Hi this is an image set on a blue background. There is a classic magnifying glass looking at a blue question mark. THe wording in white says 'Who's really calling' - it is asking you to question whether the mobile number on your screen is actually a mobile number

Who’s Really Calling? Don’t Trust the Number on Your Screen

/ Telecoms advice, Telecoms news reviews and advice / By

Once upon a time, spotting who was on the other end of the phone was simple. If a mate rang, you saw their mobile. If a company rang, you saw their office number. And if it just said “withheld” you knew to brace yourself for a PPI pitch. Those days are long gone.

Now? The number flashing up on your screen isn’t worth the pixels it’s written in.

Mobile numbers that aren’t mobiles

You’d think that a mobile number starting with 07 means you’re getting a call from someone with a phone in their hand. But no – thanks to internet-based calling systems (VoIP), scammers and dodgy sales outfits can make it look like they’re calling from a perfectly normal mobile. Could be a call centre in another country, could be someone trying to flog you “investment opportunities” that don’t exist. Either way, the 07 prefix doesn’t mean safe.

Spoofing local landlines

It gets sneakier. Fraudsters can also spoof proper UK regional numbers. You might see a local area code – 020, 0161, 0117 – and think, oh, that must be someone nearby. But it might be nothing of the sort. The caller could be thousands of miles away, masking themselves with a number that looks familiar to get you to pick up.

Even banks get cloned

The real kicker? Scammers can spoof official-looking numbers – even the ones belonging to banks, HMRC, your utility company. You Google the number, and sure enough it matches the real customer service line. But the call itself isn’t genuine. That’s why no reputable bank will ever pressure you to hand over PINs, passwords or transfer money while you’re on the line.

So what do you do?

  • Don’t assume a number’s legit just because it “looks right”.
  • If someone says they’re from your bank, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit card instead.
  • If you’re not expecting the call, be cautious. A genuine caller won’t mind if you say you’ll ring them back.
  • Remember: anyone can make their caller ID say what they want.

The bottom line? Your phone screen is a bit like the name on a dodgy pub toilet door – just because it says “Ladies” or “Gents”, doesn’t mean you want to walk straight in.

We just thought this was something interesting to read and wanted to share it with you.  However, if you feel like having a browse at our business deals, please check out our business mobiles shop 😊

 

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