Consumer Complaints: 
Online: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov 
Phone: (888) 225-5322
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CONSUMER ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ‘NEIGHBOR SPOOFING’, 
SCAM CALLERS PLACING PHONE CALLS THAT APPEAR TO BE LOCAL
Caller ID Information Can Be Manipulated to Fool and Defraud Consumers
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2018—The Federal Communications Commission is warning consumers 
about “neighbor spoofing” scams where thieves manipulate caller ID information in ways that make calls 
appear to have been placed locally.  While a call might originate overseas, the caller ID information on 
the recipient’s phone would appear as though the call is coming from the consumer’s own area code and 
local exchange.  In general, scammers use such spoofing to increase the likelihood that consumers pick up 
the phone and to increase the consumer’s trust in the call.  
Consumer Tips
? Be Aware: Caller ID showing a “local” number no longer means it is necessarily a local caller.
? Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
? Don’t provide any personal information to callers.
? Review call blocking tools provided by your phone company or 3
rd
 party app developers.
? File a complaint with the FCC.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai also outlines tips for consumers in this recent video: 
https://www.youtube.com/embed/j8m-NDEWiBQ?rel=0 
The FCC is confronting the problem of illegal robocalls and malicious spoofing through strong 
enforcement and policy changes.  In 2017 alone, the Commission proposed over $200 million in fines 
against telemarketers who apparently used malicious spoofing to try and sell time-shares and insurance.  
These enforcement actions were the first of their kind and were built in large part as a result of complaints 
from the public filed at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov 
The FCC is also working on various policy changes to help unmask and to block scam callers.  The 
agency recently adopted new rules allowing phone companies to proactively block calls that are likely to 
be fraudulent, like purporting to be from area codes that do not exist.  The FCC also began exploring 
ways to set up a reliable system to verify that a phone call is really coming from the phone number that it 
claims to be.  The agency began seeking public comment on standards to help differentiate legitimate 
phone calls from those that attempt to trick consumers through caller ID spoofing.  A reliable 
authentication system would help confront this behavior and strengthen call-blocking and enforcement 
actions.
Today’s technology also allows scammers to more easily and cheaply spoof telephone numbers, 
manipulating the caller ID information so that they appear to be calling from your local area.  Although 
spoofing technology has legitimate uses, it is often abused by scammers.  The Truth in Caller ID Act 
prohibits spoofing with the intent to cause harm, defraud, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.  
Consumers rely on caller ID information to make decisions about what calls to accept, ignore, or block. 
Accurate caller ID information is a vital tool that consumers use to protect their privacy, avoid fraud, and 
ensure peace of mind.  
To help consumers confront such scams, the FCC will be partnering with the Federal Trade Commission 
in two upcoming events aimed at furthering the fight against illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing.  The 
agencies will co-host a policy forum later this month and a technology expo in April.  The Commission 
also provides helpful consumer protection tips on social media via #FCCtips.
More Consumer Tips
? If the caller claims to be from a legitimate company or organization, hang up and call them back 
using a valid number found on their website or on your latest bill if you do business with them. 
? If you answer and the caller (often a recording) asks you to press a button to stop receiving calls, 
or asks you to say “yes” in response to a question, just hang up.  Scammers often use these tricks 
to identify, and then target, live respondents, or to use your “yes” to apply unauthorized charges 
to your bill.
? If you answer and the caller asks for payment using a gift card, it’s likely a scam.  Legitimate 
organizations like law enforcement will not ask for payment with a gift card.
? If you have lost money as a result of a scam call, contact your local law enforcement agency for 
assistance.  
? Consider registering all of your telephone numbers in the National Do Not Call Registry.  Lawful 
telemarketers use this list to avoid calling consumers on the list.
Everyone who believes they have been targeted by a robocall scam may file a complaint with the FCC 
Consumer Complaint Center, the FTC Complaint Assistant or the Better Business Bureau’s Scam 
Tracker.  The FCC reviews consumer complaints and may utilize them in enforcement actions and to 
inform its policy-making work. 
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official 
action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).