Understanding Caller ID Spoofing: Telemarketers and Scammers Behind Local-Looking Calls

Have you ever received a call on your local number only to find out it's coming from another country? This phenomenon is known as caller ID spoofing, a method used by telemarketers and scammers to mislead you into thinking the calls are local. In this article, we will delve into how this is achieved and explore the reasons behind it.

What is Caller ID Spoofing?

Caller ID spoofing, also known as call blocking or call rerouting, is the unauthorized alteration of the caller ID information seen on the recipient's caller ID display. Scammers and telemarketers use this method to make their calls appear as if they are coming from local, trusted numbers or even your own phone number. This technique exploits the common trust potential customers have for local numbers, increasing the likelihood of them answering or engaging with the call.

How Telemarketers and Scammers Use Caller ID Spoofing

Telemarketers and scammers use caller ID spoofing to gain the customer's trust and increase the chances of the call being answered. This is particularly effective when the caller is attempting to sell a product or service, or trying to defraud the recipient. While some telemarketers may use this method for legitimate purposes, such as when a business might use a regional number for expansion, scammers typically exploit this technique to commit fraud.

The Evolution of Caller ID Spoofing

Caller ID spoofing has evolved with the development of new communication technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), T1/PRI, and multi-line systems. These technologies allow for the manipulation of caller ID information to show any number the caller deems appropriate.

Single Line and Multi-Line Accounts

Single line accounts, which are typically used by individuals, do not have the capability to change the caller ID without the provider's permission. Multi-line business accounts, on the other hand, can register numbers and CID themselves if they have the appropriate permissions, either through the phone company or their own internal system.

Professionals, such as business owners, can set the caller ID to show the correct information, making it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate and trusted source. However, scammers may gain access to these systems and spoof caller IDs to mimic the business's own number or another trusted number.

Leasing Fixed Number Phone Lines

Fixed number phone lines can be leased for marketing and business purposes. In the UK, common leased numbers include free phone numbers such as 0800 and 0330. These numbers can be leased for a short term to route incoming and outgoing calls through the line. This method allows companies and individuals to appear more legitimate and trustworthy to callers.

Customizing Caller Line Identify (CLI)

Using a VoIP server, it is possible to customize the CLI for various conditions. For instance, if you are living in the US and your number is 1 234 xxx xxxx, the VoIP server can route your calls with a different CLI such as 1 234 yyy yyyy, making it appear as if the call is coming from a different number in the same area code.

Managing Large Companies and Multiple Lines

In larger companies or those with multiple lines, there is a need for a system to manage the caller ID properly. Caller ID spoofing is not the solution here; rather, there are systems designed to manage and route calls correctly.

The main switchboard can handle the routing to ensure that outgoing calls appear to be coming from the correct number, rather than showing "withheld" or a meaningless extension number. This is particularly important for scammers, who can use this system to set false numbers.

It is crucial for businesses to implement proper caller ID management practices to protect their reputation and prevent their use from being used for fraudulent purposes.