Technology has given us convenience, but it has also given criminals new ways to trick us. One of the fastest-growing threats today is number spoofing – where fraudsters manipulate caller IDs or text sender details to impersonate trusted organisations like your bank, HMRC, or even the police.
Which? recently highlighted that four in ten adults don’t know number spoofing exists, leaving millions vulnerable to impersonation scams. Understanding the risk – and how to respond – is essential for protecting both your money and your peace of mind.
What Is Number Spoofing?
Caller ID and text sender information were designed to help us recognise who’s getting in touch. But fraudsters now use cheap, widely available software to change the number displayed on your device.
- A scammer can clone your bank’s helpline number, making you believe you’re speaking to a legitimate adviser.
- Criminals also spoof individuals’ numbers. The first warning sign may be angry strangers calling you back about messages you never sent.
This technique makes scams harder to spot and increases the likelihood that victims will hand over money or sensitive details.
Why Awareness Is Low – and Risk Is High
Despite years of warnings, public awareness remains patchy. In surveys, more than half of victims of phone or text fraud reported number spoofing was involved. Older generations are particularly at risk, as they tend to trust familiar names and numbers more readily.
What’s Being Done?
Steps are being taken, but progress is slow:
- Do Not Originate (DNO) Lists: Banks and government departments can register numbers that should never make outbound calls, preventing spoofing in theory.
- SMS SenderID Protection Registry: Brands like HMRC can register their sender names to block unverified texts.
- Call-blocking technology: Ofcom has issued guidance, but stronger international standards (CLI authentication) have been delayed due to cost and complexity.
The problem? Participation in these schemes is voluntary, and scammers are adept at finding loopholes. That means the burden still falls on us to stay alert.
Five Ways to Protect Yourself from Spoofing
Here are practical steps you can take right now:
- Don’t trust caller ID
The number or name on your screen can be faked. Always treat unexpected calls or texts with caution. - Never give away sensitive details on incoming calls
If someone claims to be from your bank or the police, hang up. Wait at least five minutes (to clear the line), then call back using a number you trust – such as on the back of your debit card or via the official website. You can also dial 159 to connect directly to your bank’s fraud team. - Use call-blocking services
- On landlines, providers like BT (Call Protect) and Sky (Talk Shield) let you screen or block suspicious numbers.
- On mobiles, check your phone’s settings for spam protection and caller verification.
- Invest in call-blocking devices
Phones or plug-in devices such as TrueCall allow only trusted contacts through, while others must leave a message. - Stay informed
Sign up for scam alerts from trusted organisations. Knowledge is your best defence.
Final Thought
Spoofing is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Just because a call or text looks official, doesn’t mean it is. Staying sceptical, verifying independently, and taking control of your communications can stop fraudsters in their tracks.
At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe empowerment comes not just from managing your money wisely, but from protecting yourself from harm. By learning how to handle threats like spoofing, you safeguard your wealth, your wellbeing, and your peace of mind.
About Get SAFE
Get SAFE (Support After Financial Exploitation) was born from a simple truth: too many victims of financial abuse are left to suffer in silence.
We exist for people like Ian—for the ones who did everything right, only to be failed by the systems they trusted. We know that behind every vanished pension, every ignored complaint, and every stonewalled letter is a person—frightened, exhausted, and too often alone.
Get SAFE offers more than sympathy. We offer structure, support, and solidarity.
We provide a voice where there’s been silence, and clarity where there’s been confusion.
We stand beside those who have been exploited, not just to help them recover—but to help them reclaim their story and rebuild their future.
Because financial justice is not a luxury.
It’s a human right.
If you or someone you know has been affected by financial exploitation, we are here.
You are not alone.
Learn more at: Get SAFE (Support After Financial Exploitation).
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