What are Number Spoofing Scams and how to Stop Them

Number spoofing involves falsifying the caller ID to appear as another phone number, often recognisable and trusted, to deceive the recipient into believing they are communicating with a family member, a reputable business, or a government institution.

This manipulation not only undermines the trust inherent in caller ID systems but also poses significant threats to personal privacy and financial security.

Understanding Number Spoofing

Spoofing scams are technologically facilitated through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services that allow fraudsters to mask their real phone numbers by displaying a different number on the recipient’s caller ID system. This is often executed via software or a specialised service that obfuscates the origin of the call.

Common Types of Spoofing

Neighbour Spoofing: Scammers mimic local numbers, often duplicating the first six digits of your own number to increase the likelihood that you answer the call.

Robocall Spoofing: Automated calls programmed to deliver pre-recorded messages with the caller ID disguised as local businesses or trusted organisations.

Text Message Spoofing: Similar tactics are applied through SMS, where text messages are sent from a number that appears to belong to a legitimate source, often prompting urgent action from the unsuspecting recipient.

Recognising Number Spoofing Scams

Are there clues you might be getting spoofed? Key indicators include incongruence in the information provided during the call with what you know, requests for immediate financial transactions or personal information, and pre-recorded voices or oddly timed delays indicating a robocall setup.

A robotic, emotionless voice or a caller who fails to interact naturally during the conversation can be a significant red flag, suggesting a robocall rather than a human on the other end of the line.

The Dangers of Spoofing Scams

Victims of spoofing scams can face extensive financial loss, identity theft, and a breach of personal security, which may take years to fully rectify. Instances include unauthorised purchases, funds transferred under false pretences, and personal data being exploited to open new accounts or gain further illegal access to financial services.

Legal Background and Protections

In many jurisdictions, the law explicitly prohibits the use of misleading or inaccurate caller IDs for harmful or deceptive purposes. For instance, in the United States, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 outlaws such practices.

Despite existing laws, enforcement can be challenging, especially when calls originate from international locations or are routed through multiple networks, complicating traceability, and jurisdictional authority.

Tools and Techniques to Block Spoofed Calls

There are several tactics you can use to try and block spoofed calls. These include:

Setting Up Caller ID Authentication
Implementing SHAKEN/STIR standards helps verify that the calling number is accurate and not spoofed, which is a framework being adopted by more service providers every day.

Using Third-Party Apps and Services for Enhanced Protection
Apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and Nomorobo offer features that automatically block suspected fraud calls, alert users to potential spam, and provide reverse phone lookup services that allow users to check the legitimacy of unknown callers.

Utilising Mobile Number Data to Combat Number Spoofing Scams

Mobile number data is inherently secure due to rigorous regulatory checks performed by network operators, making it a robust tool against spoofing scams.

When a mobile number is issued, it undergoes a validation process that ensures the person registering the number is who they claim to be, usually requiring personal identification and verifiable contact information. This level of scrutiny, enforced by telecommunication regulations, helps maintain the integrity of the number as a reliable identifier.

How Mobile Number Data Prevents Spoofing

Mobile data can also be used to strengthen your fraud prevention checks further to protect from call spoofing through real-time number authentication. There are several checks which are carried out along with this process.

Network Operator Protocols: Mobile network operators can implement live checks when a call is placed. By verifying that the number being used to make a call matches the number registered on the network, operators can effectively block calls where the presented number does not match their records.

STIR/SHAKEN Protocol: Implementing the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, which certifies the legitimacy of a call at the initiation phase, helps further by ensuring that the caller’s number is correctly authenticated at every step of the call process. This protocol uses digital certificates to verify that the calling number is not spoofed, providing end-to-end security.

Consistency Checks: Regularly updating the database of registered numbers and their associated users can help detect and prevent unauthorised number transfers or changes, a common tactic in spoofing scams.

Usage Pattern Monitoring: Analysing call and usage patterns associated with each registered number can help identify unusual behaviour that may indicate spoofing. For instance, if a number that typically makes local calls suddenly starts making frequent international calls, it could trigger an investigation.

Benefits of Using Mobile Number Data

Quick Response to Fraud: Real-time checks allow for immediate actions to be taken as soon as a discrepancy is detected, such as blocking the call or alerting the user.

Building Trust: Customers are more likely to trust calls from numbers verified via stringent checks, thereby increasing confidence in phone-based communications.

Reducing Fraud Costs: By preventing fraud attempts early, network operators and consumers can significantly reduce the costs associated with these scams, including financial losses and resource expenditures on fraud recovery.

The Future of Mobile Number Data in Fraud Prevention

As number spoofing techniques become more sophisticated, the role of mobile number data in preventing these scams will likely expand. Future advancements may include more intricate data analysis techniques that can predict and prevent spoofing activities before they reach the consumer. Additionally, as global data privacy and security laws evolve, so will the strategies to utilise mobile number data.

Proactive Steps to Protect Personal Information

Keeping personal and financial information secure is critical. Avoid sharing sensitive details over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity and have initiated the call yourself. Regularly update passwords and account information, enable two-factor authentication on vulnerable accounts, and be vigilant about monitoring transaction histories for any unauthorised activity.

How to Handle and Report Spoofing Incidents

If you suspect a spoofing scam, here’s what you should do:

• Do not provide any personal information
• Hang up and call the official number of the organisation the caller claimed to represent
• Report the call to the relevant authorities, including the FTC for U.S. residents

Key Contacts and Resources for Reporting Spoofing Activities

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for U.S. consumers
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) in Canada
Action Fraud in the United Kingdom

Building Awareness and Staying Informed

Government and non-profit organisations frequently conduct public service campaigns to educate the public about spoofing scams and how to protect against them. Regularly consulting reliable online resources, subscribing to newsletters, and attending community security workshops can keep you informed about the latest spoofing scam techniques and preventative measures.

The Role of Service Providers in Preventing Spoofing

Many telecom providers are now integrating advanced analytical tools to detect and prevent call spoofing, such as dynamic blacklisting of known scam numbers and network-level signalling to identify anomalies. Ongoing developments in network infrastructure and authentication technology, like blockchain and AI-driven behaviour profiling, promise further reductions in spoofing incidents.

Conclusion

While number spoofing presents a significant challenge in the digital age, understanding the phenomenon, recognising the signs, and taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the risks of being scammed. It is crucial to stay informed, use available tools, and report incidents to help combat this pervasive issue. If you adhere to these guidelines and remain vigilant, you can protect yourself from the dangers posed by number spoofing scams and contribute to a safer, more secure telecommunications environment.

By integrating mobile number data effectively into fraud prevention systems, network operators not only enhance the security and trustworthiness of telecommunications but also contribute to the broader effort of protecting consumers from the evolving risks of number spoofing scams. The proactive measures highlighted here reflect a commitment to leveraging technological advances for enhanced consumer protection, promising a safer telecom environment for all.