Caller ID spoofing, text message spam, and phishing

Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately changes the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity, sometimes for unethical reasons.

 

Text message spam is unwanted or unsolicited ads sent to your device. Both can be used in an attempt to defraud you if you're not aware of their intentions.

 

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Caller ID spoofing

 

What is it?

Caller ID spoofing is the process of purposely changing the caller ID to any number other than the calling number. It causes the telephone network to display a number on the recipient's caller ID which is not the actual originating phone number, and this can make an incoming call appear to be from a legitimate caller when it's not.

 

Report caller ID spoofing

Here are a few resources to help you report unwanted calls and caller ID spoofing:

 

 

 

One Ring callback scam

 

What is it?

One-ring calls may appear to be from phone numbers somewhere in the United States, including three initial digits that resemble U.S. area codes. But savvy scammers often use international numbers from regions that also begin with three-digit codes – for example, "649" goes to the Turks and Caicos and "809" goes to the Dominican Republic. Such scammers may often use spoofing techniques, as well, to further mask the number in your caller ID display with the goal of getting you to call the number back and incur charges on your T-Mobile account.

 

How to avoid this scam

Here are a few resources to help avoid this scam:

 

  • Don't answer or return any calls from numbers you don't recognize.
  • Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see if the area code is international.
  • If you do not make international calls, you can Contact Us to Block outgoing international calling & texting.
  • Always be cautious, even if a number appears authentic.
  • Visit the Federal Communications Commission's online Consumer Complaint Center to read information on Caller ID and Spoofing.

 

 

Text message spam

 

What is it?

Text message (SMS) spam is any unwanted or unsolicited text message sent indiscriminately to your mobile phone, often for commercial purposes. It can take the form of a simple message, a link to a number to call or text, a link to a website for more information, or a link to a website to download an application.

 

T-Mobile is committed to fighting mobile spam and encourages our customers to report unsolicited messages to us for investigation. If you ever get a text message that you suspect is spam and you report it, you're helping us identify spammers and the messages they send.

 

Report a text message spam

If you receive text message spam, forward the message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on most phone keypads). Please don't edit the spam message or add any comments. After you send it to us, we'll reply with a text message confirming we've received it. We use this information to help identify the spam operation, and we'll take appropriate action. Messages forwarded to 7726 don't count toward your plan.

 

We automatically forward the message to the Security Center for analysis. The Security Center is a global system, run by a vendor on our behalf, that helps protect mobile phone subscribers from spam, fraud, and malware. The center is linked to a global database that tracks potential spam messages. The information reported to the Security Center may be shared with government agencies that work to combat spam and prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices.

 

Don't worry.  The message and your details are encrypted. Your identity won't be shown or shared.

 

 

Safety and prevention tips

 

Stop unsolicited text messages

You have several options to help reduce or even stop text message spam on your device:

 

  • You can guard your private information by not using your T-Mobile number when you sign up for non-T-Mobile contests, sweepstakes, promotions, or newsletters.
  • If you feel like you're receiving too many messages from a subscription service, you can opt out or adjust your notification settings by visiting the promotion or newsletter's website.
  • If the above tips don't work for you, as a last resort you can change your phone number as a way to prevent text messages coming from another mobile phone.
  • You can block some text messages using Message Blocking. However, some messages cannot be blocked, such as account change notifications, usage alerts, and others.

 

You can also place your number on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov. If you continue to receive spam messages or calls, you may file a complaint with the FTC at the same website.

 

Tips to protect yourself

Here are some suggestions to help you avoid becoming a victim of text message spam:

 

  • Never click on a link in a text message unless you're certain that the message is from a trusted source that you initiated.
  • Don’t act on any message if you're suspicious of the content, even if it looks like it's from someone you know.
  • Never download applications from unauthorized app stores. We recommend Lookout Mobile Security Premium to help keep your device protected and up to date.
  • Do not swap applications with friends using memory cards.

 

What to do if you opened a suspicious link or app

Simply reading a text message won't affect or compromise personal information stored on your device. However, if you open a link or app from a suspicious source, you'll want to take certain steps to make sure your information is safe:

 

  • Change your T-Mobile ID password.
  • Change passwords for your banks, financial institutions, and credit cards.
  • Change passwords for your social media sites and email accounts.

 

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