What is Neighbor Spoofing? 5 Ways to Stop It

Imagine you get a message, a call, or an email that looks like it’s from someone you know or a trusted company, but it’s actually from a scammer pretending to be them.  That’s spoofing.  They might change a small detail, like one letter in an email address or one number in a phone number, to make it seem real at first glance.  But it’s all a trick to get you to trust them and give away your private information or money. 

In 2022 alone, 68.4 million Americans lost money to vishing scams.  And it’s showing no sign of slowing down, as that was an increase from 59 million in 2021 and 56 million in 2020. 

Let’s understand neighbor spoofing, how it works, and how you can keep yourself safe. 

What is Neighbor Spoofing?

Neighbor spoofing involves scammers using a phone number with the same area code and prefix as the victim’s to increase the likelihood of them answering.  This deceptive practice aims to trick individuals into picking up calls from unknown numbers.  There have even been cases where people have received a call from their own number. 

Scammers manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as if the call is coming from a nearby location or even someone they know.  By employing this tactic, fraudsters try to gain trust and deceive people into divulging private information or falling for their schemes.

How Neighbor Spoofing Works

Neighbor spoofing is a technique used by scammers to make their phone calls appear as if they’re coming from a local number or a number similar to yours, hence the term “neighbor.” Here’s how it typically works:

1. Obtaining Local Numbers: Scammers obtain or use software to generate phone numbers that have the same area code and prefix (the first few digits after the area code) as your phone number or appear to be from your local area.  This makes the call look familiar and increases the likelihood of you picking up.
2. Caller ID Manipulation: Using advanced technology, scammers manipulate the Caller ID information that is displayed on your phone.  They can change the name and number that appears on your screen to make it seem like the call is coming from a legitimate local business, a government agency, or even someone you know.
3. Social Engineering: Once they have your attention with the familiar-looking number, scammers often use social engineering tactics to gain your trust.  They might claim to be from a reputable organization, such as a bank, utility company, or the IRS, and create a sense of urgency to prompt you to provide private information or pay.
4. Avoiding Detection: To evade detection and enforcement, scammers frequently use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to place these calls.  VoIP allows them to make calls over the internet, often from anywhere in the world, while disguising their true location.

How to Spot Caller ID Spoofing: 5 Red Flags

Here are five red flags to watch out for when spotting caller ID spoofing:

1. Local Area Code, Unfamiliar Number: Be wary of calls from local area codes with unfamiliar numbers.
2. Caller ID Name Mismatch: If the caller ID name doesn’t match the expected identity, it could be a sign of spoofing.
3. Requests for Private Information or Payments: Unexpected requests for sensitive information or payments should raise suspicion.
4. Pressure or Urgency Tactics: Scammers often create urgency to pressure you into immediate action.

Inconsistencies or Unusual Behavior: Trust your instincts and look for any inconsistencies during the call, such as background noise or scripted conversations.

How to Stop Neighbor Spoofing

However, here are some strategies you can use to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to neighbor spoofing:

1. Enable Call Blocking Features

Many smartphones have built-in call-blocking features or apps that allow you to block specific numbers or numbers that aren’t in your contacts.  You can use these features to block known spam numbers or any unfamiliar numbers that might be associated with neighbor spoofing.

2. Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers

If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, especially if it’s similar to your own or appears to be local, consider letting it go to voicemail.  Legitimate callers will often leave a message, allowing you to verify the identity of the caller before returning the call.

3. Verify Caller Identity

If you do answer a call from an unknown number, be cautious about providing any private information.  Ask for the caller’s name and the organization they represent, and verify their identity through independent means, such as contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number.

4. Report Spam Calls

Many phone carriers and regulatory agencies allow you to report spam or scam calls.  By reporting these calls, you can help raise awareness and potentially prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

5. Use Call Authentication Technology

Some phone carriers offer call authentication technology, such as STIR/SHAKEN, which helps verify the authenticity of caller ID information.  Consider using carriers that implement these technologies to reduce the prevalence of neighbor spoofing.

Regulatory Efforts and Legal Framework

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States plays a crucial role in regulating telecommunications, including efforts to combat caller ID spoofing.

• Truth in Caller ID Act: Enacted in 2009, this law prohibits the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.
• FCC Rules: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules to combat caller ID spoofing, including the implementation of the STIR/SHAKEN framework, which aims to authenticate caller ID information and mitigate spoofed calls.
• Enforcement Actions: The FCC has taken various enforcement actions against entities engaging in illegal caller ID spoofing practices.  The above-mentioned law states that anyone caught spoofing can face fines of up to $10,000 for each offense.
• STIR/SHAKEN Framework: STIR (Secure Telephony Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using ToKENS) are protocols designed to authenticate caller ID information and verify the legitimacy of calls.

How Spokeo can help

Spokeo offers a platform for conducting reverse phone lookups, empowering users to swiftly identify callers and gain valuable insights into unknown numbers. 

Here’s how Spokeo can assist you:

Thorough Phone Records Search

With access to millions of phone records, Spokeo swiftly scours through both landline and cell phone numbers to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.  Our service stands out for its speed and efficiency, delivering free reverse phone lookup search results in mere seconds.

Key Information Retrieval

Through Spokeo’s reverse phone lookup, users can uncover essential details associated with a phone number, including the owner’s name, address, and more.  This information enables you to make informed decisions about incoming calls or texts.

Confidential Search

Spokeo ensures the confidentiality of your searches, allowing you to conduct reverse phone lookups discreetly and securely.  

Here are the specific details you can find with Spokeo’s reverse lookup:

• Owner’s Details: This can include the full name, age, and gender of the individual associated with the phone number.
• Contact Info: In addition to the phone number you’re searching, you may find other contact information such as alternate phone numbers and email addresses.
• Social Profiles: Reverse phone lookup services may reveal linked public social media profiles, allowing you to learn more about the individual’s online presence.
• Location: You might discover the current address as well as past addresses associated with the phone number. This can help you determine the caller’s location or verify their identity.
• Family Members: Some services provide information about relatives or co-residents associated with the phone number, which can provide additional context.
• Other Details: Depending on the service, you may find details such as estimated income, property ownership, and interests. 

Closing Thoughts

Understanding neighbor spoofing is crucial in combating fraudulent activities.  By knowing how these deceptive practices operate and the potential legal ramifications they entail, individuals can take proactive measures to safeguard themselves from falling victim to such schemes.  Implementing robust strategies, such as utilizing services like Spokeo for reverse phone lookup, significantly reduces the risk of unwanted robocalls and texts.

In a world where digital threats continue to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is key.  By educating oneself on neighbor spoofing and taking practical steps to prevent it, one can contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.

Osheen Jain is a seasoned writer and premium ghostwriter with almost a decade of experience in the fields of technology, science, and business. Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of topics, including B2B SaaS, eCommerce, Data Science, and DevOps.