How to protect yourself from phone number spoofing scams

Have you ever gotten a phone call from a number with the same area code as yours, but when you answer there is nothing but silence? Or you miss a call, but when you call back, the person or business on the other end never tried calling you? These are signs of a rising trend known as phone number spoofing scams.

Even the most convincing phone calls can leave small clues that the call isn’t real. Knowing what to listen for can help you stay confident and avoid being misled by scammers or AI-generated bot scams.

Ways spoofing scams happen

Scammers are getting clever with technology, using tricks like spoofed caller IDs, emails and websites that look official and mimic legitimate communications. They count on our trust in familiar names and often add pressure or urgency to get us to share sensitive information. As tech keeps advancing, these scams are getting harder to spot, so staying alert is more important than ever.

Ways to avoid spoofing scams

Phone number spoofing is legal in the U.S. unless it’s done to cheat, harm or steal something of value. Businesses often use spoofing for harmless reasons, like showing a toll-free number. Scammers take advantage of spoofing technology to steal money. The best protection against phone spoofing is learning to spot these calls and avoid engaging with them.

Look out for generic greetings
Be skeptical of calls or texts that don’t use your name and start with vague greetings like “Dear Customer.”
Verify who's calling
Don’t assume callers are who they claim to be. If someone says they’re from a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on their website.
Secure your voicemail
Set a password for your voicemail account. Some voicemail services can be accessed by your own phone number. A hacker could spoof your number and gain access if you don’t have a password set.
Avoid unknown numbers
Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize, even if they look local. If the caller asks you to press a button, hang up immediately.
5. Pay attention to tone
Scammers often sound pushy or make things seem urgent to trick you into sharing information. If they ask for details about an event or product you’ve never heard of, be cautious.
Never share personal information
Don’t answer questions about your social security number, passwords, credit card details or other private information.
Trust your gut
If something feels off, hang up right away. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely they’ll get information from you.
Block and filter calls
If something feels off, hang up right away. The longer you stay on the line, the more likely they’ll get information from you.

What to do if you've been targeted

Spoofing scams can feel frustrating and invasive, but it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless. Notify the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission or your local police department if you think you’ve been targeted. If you are a Credit Human member, visit the security center or call us directly at 800-688-7228. If you are repeatedly targeted, contact your phone provider to change your number. This can help temporarily, but scammers can target your new number too, so keep following these tips to stay secure.

By staying alert, protecting your personal information and using tools like call filters, you can reduce your risk. If you ever feel unsure about a call, trust your instincts and hang up to verify the source. The best defense is knowledge so share these tips with friends and family to keep everyone safe. If you’re feeling stressed or need someone to talk to about protecting your financial health, visit one of our Financial Health Centers. Our team is ready to support you and help you feel more secure.