How to Spot and Avoid Fake Phone Numbers

With scam calls, identity theft, and online fraud on the rise, it has become more crucial than ever to verify the authenticity of a phone. A fake phone number is any number that is not linked to a real person or business. It may be temporary, virtual, randomly generated, or even altered to appear legitimate. While certain fake numbers serve legitimate purposes, like protecting privacy, many are tools for deception used to impersonate organizations, steal sensitive information, and orchestrate fraud.

If you must answer an unknown call or provide personal details to an unknown contact, it is important to know the signs of a fake number to avoid falling victim to scams. Scammers rely on confusion and trust to manipulate their victims, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid their traps.

Therefore, let us examine the different types of fake phone numbers, how they work, and the most effective ways to verify their legitimacy.

How Can You Tell If a Phone Number Is Fake?

You can verify the authenticity of a phone number in the following ways:

Check if the number is from a known carrier

Legitimate phone numbers are assigned by major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. You can verify a number’s authenticity by checking if it is registered with a known carrier using carrier lookup tools like the National Cellular Directory, IPQualityScore, and FreeCarrierLookup. If the number is not linked to a real carrier, it may be a fake or VoIP-generated number.

Run a reverse phone lookup

You can conduct a reverse phone lookup via online tools like RecordsFinder to search for phone numbers and get the relevant information you need. While some services are free, others may require a subscription for detailed reports. If the search yields no records or flags the number as spam, it is likely fake.

Search online spam databases

Websites like Truecaller and Robokiller allow users to report suspicious phone numbers. Thus, looking up a number in these databases can reveal whether it has been flagged by others for fraud or spam activities.

Look for Signs of Spoofing

Caller ID spoofing allows scammers to display a fake number on your screen. If a number looks suspiciously similar to yours or has an area code from a place you do not recognize, it might be spoofed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advises against answering calls from unknown numbers and recommends blocking persistent scam calls. 

Call the Number

A simple yet effective method is to call the number. If the call is instantly disconnected, always goes to voicemail, or receives an automated response, it could be a fake or disposable number. Some scammers use one-way Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers that are unable to receive incoming calls.

Types of Fake Phone Numbers and How They Work

Various types of fake phone numbers are used for different purposes, ranging from maintaining anonymity to executing fraudulent schemes. They include:

• Temporary and Disposable Phone Numbers
• Spoofed Caller ID Numbers
• Virtual Phone Numbers
• Robocall Numbers

Temporary and Disposable Phone Numbers

Temporary phone numbers are short-term numbers provided by services that allow users to receive calls or texts while keeping their permanent numbers private. These numbers are often used to maintain privacy when registering on websites, participating in online dating, or conducting business transactions. While they offer legitimate privacy benefits, they can also be manipulated by individuals attempting to create multiple fraudulent accounts or bypass verification processes. 

Spoofed Caller ID Numbers

Caller ID spoofing is the act of deliberately falsifying the caller ID information to display a different number than the one actually being used. This method is often used in scams where the caller attempts to present themselves as a reliable entity, such as a government agency, financial institution, or well-known business. 

Virtual Phone Numbers

Virtual phone numbers function over the internet and are not linked to a physical phone line. They are often used by businesses to manage customer service lines or by individuals seeking an additional layer of privacy. However, scammers can take advantage of virtual numbers to hide their actual location and identity, making it challenging to trace the origin of fraudulent calls. The flexibility and anonymity provided by virtual numbers can facilitate various scam tactics, including phishing and tech support fraud.

Robocall Numbers

Robocalls are automated phone calls that deliver prerecorded messages. Although some messages are genuine, like appointment reminders, many are used for fraudulent purposes. Scammers use robocalls to spread fake offers, impersonate organizations, or conduct phishing schemes. These calls often use spoofed numbers to appear local or familiar, increasing the chances of recipients answering.

How To Protect Yourself from Fake Phone Numbers

You can protect yourself from fake phone numbers by implementing the following strategies:

• Avoid Answering Calls from Unknown Numbers: One of the ways to protect yourself is to ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers. Answering such calls can expose you to potential scams or confirm to scammers that your number is active, making you a target for future attempts. If the call is important, the caller will likely leave a voicemail.

• Use call-blocking tools and Apps: Leverage technology to filter out unwanted calls. Many phone service providers offer call-blocking features, and there are numerous third-party apps designed to detect and block spam calls. You can consult your phone company about available options and also install reputable call-blocking applications on your device.

• Be Cautious with Unsolicited Communications: Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, especially those requesting personal information or immediate action. Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for sensitive information through these channels. If in doubt, contact the organization directly using verified contact information. 

• Educate Yourself and Stay Informed: Stay updated on common scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Government agencies and consumer protection organizations often provide resources and alerts about current scams targeting individuals. 

• Report Suspicious Activity: This will help authorities track and combat fraudulent activities. Provide details such as the phone number, date, time, and nature of the call to organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your reports can contribute to broader efforts in preventing scams and protecting others.

FAQ About Fake Phone Numbers

Can a Fake Phone Number Receive Calls?

Yes, a fake phone number can often receive calls, depending on the type of number. Temporary or disposable numbers provided by apps and online services can send and receive calls and texts for a limited time. However, spoofed numbers usually are unable to receive return calls, as they are not tied to a real phone line.

Can You Tell If Someone Is Using a Fake Number?

Detecting a fake number can be challenging, but there are clues to watch for. If a number frequently changes or cannot receive return calls, it might be fake. Running a reverse phone lookup, checking whether the number is registered with a major carrier, or using online validation tools can help confirm its authenticity.

Is There a Free Way to Check If a Number Is Fake?

Yes, several free methods can help determine if a number is fake. Websites like Whitepages and FreeCarrierLookup allow users to check if a number is linked to a real carrier. 

How Do Scammers Use Fake Numbers to Steal Information?

Scammers use fake numbers for various fraudulent schemes, including phishing calls, impersonation scams, and robocalls. By spoofing caller IDs, they can make their calls appear to come from trusted organizations like banks or government agencies, tricking victims into sharing sensitive personal information. Some fake numbers are also used to bypass verification processes on websites and apps, allowing scammers to create fraudulent accounts.