Content by: Wendy Busse-Coleman
Yesterday morning, my phone lit up with a voicemail that left me scratching my head:
"Don't know who you are, you called my phone this morning.
Just trying to return the call.
Thank you"
The problem? I hadn't made any calls that morning. Yet here was a stranger, convinced I had.
The Hidden Threat: Call ID Spoofing
This wasn't a case of mistaken identity - it was CALLER ID SPOOFING. Scammers manipulate phone systems to make it look like their calls are coming from your number. It's a trick designed to bypass call-blocking tools and convince people to pick up.
For the person on the other end, it feels like you called them. For you, it feels like you're being accused of something you didn't do. And for both sides, it's unsettling.
Why It Matters for Safety Advocates
- Confusion breeds vulnerability. When people think you called them, they may be more likely to trust follow-up calls.
- Spoofing erodes trust. It makes us question whether any number is "real."
- Older adults are especially targeted. Many scams rely on creating urgency or fear, and spoofed calls are often the first step.
Voices for Safety™ exists to illuminate the everyday digital risks that often go unaddressed, either due to a lack of awareness or a reluctance to dedicate the necessary time and attention to report them. This is why 65, It's Just a Number, our companion website, is dedicated to sharing these stories—demonstrating that age should never hinder the pursuit of digital confidence.
What You Can Do
- Do not respond or engage. If you did not initiate the call, refrain from returning it. Doing so may result in your voice being recorded and potentially utilized in fraudulent digital activities.
- Block suspicious numbers. It won't stop spoofing entirely, but it reduces nuisance calls.
- Report spoofing. File a complaint with the FTC or FCC. These reports help track abuse patterns. The steps for "How to Report Spoofed or Scam Calls" have been meticulously outlined on the "Voice in Action" page.
- Enable call protection. Carriers now use STIR/SHAKEN technology to reduce spoofed calls. Ask your provider what tools are available.
- Educate others. Share your story, because awareness is the best defense.
Closing Reflection
When my phone rang yesterday morning, it wasn't me on the other end. But it was a reminder that safety isn't just about locks and alarms, it's about digital awareness, too.
By telling these stories, we reclaim control. We remind each other that scams thrive in silence, but they falter when we speak up.
The next time you receive an unexpected phone call or encounter an unfamiliar voicemail, it is prudent to remain vigilant and prioritize safeguarding your personal information.
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