Phone spoofing is when a caller intentionally transmits false caller information to conceal the actual caller ID. Manipulation of a caller identity is not new. In the United States, it can be a legitimate means to safeguard the public interest. However, scammers use spoofing to facilitate a wide variety of malicious schemes. According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), spoofing is reported as alarming. The DOJ maintained that scammers more often use spoofing than by any other group in the country.
The recent developments in internet telephone technology and third-party service providers’ activities have increased caller ID spoofing instances. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology makes spoofing less cumbersome and inexpensive. Callers using the VoIP service may input the phone number they want to appear as their caller ID. This is possible after a system configuration, which allows users to disguise their real caller ID anytime they want. Callers may also purchase caller ID spoofing services from third-party providers. However, suspicious calls can be investigated with a phone lookup tool.
In the United States, caller ID spoofing is illegal when used to facilitate schemes that defraud consumers or threaten public safety. In response to the increased spoofing to perpetrate fraud, the United States Congress instituted the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009. The Act prohibits individuals from intentionally spoofing caller ID information to defraud or cause harm to others. Offenders are to pay cash fines, as stipulated in the act.
However, specific law enforcement purposes are an exception to this law, as the Act permits the police to disguise the caller ID when contacting a suspect. Additionally, telecommunication customers are granted the privilege to remain anonymous when dealing with a caller. Spoofing enables different types of phone scams including the ones listed below.
Swatting
Swatting means placing false emergency calls to Law enforcement to elicit a response from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. This is done with the deliberate intent of wasting the time of the SWAT team. Perpetrators of these calls often spoof as a means of revenge or distraction.
Stalking
According to the United States Department of Justice, stalking is one of the crimes associated with spoofing. Individuals spoof the receiver's caller ID to display a preferred phone number. Most times, information about the current location of the individual is all the perpetrator needs. A reverse phone number search can be an effective way to deal with the situation.
Harassment
Individuals may use phone spoofing to play pranks and harass neighbors or unknown persons. Individuals and telemarketers may also spoof caller ID to get attention and prank unsuspecting people. These calls may start with a harmless conversation before escalating to verbal abuse or threats. It may directly or indirectly involve mischief that is detrimental to the victims. Individuals should do a reverse phone number lookup for details about the caller ID.
Impersonation scams
According to the United States DOJ, scammers spoof the receiver's caller IDs to display information that resembles important agencies or persons. The rationale is to use a caller ID that residents are likely to answer. This crime falls under the broad spectrum of identity theft in the United States. A common example is the law enforcement scam, where fraudsters present themselves as officials of the agency. They disguise their real identity to extort sensitive information and money from their victims.
How Do You Know If Your Number Is Being Spoofed?
You can tell that your number is being spoofed when you notice certain strange activities on it. For instance, if you start receiving multiple calls and texts replying to communication you never began, then it's likely that scammers have spoofed your number. In such situations, the owner of the number can avoid being incriminated for these crimes. Simply file a complaint with the FCC on their website or call 1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322). Alternatively, the owner of the number can contact a phone lookup service provider.
Why Is Phone Spoofing Illegal?
Caller ID spoofing is illegal in the United States when used to facilitate fraudulent schemes. Generally, through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the United States recognizes consumers’ right to decide whether and how to answer a phone call. Since that decision is based on who appears to be calling them, presenting a false caller ID is an infringement of that right. Victims of spoofing do not give up information based on consent. Scammers spoof phone numbers to win the receiver's trust and get them to open up.
Fraudsters impersonate entities like law enforcement, whom the public are more likely to respond to when they call. The federal regulation that deals with caller ID is the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009. The law makes it illegal to intentionally display false caller IDs to commit any form of crime. Generally, cash fines are punishments for spoofing, but in some states like Chicago, jail time may also apply.
How Can You Identify and Protect Yourself From Illegal Spoofed Calls?
Although ascertaining and tracking spoofed phone numbers is challenging, there are some measures that residents can take to protect themselves from illegally spoofed calls. Some of these measures include:
- Hang up the call when an organization like a bank or any other supposed government agency tries to collect information they should have. Never disclose sensitive personal information over the phone. You may contact any phone lookup services provider near you.
- Hang up the call if you receive a call from local law enforcement, but the caller tries to extort money with threats of arrest.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission by filing a complaint on their website or calling 1-888-382-1222. Verify the number with a reverse phone number search engine to be sure.
- To counter spoofed robocalls, register on the National Do Not Call Register and the Pennsylvania No-Call List. Numbers on these lists are exempt from robocalls.
- Install a phone number lookup application to help you block any numbers you identify as a spoofed call.
Does Pennsylvania Have Anti-Spoofing Laws?
In 1996, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a law under the Telemarketer Act, prohibiting non or false disclosure of a telemarketer's caller ID. Section 5 of 1996 Act 147 suggested that caller ID spoofing is illegal in Pennsylvania. The Act was to deter telemarketers and businesses from sending misleading caller identification information or misrepresenting the telemarketing calls’ origin. After a second or subsequent violation of this Act, the Office of Attorney General may seek revocation of registration or the right to conduct telemarketing in Pennsylvania. Some of Pennsylvania anti-spoofing laws include:
- Do Not Call Bill 2002: which made it possible for residents, businesses, or wireless subscribers to register their phone numbers in Pennsylvania, do not call lists permanently. This enables beneficiaries to determine who can or cannot call their phone number. Interested persons can enroll in the program via telephone by calling Pennsylvania Do Not Call hotline at 1-888-777-3406. Alternatively, residents may visit the Do Not Call List office at:
Strawberry Square, 15th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
- Bill 734: This became effective 60 days from September 23, 2020. The Bill makes it clear that a person must not perform caller ID spoofing when contacting another individual in Pennsylvania with the intent to defraud, harass, or cause harm to, or wrongfully obtain anything of value from the person. This does not apply to Federal, State, or Local agencies. A communication service provider acts as an intermediary for transmitting telephone service between the caller and the recipient. The bill also prohibits making a robocall to any resident in the state after 9.P.M and Before 8.A.M. Additionally, unwanted telephone solicitation calls are also prohibited in the State.
The Pennsylvania anti-spoofing bill is promulgated following the United States Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009. Penalties imposed on offenders are fines between $10,000 and $1,000,000. The FCC has also proposed strict compliance rules, requiring voice service providers to authenticate caller IDs using the STIR/SHAKEN protocols.
What Are Common Phone Scams Involving Caller ID Spoofing in Pennsylvania?
Scammers use Caller ID spoofing to increase the odds of Pennsylvania residents responding to their calls and falling victim to phone scams. Residents who experience any phone spoofing scams can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). US citizens may also contact the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-888-382-1222. Some common spoofing scams that occur in Pennsylvania are listed below.
- IRS impersonation scams
- Elder Financial Abuse
- Computer Tech support scams
- Unsolicited phone calls scams
- Lottery scams
- Wire fraud scams
- Telemarketing scams
- Banking scams