How to Stop Telemarketers Calling from Your Own Phone Number: Understanding Call Spoofing and Better Phone Protection

If you've ever experienced telemarketers or unsolicited calls displaying your own phone number as the caller ID, you understand the frustration and confusion this can cause. In this article, we will explore the causes of this issue, how it works, and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Understanding Call Spoofing

Call spoofing is the deliberate act of falsifying the caller ID information to disguise the caller's identity. Telemarketers and scammers use this tactic to impersonate your number, making it appear as if they are calling from your own phone or a familiar local number. This practice can be particularly alarming and frustrating because it confuses both the caller and the recipient.

Many phone systems, including both business and personal ones, have the capability to show the caller ID that the administrator wants it to display. In some cases, scammers and telemarketers can manipulate these systems to display your own number or a number that appears familiar to you.

Why Are These Calls Happening?

There are several reasons why telemarketers might call you from a number that looks like your own:

Phone System Administration: If your business or personal phone system is under the control of an administrator who can change the caller ID, it might have been configured to show your number. Phone Company Restrictions: Some phone companies allow caller IDs to be set to any number the business is paying for, while others have more relaxed restrictions. Unrestricted Phone Numbers: Some scammers and telemarketers can use any number they want to display, making it appear as if they are calling from your phone or a familiar local number.

Once an unauthorized call is detected, it can be a significant concern, especially if the call contains malicious intent or contains a known fraudulent link.

Steps to Take to Protect Yourself

Here are some effective steps you can take to stop these calls and protect yourself:

Check Your Provider's Scam and Spam Block Options

Your mobile service provider might offer built-in protection against scammers and spammers. For example, T-Mobile's Scam and Nuisance Call Block works very well. If your provider does not have this option, you can check if your cell phone's operating system has built-in caller ID blocking features.

Example: If you use an iOS device, you can use the "Do Not Disturb" feature to block calls from unrecognized numbers. On Android devices, you can use third-party apps or built-in Privacy settings to block calls.

Contact Your Local Cell Provider Store for Additional Suggestions

If the issue continues, it’s a good idea to visit your local cell provider store and ask for advice. They can provide additional tools and services that might help you.

Block Your Own Number from Calling You

If your phone system or service provider supports it, you can block your own number from calling you. However, it's important to note that this might not have an effect on voicemail—some providers might not allow this due to technical constraints.

Report Phishing Scams and Call Spoofing

Dealing with call spoofing and phishing scams is crucial. Scammers often use spoofed numbers to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information. Here's how to handle such scenarios:

Do Not Answer the Calls: Ignoring the calls is the best course of action. Unwanted calls are not worth the risk. Contact Your Service Provider: Inform your service provider about the issue. They can help you block the number and add call screening services. Report the Scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities or service provider. They can advise you on the next steps and help prevent similar scams from happening to others.

It's also crucial to be aware of current phishing scams. A massive spoofing scam is currently ongoing, with phishing links that can invade your phone and steal personal information. Never click on any links in these messages or reply to text messages containing suspicious content.

Conclusion

Call spoofing is a significant issue that can cause confusion and even lead to scams. By understanding how it works and taking the appropriate steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these security threats. Stay vigilant and always double-check the legitimacy of any calls or messages you receive, especially if they appear to come from your own phone number or a familiar one.