Ofcom issues stern warning over fake caller scam
Telecoms regulator Ofcom is warning customers of the dangers of CLI spoofing – the process which allows incoming calls to display fake originating numbers on recipients’ phones.
The organisation has pointed out that there are valid reasons for spoofing – “for example, a caller who wishes to leave an 0800 number for you to call back if you want” – but warns against scams.
Identity thieves who want to steal sensitive information such as your bank account or login details, sometimes use spoofing to pretend they’re calling from your bank or credit card company.
Ofcom says that the rise of VoIP has increased the problem, and that it is working with other regulators, the telecoms industry and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which has created a group specifically to tackle this issue.