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Caller ID Spoofing

Updated June 1, 2026Also called: number spoofing, phone spoofing

Faking the number shown on a recipient's phone to appear local, official, or trusted.

Spoofing lets a caller display any number they choose, including that of a real bank, agency, or company. It makes vishing and robocalls dramatically more convincing.

Because the displayed number can be faked, never treat caller ID as proof of identity — hang up and call the organization back on a number you look up yourself.

Red flags

  • A “known” number calls with an unexpected, urgent request
  • Caller resists you hanging up to call back officially

Frequently asked questions

If my bank's real number shows up, is the call safe?

Not necessarily. Scammers can spoof any number, including your bank's. If a call is unexpected or urgent, hang up and dial the official number from the back of your card or the company's website.

Related terms

RobocallAn automated phone call delivering a scripted scam message, often the opening move in a phone-based fraud.Vishing (Voice Phishing)Phishing conducted by phone call or voicemail, increasingly using AI voice cloning.Spoofed DomainA web or email domain crafted to imitate a real company's, e.g. swapping letters or adding words.

Spot it before it costs you

Legit or Scam turns terms like this into instinct. Drop into real-world offers, recruiter DMs, and texts, and see how many you can call correctly.

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Educational content only — not legal, financial, or security advice. Scenarios and company names are illustrative.