'My own number is calling me': what's going on?
Your screen shows your number. Yours, digit for digit, ringing you. It feels impossible. Relax — your line hasn't cloned itself, and you probably haven't been hacked. It's a well-known scam trick called caller ID spoofing.
Mirror spoofing, explained
Using internet-calling software, anyone can choose which number appears on the recipient's screen. Displaying your own number is a hook: it's baffling, so you answer on reflex, convinced something technical is wrong.
Once you're on the line, a recording or fake agent tries to provoke a reaction — a compromised account, a blocked parcel, a refund waiting. The aim is to extract details or a payment. Your number wasn't hacked; it was simply displayed dishonestly.
The right way to react
Don't answer, or hang up the moment you realise the trick. Don't press any keys, and never share bank details or a code sent by text. No legitimate service would ever call you from your own number.
There's no point trying to 'call back' — you'd just reach your own voicemail. The real caller stays hidden behind the number on your screen.
Protecting yourself and reporting
Ofcom and UK networks are rolling out measures to block spoofed numbers at source, and the industry is moving toward stronger caller authentication as landlines shift to digital. Forward scam texts to 7726 and report fraud to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), or An Garda Síochána in Ireland.
Until those protections are universal, a filter like Allociao spots known spoofing patterns and hangs up for you, so you never have to wonder whether your own screen is lying.
What the scammer is really after
The shock of seeing your own number is the whole point: it disarms you before the pitch begins. The caller then wants a passcode, remote access, or a payment to 'secure' your account. Treat any request for a code, password or remote-control software as a hard stop; banks never ask you to read out a texted code.
FAQ
Has my phone been hacked?
Almost never. The scammer simply displayed your number using spoofing software. Your line works normally and nothing has been accessed.
What should I do when I get these calls?
Don't answer or hang up, share nothing, and report the call to Action Fraud (or Gardaí in Ireland). Don't try to call the number back.
Who tackles spoofing in the UK?
Ofcom works with networks to block spoofed calls at source, and the industry is adopting stronger caller authentication as the network goes digital.
Sources
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