Getting a Call From Your Own Number? It A Scam!

Have you ever received a call from your own phone number? You may think it a strange coincidence, but it is actually a scam. Scammers use a technique called spoofing to make it seem like they are calling from a familiar or local number, like your own phone number.

How Spoofing Works

Spoofing is a technique that allows a caller to disguise their phone number and make it look like it is coming from a different number. Scammers can use different methods to spoof their numbers, such as falsifying the caller ID information or using internet-based phone services. They can also use a technique called neighbor spoofing, where they use a phone number that has the same area code and prefix as your phone number.

Why Scammers Use Spoofing

Scammers use spoofing to gain the trust of their victims Certainly!

Getting a Call From Your Own Number? It is Probably a Scam

Have you ever picked up the phone only to see your own number calling you? At first, it might seem like a strange coincidence. But if it happens more than once, especially at odd hours of the night, you may be dealing with a phone scam.

Scammers are constantly coming up with new tactics to gain access to your personal information and money. One of the latest tactics involves spoofing your own phone number. This is when someone disguises their phone number as your own number, making it more likely that you will answer the call. Once you pick up the phone, scammers will try to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers or other sensitive data.

If you have received a call from your own phone number, don’t panic. Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Block your own number: One of the easiest ways to prevent future calls from your own number is to simply block it. This can usually be done through your phone’s settings under “Blocked numbers” or “Call blocking.”
2. Don’t answer: If you receive a call from your own number, simply don’t answer. If it truly is a scammer attempting to spoof your number, they will likely move on quickly if you don’t respond.
3. Report the call: Make sure to report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They have a website where you can file a complaint, and this helps them track the frequency and seriousness of phone scams.
4. If you answered the call, do not provide any personal information or engage in further conversation. Simply hang up.
5. If you received a voicemail message, do not delete it. Keep the message as evidence should you need to refer to it later.
6. If you received a call from a number that you suspect is legitimate but you’re not sure, you can do a quick search online to verify the number. Companies often have their numbers listed on their websites or in directories, so if the number checks out, you can call them back to confirm.
7. Block the number. If you continue to receive calls from suspicious numbers, you can always block them from calling you. Most smartphones have a feature allowing you to block numbers, which can be found in the call log or settings section.
8. Report the scam. If you believe you have been targeted by a scammer, you can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC can help identify and prosecute the scammers, as well as provide information on how to protect yourself from future scams.
9. Contact your carrier. Your mobile carrier can also be a valuable resource in such instances. They may be able to investigate the issue and block any suspicious outgoing calls from your number.

Remember, scammers are always coming up with new tactics to trick people. Stay vigilant, and never give out personal information to anyone over the phone. Don’t hesitate to take action if you feel that you.