Caller ID Spoofing and Incoming Spam Calls

If you've received unknown/unwanted calls or text messages to your Sideline number, and are unsure of how the other party has your Sideline number, you may be victim to an increasing industry-wide problem referred to as caller ID spoofing and spam calls.

What is Caller ID Spoofing?

According to the FCC, Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally but also can be used legitimately, for example, to display the toll-free number for a business.

What is Neighbor Spoofing?

Robocallers use neighbor spoofing, which displays a phone number similar to your own on your caller ID, to increase the likelihood that you will answer the call. To help combat neighbor spoofing, the FCC is urging the phone industry to adopt a robust caller ID authentication system.

Why does spoofing occur?

Spoofing is used as a tactic to get you to answer the phone or text in an attempt to scam you into giving up personal or account information.

Examples of Spoofing

There are a few scenarios that may indicate your number is being spoofed or that you've received a spoofed call:

• Someone says that you have called them when you have not.
• Receiving calls from a friend/family member when that person is with you at the time. 
• (Neighbor Spoofing example) You've received a call from a number that looks similar to yours (area code and prefix). This is a common tactic for telemarketer/spam calls. 

What you can do if you experience Spoofing

• You can file a complaint with the FCC if you feel you're being spoofed. 
• Review the FCC's tips to help prevent unwanted spam calls (robocalls).
• Block the number via your Sideline app: click here for instructions.

If your number was spoofed, unfortunately, the call was made illegally outside of our systems.

This does not mean that your account was compromised or that anyone had access to your Sideline account. Additionally, Sideline does not sell your information and we fully comply with our Privacy Policy.  

If you have further questions or concerns about caller ID spoofing or spam calls, please submit a request.