Spoofed Caller ID Scams: When the Number Looks Real but the Call Is Fake

June 6, 2025

Have you ever gotten a call from a number that just says "Unknown?" or worse yet looks like a number you might have in your contacts - only to hear a robotic voice or a suspicious “urgent” message on the other end? You may have been targeted by a spoofed caller ID scam.

🚨 What Is Caller ID Spoofing?

Caller ID spoofing is when a scammer fakes the phone number that appears on your caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from someone else. The number could appear to be

Your local police department
The IRS or Social Security Administration
Your bank or credit card company
A neighbor’s number—or even your own

The goal? To trick you into giving up money or personal information.

🧠 How the Scam Works

Spoof the number: The scammer uses software or VoIP technology to change the number that shows up on your phone caller id.
Pretend to be someone trustworthy: They might claim there's a problem with your account, a suspicious transaction, or even a warrant for your arrest.
Pressure you to act fast: Scammers create urgency, demanding payment, verification codes, or personal info.
Disappear: Once they get what they want, the number doesn’t work if you call back—and the scammer is long gone.

🔍 How to Spot a Spoofed Caller ID Scam

Be skeptical when:

The caller says something urgent or scary—like threatening legal action or suspending your account.
The number looks familiar, but the voice or message feels off.
You’re asked to verify personal details (SSN, bank info, or passwords).
The caller demands gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto as payment.
You receive a call from your own number (yes, that happens!).

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

Let any unknown numbers go to voicemail. Real institutions will leave a message. This means you will have to make sure your voicemail box has enough space to receive new messages.
Don’t trust caller ID alone—legitimate callers won’t mind if you hang up and call back on a verified number.
Don’t give personal info over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the call.
Report suspicious calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

🧠 Final Tip

Scammers rely on emotional reactions—fear, urgency, or even curiosity. Stay calm, don’t engage, and always verify. If something feels off, it probably is.