Understanding Spam Calls / Caller ID Spoofing
Avoid annoying robocalls and protect your identity from fraud. Learn how to block unwanted numbers and identify scam attempts with Verizon Call Filter.
What Is Spam?
- Spam includes all forms of unwanted communications including, but not limited to: unsolicited calls or messages, Caller ID spoofing, robocalls, etc.
- Typically, spam is directed to large numbers of users for the purposes of advertising, phishing, spreading malware, etc.
- If you've received unwanted calls or texts from unknown numbers, review these additional resources for more options.
What Is Caller ID Spoofing?
- Caller ID spoofing is the process of changing the Caller ID to any number other than the actual calling number.
- Caller ID spoofing happens when a caller knowingly falsifies the info transmitted to disguise the number they're calling from.
- The number that displays on your Caller ID may look as though it's coming from a government agency, business, or even someone in your contacts list in an attempt to trick you into answering the call.
- If the caller's intent is to defraud, cause harm or scam you into providing info you may not otherwise provide over the phone, the spoofing is illegal.
- If no harm is intended or caused, the spoofing is not illegal. Some people may have legitimate reasons to hide their info, such as a law enforcement agency or a doctor's office.
What Is Neighbor Spoofing?
Neighbor spoofing is a form of spoofing in which robocallers display a number similar to your own on your Caller ID to increase the chance that you'll answer the call. Customers who are eligible to download and use the Call Filter app can stop neighborhood spoofing by turning on the ‘similar to mine’ switch or by adding any neighborhoods that they would like to block in the app.
What Is the Category Filter (in the Verizon Protect app)?
Verizon Call Filter identifies unwanted calls by category for Call Filter Plus customers. These calls can be blocked by toggling the category filter in the Verizon Protect app.
- Telemarketer: The number is likely making a sales call to solicit a product or service.
- Nonprofit: The number is likely a charity or other similar organization.
- Political: The number is likely a pre-recorded call to inform or inquire about political affiliations or upcoming elections.
- Survey: The number is likely making an automated call to ask about survey participation to collect information.
- Healthcare: The number is likely a doctor's office, hospital, ambulance service, police station, etc. This category can't be blocked.
- Public Service: The number is likely calling to address specific needs relating to members of a community. This category can't be blocked.
Where Is Caller ID Spoofing Occurring?
Caller ID spoofing is happening throughout the telecommunications industry. Landline, wireless and IP-based telephone service providers are all experiencing this problem. This is not a Verizon specific issue.
Examples of Spoofing
- Receiving calls from a friend or spouse's phone number when your friend / spouse is with you and is not calling you.
- Robocalls received from a phone number similar to your own.
- Calls from your bank's phone number asking for personal info (account numbers, account PINs, etc.)
- Caller ID displays '911 Emergency' rather than the actual phone number of the calling party.
What To Do If You Experience Spam Calls
- Don't give out any personal info. Identity thieves often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to get account numbers, SSNs, mother's maiden names, passwords and other identifying info.
- End the call immediately then call the phone number listed on the account statement / website of the company or government agency to determine if the request is legitimate.
- Report spam/scam calls to Verizon to help us stop the bad actors. Report these numbers at www.voicespamfeedback.com.
For more info on unwanted calls and blocking options, refer to: