Cyber Safety · 55 sec
Caller ID Can Be Faked
A familiar name or local number does not prove who is calling.
The useful idea
- Understand
Caller-ID spoofing changes the name or number displayed for an incoming call.
- Connect
A scammer can appear to be a bank, government office, local business, or person you know.
- Apply
Independent contact through a verified number breaks the connection between the display and the claimed identity.
Why this matters
The phone's screen reports transmitted information, not proof of the caller's identity.
Try this
End the call and use the organization's official number.
Test your recall
What is the most useful next step for “Caller ID Can Be Faked”?
- End the call and use the organization's official number. — correct
- Act immediately without checking context.
- Assume the first impression is complete.
The phone's screen reports transmitted information, not proof of the caller's identity.