Caller ID spoofing is a technique used to manipulate the information displayed on the recipient’s caller ID system to hide the true identity of the caller. It involves altering or falsifying the caller ID information transmitted during a phone call to display a different phone number or a fake name. The purpose of caller ID spoofing can vary, but it is often employed for malicious or deceptive purposes.
Caller ID spoofing can be achieved through various methods. One common approach involves using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which allow callers to transmit data packets over the internet instead of traditional telephone networks. By utilizing these services, individuals or organizations can modify the outgoing caller ID information associated with the VoIP call.
Spoofing caller ID can enable scammers to deceive recipients into answering calls that they might otherwise ignore or block. They can impersonate a legitimate entity, such as a bank, government agency, or a trusted organization, to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information like personal data, financial details, or login credentials.
Unfortunately, caller ID spoofing has been exploited for various illegal activities, including phishing scams, telemarketing fraud, and social engineering attacks. It is important to exercise caution when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers and to verify the authenticity of any requests for personal or sensitive information.
Regulatory authorities and telecommunications companies are continuously working to mitigate caller ID spoofing by implementing technologies and protocols to authenticate and validate the origin of calls. However, it is still important for individuals to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect themselves from potential scams or fraudulent activities.