Caller ID Spoofing

Caller ID is a very helpful way to see who’s calling on your home phone or your smart phone. There’s a new problem causing frustration and worry: Caller ID spoofing. This happens when the caller ID information on your phone is not the real number – the person calling is using a different number to get you to answer their call.

  • Sometimes businesses will legitimately use a different number than where they are calling from, for example, if they want to display their toll free call back number.
  • More often, you may be “spoofed” into answering a call from a person or a robocaller (an automated calling system) who wants your valuable personal information.

What is neighbor spoofing?

Robocallers using neighbor spoofing will display a phone number similar to your own number, on your caller ID. This increases the likelihood that you will answer the call.

What can you do if your number is being spoofed?

If you get calls from people saying your number is showing up on their caller ID, it’s likely that your number has been spoofed.

  • We suggest first that you do not answer any calls from unknown numbers, but if you do answer calls from people who are returning your (spoofed) call, explain that your telephone number is being spoofed and that you did not actually make any calls.
  • You can also place a message on your voicemail letting callers know that your number is being spoofed. Usually scammers switch numbers frequently. It is likely that within hours they will no longer be using your number.

How do I report suspected spoofing?

If you receive a call and you suspect caller ID information has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your telephone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC.

  • File a complaint online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
  • By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL: 1-844-432-2275