Call spoofing

[Sorcha]

Another type of scam which is on the increase is ‘call spoofing’. We thought it would be useful to explain what it is, so you can better protect yourself from bad actors who employ this sneaky tactic.

What is call Spoofing?

If you have caller ID switched on, it will show the number of whoever is calling you so you can decide whether to answer it or not. Very handy if you prefer to only answer calls from numbers you recognise. You may sometimes see caller ID referred to as Caller Line Identity (CLI).

Call spoofing is when the caller ID is changed to mimic another number or destination.

Why ‘spoof’ a telephone number?

Sometimes there's good reason to change the caller ID, for example, many large companies (Banks, Utility, Telecoms, Government) will do this to display an 0800 number as opposed to a local number when calling their customers. This means if you need to call them back the number is usually free to call, it also means you can check the company’s website or your latest bill, to verify their telephone number.

Unfortunately, nuisance callers and criminals use call spoofing to hide their identity and make it look like they are legitimate callers from companies you may have a relationship with. More often than not these people are out to steal your login details and/or your financial information.

Spoofed calls are not just targeting UK residents, these calls originate from all over the world. This is a worldwide problem. Both the UK and international regulators are working with the telecoms industry to solve this problem.

What can you do to prevent becoming a victim of call spoofing?

• Be vigilant, never give out personal information in response to an incoming call, particularly if the caller asks you to carry out an action which might have financial consequences or seeking to confirm login or account details.

• Do not rely upon Caller ID as your sole means of identification. If someone rings you asking for this information, don't provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, or contact the company through their website.

If you want to report the call to EE Just text 'call' to 7726 followed by a space, then the number that called you, we use the data collected to help protect all of our customers.

Visit our Spam and phishing article to find out how to stay safe.

Find out more about currently circulating scams >

[Michael_D]

Hi @Gingebaggy 

Welcome to the community.

This does sound like it is call spoofing, and I know what it is like, I've had this exact scenario happen to me as well.

It would be that someone is spoofing your wife's number to make it look like she has called, and then people are dialling her number to return the call.

The main thing is that her number won't be cloned, but I can appreciate how frustrating it is.

Has it been happening for long? Often the 'spoofer' will select another number after a few days.

Michael

[Smiffy23Bolton]

I'm currently getting people call me saying "i've just had a missed call from you" they are legit people, one even sent me a screenshot of his missed call from my number that wasn't in my call logs. The guy does pest control 200 miles away, i do joinery. Maybe it's a Google business thing? But my number is definitely being spoofed ringing random people. I fear if a scammer is spoofing my number it could lead to negative feedback on my business profile! EE can't even check the outbound call after being given the exact time it was done. No help other than to change my number. That's not only a huge effort with all the directories i'm listed on but websites, FB business, Google business, Rated Tradesmen sites etc etc. EE need to take this more seriously in my opinion! 

[Chris_B]

@Smiffy23Bolton   Unfortunately EE can’t stop someone from spoofing your number, no telecoms provider can ( YET ) and because your number is advertised it’s there for these people to see to do this sort of thing.   

[Peter_W]

Good afternoon @Smiffy23Bolton.

The reason we're not able to see the outgoing calls logged for these is because your number, and EE service, aren't what's physically making the call. 

Spoofing uses software to change the displayed number that comes through at the recipients end, but the call is coming from a totally separate service, usually VoIP.

There are genuine applications for this - for example some companies will display a central number for people to call back on rather than the specific one calling. 

Some companies can use this to display the business name rather than a number when calling as well.

Normally spoofers will change the numbers they use regularly, but if this did persist we could definitely look into options such as changing your number.

Peter