Caller ID spoofing: when scammers use a real number

Caller ID is a label, not proof. Scammers can make almost any number appear on your screen - a bank's 13 number, a local landline, a government line, even your own mobile - and that's called spoofing.

How spoofing works

Internet calling systems let the caller choose what number is sent as caller ID. Scam call centres use that to show numbers you're likely to trust or answer: something local, something official, or something similar to your own number ("neighbour spoofing").

What it means for you

• A call "from your bank's number" can still be a scammer. Hang up and call the bank back on the number on your card.
• A number that BadCall shows as a listed business may have been spoofed. If reports on its page describe scams, the business may be a victim too.
• Calling back a spoofed number reaches the real owner - who never called you.

Is Australia doing anything about it?

Yes. Australian telcos must detect, trace and block scam calls under an industry code enforced by the ACMA, and blocking of calls that falsely use Australian numbers has stopped many spoofed calls from overseas. It doesn't catch everything, which is why community reports matter.

My number has been spoofed - people say I called them

1. Don't panic: you're not responsible, and your phone hasn't been hacked.
2. Tell your phone provider - they can look into it.
3. Add a report to your own number on BadCall: choose "My number was spoofed" and explain. People who look your number up will see it.
4. If you're a business, put a notice on your website and tell us so we can note it on the page.

See numbers whose owners reported spoofing.