Caller ID Spoofing
Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information sent to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use local or familiar numbers to trick you into answering what looks like a legitimate call.
Why Caller ID Spoofing Matters to Your Small Business
For small business owners, caller ID spoofing is more than just a nuisance; it is a direct threat to productivity. When you are on a job site or with a client, you only want to answer calls that matter. Scammers use spoofing to make their calls look like they are coming from your local area code or even a government agency, tricking you into wasting valuable billable hours.
Furthermore, spoofing can damage your professional reputation. In a tactic known as 'business ID spoofing,' scammers can make their calls appear as if they are coming from your actual business number. This can lead to your real number being blocked by providers or reported by customers who think you are the one making the unwanted spam calls.
Understanding spoofing helps you recognize why you cannot always trust the name on the screen. It highlights the importance of having a screening system in place so that you are not constantly interrupted by fraudulent callers while trying to run your operations.
How SkipCalls Protects You from Spoofing
SkipCalls acts as a digital shield against spoofed calls. Because our AI Receptionist answers every call first, it can immediately identify common patterns used by automated spoofing tools. If a scammer is using a fake number to try and reach you, the AI will screen them out, ensuring your phone only rings for real customers with genuine needs.
Related SkipCalls Features:
- •AI Receptionist
- •Spam Call Filtering
- •Call Transcription
- •Web Dashboard Analytics
The Technology Behind Spoofing
Spoofing is made possible by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP allows callers to manually set the 'Caller ID' field in the call data. Unless the carrier uses modern protocols like STIR/SHAKEN to verify the source, the receiving phone simply displays whatever information the caller provided.
Real-World Examples
The Neighbor Spoofing Trap
An electrician working on a panel sees a call from a local number with his same area code. He stops work to answer, thinking it is a local lead, but it is actually a spoofed call from an overseas call center trying to sell credit card services.
The Impersonation Scam
A salon owner receives a call that appears on her screen as 'IRS' or 'Utility Company.' The caller claims she has an unpaid bill and demands immediate payment. This is a spoofed number designed to create panic and steal money from the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is caller ID spoofing illegal?
Yes, under the Truth in Caller ID Act, it is illegal in the U.S. to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value.
How do I know if a call is spoofed?
It is difficult to tell just by looking, but signs include a caller who immediately asks for personal information, or 'neighbor spoofing' where the number is very similar to your own.
Can I stop my own business number from being spoofed?
You cannot technically prevent someone from typing your number into a spoofing tool, but using a service like SkipCalls helps ensure you are notified if your number starts being flagged for spam.
Does SkipCalls block these calls automatically?
SkipCalls uses AI to screen the caller. If the caller cannot provide a legitimate reason for the call or fails the AI's verification, the call is filtered so it never disturbs you.
Related Terms
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