types of spoofing, and every one of them has its own security risks and dangers. 

The most popular ones include caller ID spoofing, SMS spoofing, internet spoofing, and email spoofing. Here are some of the most common types of spoofing explained. 

1. Email Spoofing

When the sender sends an email to the victim using different emails and a fake user ID it is known as Email Spoofing. It is one of the most commonly used spoofing which is used in phishing attacks.       

This technique is used by scammers to appear them as trustworthy organizations, such as financial institutions, in an effort to trick victims into disclosing personal information or by clicking on harmful links. 

These acts can result in Unauthorized access to financial and personal data. Spoof emails usually contain warning indicators such as unexpected requests for private information, demands for immediate action from the victim, or spelling errors. 

2. Website Spoofing

Website spoofing is a tactic used by online scammers to create false websites that look like authentic ones. Their objective is to trick visitors into disclosing private information. 

Unknown people freely enter the website without knowing the potential risks that ca result in security risk and consumer protection. 

3. Caller ID or Phone Spoofing

Scammers use caller ID spoofing to change their information and make calls appear familiar and local to the receiver. Scammers use it to increase the possibility that their lies can be effective and that sensitive information can be accessed without authorization of the owner. 

The effects can be fatal when victims reveal private and financial information to the scammers.  

4. SMS Spoofing

Scammers can change the sender’s information through SMS and MMS spoofing, frequently adding links to phishing websites or other fraudulent content. 

This technique, known as smishing attacks, is used by scammers for a variety of fraud and social engineering techniques, making the texts seem to be from people they know in order to increase their credibility. 

To prevent becoming a victim of such scams, it is essential to remain alert at all times when handling text messages.

5. IP Spoofing

IP Spoofing, which is commonly used in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, is a malicious technique that hides the attacker’s location while preventing the removal of malicious data. 

As security systems commonly check a device’s IP address to confirm a user’s location, hackers can use IP Spoofing to hide their identity and avoid detection, even by advanced security systems. 

IP spoofing is a significant risk to be aware of because it takes place before a hacker tries to enter a system or communicate with their victim. 

How to spot call spoofing?

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from spam call is by avoiding it. In order to avoid call spoofing, you need to spot the one. Here is the list of ideas and strategies from which you can spot a call spoofing by yourself. 

I. Unfamiliar number

If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, there are chances that it might be from one of the call spoofers. To trick the victim, spoofers mostly use regional area codes and local numbers to convince them as local people call them. 

Thus, if you receive any unfamiliar number, double-check the number online to be sure. 

II. Sense of urgency

Spoofers use a sense of urgency to convince victims to act right away, like paying a “fine” or disclosing personal information. If someone acts in a hurry and asks you to take immediate action using different techniques, avoid this as much as possible. 

The most common way the spammers convince is by asking them to take immediate action, creating a sense of urgency.

III. Pre-recorded message 

Generic pre-recorded messages, such as “Hello, customer,” often indicate spoofing. Scammers use these emails to pretend to be banks or government institutions. 

Also, avoid the pre-recorded message prompts like “press 0” and “click-to-action” from unauthorized sites and pages. 

IV. Request for personal information 

Spoofers can request sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, and financial details. Reliable and authentic organizations do not ask for such details for you. 

Thus, if someone asks for such information in calls, messages, and emails, you need to be aware and be suspicious. 

V. Sketchy display names 

Some strange or inconsistent caller ID names can be indicated by numbers for spoof calls. For example, there are situations where the name of a legitimate official corporation is misspelled, with several strange formats available. 

Consider such contradictions to be a warning sign. Avoid answering this type of call.

VI. Calls from the organization at odd hours

All real organizations work on standard times. Any call late to early in the morning saying it is from a bank, government office, or company is highly suspicious. 

Thus, do not take any action on these calls. If necessary, contact the organization directly during office hours. Thus, if you receive any calls during odd hours, it can be a call spoofing. 

