Someone spoofing my number to make robocalls

Not only AT&T...  I'm having this spoofing issue right now with Verizon!

It can happen with any telco provider (Sprint, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon, VoIP providers, etc) since it just depends on the number the spammer  used to spoof. Wendy: I love to frustrate telemarketers, but this is one reason why (with very rare exceptions) I don't return calls of telemarketers. Returning calls doesn't hurt the telemarketer, but does hurt innocent people like you. I do what I can on the call they make - since that is the only time I know I'm dealing with the actual telemarketer.

Other reasons I don't return calls of telemarketers is: 1) They program their phone switch to say "This number is not in service" - so it doesn't negatively impact the telemarketer. 2) It's a recording saying "To be put on our DNC list, press numbers until you're blue in the face since it doesn't matter" - again, no negative impact to the telemarketer. Very rarely will calling back the phone number you see actually connect you to the telemarketer - rare enough that it's not worth the effort, and too likely to impact innocent people.

My work cell just started being "Spoofed" on Tuesday.  I'm surprised at the number of people who call back saying they had a missed called from this number.  So far, whoever has spoofed it isn't leaving messages or anything, but the calls I'm receiving are very annoying!!  Since this is my work supplied phone, I can't just go and change the number and I can't block numbers because it may block a legitimate call.  The thing I find funny, the calls they are spoofing my number too appear to all be within the same exchange.  Well, at least the ones who call me.

Quote:

The thing I find funny, the calls they are spoofing my number too appear to all be within the same exchange.

This is becoming a common tactic. The telemarketer mindset is that you are more likely to answer an unknown phone call if it's in the same exchange.  These are typically 'robocalls', so they are hoping people to pick up and listen to the message, and press '1' to get a live agent if (and only if) they are interested in the 'product'. This gets them the 'best' coverage for the least cost. These robocalls cost them a fraction of a penny to make, and pushes the bulk of the "lead qualification" cost on to millions of people (like you and the others that returned your call). Which is why it's illegal.  It also greatly reduces the number of live bodies they need, since the vast majority of the telephone time (and dealing with 'bad' leads) is completely handled automatically and cheaply by the robocall/autodialers system.

I have Verizon too! just started happening with me the other day.

This just started happening to me yesterday, and I've received about 20 calls/texts leaving today me ex angry messages! My carrier said to change my phone nUmber but I don't want to go through that!

Most of the people calling me are being nice about it, but I have one person who demanded to know who I am and even mentioned the police.  Jeepers, I am a victim in all this as well!  And besides, the phone is in my employers name, not mine.  I'm definitely not giving some stranger my name.  There has to be a way to report this when it happens.  There should be a way to track down who has done this and prosecute.  Anyone have any idea once this starts, how long it lasts?

What do you expect AT&T to do? Someone is inserting a fake number in the caller ID field, just as people insert fake "From" addresses in email. Neither AT&T nor your email provider can control or prevent stuff like this.  If I print up a bunch of envelopes with your information as the return address and mail threatening letters to random people, what could the post office do about it?

They could investigate you for mail fraud.

This just happened to me too. Can anyone who has had this happen respond and let me know how long this went on for? I am trying to decide whether to get a new number or just wait until this passes (if it ever does).

Just for the record as it seems useless to try AT&T, I'm another victim of spoofing. The angry calls and texts I'm receiving are coming only from numbers from (305) 206 XXXX

My number was spoofed as well, angry people is calling me since last Tuesday. Not sure if it helps in any way but  just filed a complain with the FCC. I won't even bother contacting ATT.
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov

There is little to nothing your telco can do about the problem.

However, there is a partial workaround for you!
Search for "phone blocker" or "call blocker", and choose one that offers a "whitelist".
Put your family and friends' numbers on that whitelist.
Add any business numbers that might call you.
Then, numbers that are not on the whitelist will be disposed of.

Eventually, the bad guys will stop spoofing your number, and you can stop using the whitelist (or not).

Spoofing CallerIDs is becoming more common.  The person that calls you back is part of the problem, rather than the solution.  They do not know the number was spoofed, but may want to "get even" with the supposed caller.

Bottom line:
Use a whitelist!

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Please reply to this post, on 800notes.com, to let us know you read it, or have taken suitable actions to protect yourself.

How would they know who to go after?