Have you ever been told that people are receiving missed calls from your number, even though you never made the call? It can be frustrating and confusing, often linked to a tactic called caller ID spoofing (or number spoofing).
What Is Caller ID Spoofing and How Does It Work?
Caller ID spoofing is a technique where someone manipulates the number displayed on a recipient’s phone, making it look like the call is coming from a different number—often your own. Scammers and telemarketers frequently use this tactic to trick people into answering their calls.
They achieve this using technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allow them to alter the caller ID to display any number they want. For instance, a scammer might spoof your number to appear trustworthy or to make the call seem local and familiar.
So, if people are receiving missed calls from your number, it’s likely that your number has been spoofed.
Why Is This Happening to My Number?
People receiving missed calls from your number without you making the call is usually due to caller ID spoofing, but there are a few other reasons to consider:
- Accidental dialling: You may have unintentionally called someone.
- VoIP or business phone system errors: Misconfigured systems could result in unexpected calls.
- Network errors: Occasionally, mobile providers may experience technical glitches that cause the wrong number to appear on the recipient’s caller ID.
If none of these apply, then spoofing is likely the reason behind the issue.
Signs That Your Number Is Being Spoofed
It’s important to recognise the signs of your number being spoofed. The following are common indicators:
- Unexpected callbacks: You receive calls from people asking why you called them when you didn’t.
- Complaints from contacts: Friends, family, or customers may say they received a strange or spam call from your number.
- Your number is flagged as spam: If your number is being reported as spam or blocked, spoofing may be to blame.
If you notice these signs, your number has likely been spoofed.
What Happens If You Pick Up a Spoofed Call?
Answering a spoofed call can expose you to several risks, depending on the caller’s intent:
- Silence or hang-up: Some spoofed calls are from robocall systems that verify active numbers. If you pick up, they may mark your number as valid, leading to more calls.
- Phishing attempts: The scammer might attempt to gather personal information by pretending to be from a legitimate organisation, like your bank or a government agency.
- Fraud or identity theft: Scammers may ask for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or login credentials, with the goal of committing fraud.
- Requests for money: The caller may pressure you into making a payment, often using threats or time-sensitive claims.
- Remote access requests: Some spoofers might ask you to install software or give them access to your computer or phone, potentially leading to malware or data theft.
It’s safest not to answer unfamiliar calls, particularly if the number looks suspicious. Letting the call go to voicemail can help you avoid engagement with potential scams
The Impact of Caller ID Spoofing on Your Reputation
Caller ID spoofing can do more than just cause confusion—it can also damage your personal or business reputation. If people frequently receive unwanted calls that appear to come from your number, they may associate you with spam or fraudulent activity.
For businesses, this can be especially harmful, as customers may lose trust, and your number could be flagged as spam or blocked, reducing your ability to communicate effectively with clients.
What Should You Do If Your Number Is Spoofed?
If your number is being spoofed, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your telecom provider: Inform them about the issue. They may offer services or advice on reducing spoofing, such as call-blocking tools.
- Report to authorities: In Australia, you can report spoofing incidents to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
- Use call-filtering services: Some mobile networks and apps offer tools to block or filter unwanted calls, which can help reduce the impact of spoofing.
Although you can’t completely prevent spoofing, taking these steps can help manage the problem and reduce its effects.
If people are getting missed calls from your number, it’s most likely due to caller ID spoofing. While you can’t always stop scammers from using your number, taking proactive steps can help limit the damage. By staying vigilant, updating your phone’s security, and reporting incidents to your telecom provider or authorities, you can protect yourself and your number from further misuse.