How to Protect Yourself from Spoofing?

Here are 10 tips and tricks that you can consider so that you can protect yourself from spoofing. 

• If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number and Caller ID, try not to pick up immediately. Scammers often use fake Caller IDs to trick, thus avoid answering unknown numbers. 
• If you receive a calls or message asking for your personal information and follow prompts, you are suggested to hang up immediately. Mainly, do not share your details with anyone who asks for it. 
• Furthermore, do not share your details such as social security number, bank information, passwords or address with anyone. 
• Make your voicemail secure by setting up a strong and unique password, as scammers can spoof your number and try to access you voicemail if its unsecure. 
• Activate and install spam-blocking tools and softwares on your device, which is provided by the service provider. This software can filter and reduce the chances of receiving spoof calls. 
• Block suspicious numbers and contacts. Blocking suspicious calls enhances your privacy and protects you from spoofing. 
• Add your phone numbers to the National “Do Not Call” Registry. It automatically blocks all spoof calls; not only that but also you receive fewer telemarketing calls with this. 
• Install cybersecurity software that includes all the spam-blocking features that secure your device. This tool helps you to keep your data secure, makes you aware of phishing, and enhances your security. 
• Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders or strange domains. These usually contain viruses or other infections that might harm your device.
• Only visit websites with a working security certificate (the URL should start with https://).

What to do If you are a Victim of Phone Call Spoofing?

If you are a victim of phone number spoofing, you should be cautious and avoid further upcoming risks. 

The first thing you do is to report to your service providers. Many providers can trace the spoofed calls and offer you with the call blocking tools and other ideas to stop reaching you. 

You should also file a complaint with the FCC or FTC, as both deal with fraudulent activity and consumer protection. Secondly, using call-blocking apps can help in filtering such spoofed calls in the future. 

If you are a victim of spoofing, you should report it to local law enforcement immediately. 

This information will be helpful for the investigations. Monitor closely your financial accounts because fraudsters often try to steal personal information. 

Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to your bank or credit institution. It would be very good if your friend circle, as well as your family and colleagues, were made aware in case your number has been used to scam other people.

Change your voicemail password to block any hacker from your messages. Watch out for follow-up scams; fraudsters may spam call again after a spoofed call. Also, being informed about methods of spoofing will help one to know how to identify and avoid the scams in the future. 

If necessary, consult a cybersecurity expert to protect your devices from future attacks. 

Conclusion

Phone call spoofing has become a popular cyberattack in recent days to manipulate people to disclose their personal information. Scammers use the masked phone number of a reputed organization or known person to make a spam call or send a message to a victim.

Businesses can use this feature for their security enhancement and protect their client’s data, whereas spammers see this as an opportunity to steal your information. Thus, you need to be safe from call spoofing.  

Lastly, if you are a victim of Phone number Spoofing, report it to local law enforcement as soon as possible and use call-blocking applications. 

FAQs

What is phone call spoofing?

Phone Call Spoofing is when a caller makes a call using a masked phone number that displays Caller ID  and makes it look like a genuine caller,  whereas they are scammers trying to disclose sensitive data and information from you. 

How can I know if I am getting a spoof call?

If you are suspicious about the call and want to know if that is a spoof call, check for details such as an unfamiliar number, pre-recorded message, sense of urgency, and sketchy display names. 

What should I do if I get a spoof call?

If you get a spoof call, hang up immediately in the first place. Try to avoid and engage with the spoof callers. Also, do not share your personal information. 

What are the types of spoofing?

The most common types of spoofing include caller ID spoofing, IP spoofing, Email spoofing, and website spoofing. 

What is neighbor spoofing?

Neighbour spoofing is a kind of spoofing used by spammers to increase the likelihood that you would answer the phone. They achieve this by making the display number of the incoming call remarkably similar to yours. For example, you can get calls from +222 222 223 if your phone number is +222 222 222.