Calls can be spoofed, and this practice is known as Caller ID spoofing. Caller ID spoofing involves manipulating the information that appears on the recipient's caller ID display to make it appear as though the call is coming from a different number. This can be done for various reasons, including malicious intent such as scam calls.
To manage and protect yourself from spoofed calls, you can consider the following:
- Be Skeptical of Unknown Numbers:
- Avoid answering calls from unknown or suspicious numbers.
- If you receive a call from a number you don't recognize, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will often leave a message.
- Do Not Share Personal Information:
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity.
- Be cautious about answering questions that seem unnecessary or unrelated to the conversation.
- Use Call Blocking Apps:
- Install and use call-blocking apps on your smartphone. These apps can help identify and block known spam or spoofed numbers.
- Many mobile service providers also offer call-filtering services.
- Check Caller ID Information:
- Be cautious if the caller ID displays a number that seems suspicious or inconsistent with the purported organization or location.
- Keep in mind that some scammers may use numbers that appear to be local.
- Verify Caller Identity:
- If you receive a call from a person or organization claiming to be legitimate, independently verify their identity before providing any sensitive information.
- Call back using a publicly listed phone number, not the one provided by the caller.
- Report Spoofed Calls:
- Report instances of spoofed calls to your phone carrier. They may have mechanisms in place to investigate and block such calls.
- Government Resources:
- In some countries, there are government agencies that handle reports and issues related to fraudulent calls. Check if there are resources available for reporting such incidents in your region.
- Use Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode:
- Consider using the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your phone during specific times or when you do not want to be disturbed by unknown callers.
While these measures can help reduce the impact of spoofed calls, it's essential to stay vigilant and aware of potential scams. Technology is constantly evolving, and efforts to combat spoofing are ongoing. Keep your devices and apps updated to benefit from the latest security features.
