Caller ID Spoofing

Caller ID spoofing is deliberately sending false caller ID information so a call appears to come from a different number or name.

Spoofing is how scammers make a call look like it comes from your bank, a government agency, or a local number. The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009, enforced by the FCC, makes it illegal to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.

Not every number change is illegal spoofing. A doctor calling from a personal phone may show the office number, which is accurate and not meant to harm anyone. The issue is intent and deception.

STIR/SHAKEN was built largely to fight spoofing. Carriers now sign calls with an attestation showing whether the caller is authorized to use the number displayed.

For sales teams, the rules are straightforward:

• Call from numbers you own or are authorized to use.
• Make sure the caller ID lets people call back and reach your business.
• The TSR requires telemarketers to transmit caller ID that shows a number the person can call during normal business hours.
• Do not rotate through numbers to avoid detection or spam labels.

Honest caller ID protects your reputation. If a call can be traced back to you, people are more willing to answer it.

Sources

• FCC, Caller ID Spoofing: https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing (accessed October 17, 2026)
• FCC, Combating Spoofed Robocalls with Caller ID Authentication: https://www.fcc.gov/call-authentication (accessed October 17, 2026)
• 16 CFR Part 310 (eCFR): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310 (accessed October 17, 2026)

This entry is general information, not legal advice.