What is Spam?
● Spam includes, but is not limited to, all types of unwanted communications: unwanted calls or messages, caller ID spoofing, and more. ● Typically, spam is directed to a large number of users for the purposes of advertising, phishing, spreading malware, and more. ● If you have received unwanted calls or text from unknown numbers, review more options for these additional resources.
What is caller ID spoofing?
● Caller ID spoofing is the process of changing the caller ID to a number other than the actual calling number. ● Caller ID spoofing occurs when a caller intentionally misrepresents the information transmitted to hide the number they are calling from. ● The number that appears on your caller ID may look like it is from a government agency, business, or even someone on your contact list trying to answer a call. ● If the caller intends to cheat, harm or scam you into providing information you might not otherwise provide over the phone, spoofing is illegal. ● If no harm is intended or caused, spoofing is not illegal. Some people may have legitimate reasons to hide their information, such as a law enforcement agency or doctor's office.
Where is caller ID spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing is occurring throughout the telecommunications industry. Landline, wireless and IP-based telephone service providers are all facing this problem. This is not a specific vendor issue.
Examples of spoofing
● Receiving calls from a friend or spouse's phone number when your friend / husband is with you and is not calling you. ● RoboCal received from its same phone number. ● For personal information (account number, account PIN, etc.) call from your bank's phone number. ● Caller ID displays 'SOS Emergency' instead of the actual phone number of the calling party.
What to do if you experience a spam call?
- Do not provide any personal information. Identity thieves often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to obtain account numbers, SSNs, mother's names, passwords, and other identification information. End the call immediately, then call the company or government agency's account details / phone number listed on the website to determine if the request is valid.