Understanding Caller ID Spoofing and What to Do If It Happens
If you’re getting calls from strangers saying they’re returning your call — even though you never called them — your number has likely been spoofed. This article explains what spoofing is, why it happens, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Is Caller ID Spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing happens when scammers or robocallers falsify the phone number that appears on someone’s caller ID. Instead of showing their real number, they display another — often one that looks local or trustworthy, like yours.
Because these numbers are generated randomly, scammers sometimes end up using real, active phone numbers that belong to innocent people. That’s why you might get calls or voicemails from people claiming they’re returning a call you never made.
What You Can Do
If your number is being spoofed, here are a few helpful steps:
-
Don’t answer unknown calls.
If you do answer, politely explain that your number is being spoofed and that you did not make any calls. -
Record a short voicemail greeting.
Example:
“If you received a call from this number, please know it was not from me. My number has been spoofed and is being used without my permission.” -
Stay patient — spoofing is temporary.
Scammers usually rotate numbers frequently, often within hours or a few days. Once they move on, these return calls will stop. -
Report spoofing to the FCC.
The Federal Communications Commission collects reports to help reduce illegal robocalls and spoofing.
👉 Report Caller ID Spoofing to the FCC -
Protect your information.
-
Only share your phone number when necessary.
-
Be cautious with online forms, prize entries, and surveys.
-
Read privacy terms before agreeing to share or sell your data.
-
Keep consent boxes unchecked when possible.
-
Important Note
Voiply can confirm whether calls were placed to or from your number in your account records. If you see no outgoing calls, but others say they received one from your number, that confirms spoofing activity.
Unfortunately, since spoofing occurs outside our system, no carrier can prevent another party from impersonating your number. However, rest assured this does not affect your Voiply service or account security.
Common Questions
Will spoofing cause extra charges on my bill?
No. Spoofing happens outside your Voiply account, so you will not be billed for any calls you did not make.
Can spoofing harm my phone or account?
No. Spoofing only affects the caller ID display — it does not give scammers access to your device, voicemail, or account.
Can Voiply block my number from being spoofed?
Unfortunately, no phone provider can fully prevent spoofing since it occurs through public networks. However, we can help confirm call records so you know your account is safe.
How long will it last?
Typically just a few hours or days. Scammers constantly switch numbers to avoid being traced.