Experiencing Phone Number Spoofing? Here’s What to Do!

Recently, I encountered a troubling situation with my phone number that I feel is important to share, especially for those who rely on their devices for work. During a recent Zoom gathering with an old friend, I learned that they had been receiving strange texts from my number—texts that were completely uncharacteristic of me.

While I’m aware that number spoofing often ties into various scams, these messages were benign, resembling typical “new phone, who is this?” inquiries. However, the inclusion of photos, which I recognized as commonly associated with “troll” accounts on various platform, raised red flags. It seems as if someone may be using my number to experiment with responses from my contacts.

As I sought guidance from the online community, I included images of the suspicious texts in a post on Reddit’s r/Verizon. If anyone has had a similar experience or can offer insight on how to address this issue, I would greatly appreciate it! Since I depend on my phone for professional communication, resolving this is a priority.

Update: The Investigation Continues

Thanks to everyone who contributed advice and support! After reaching out to Verizon, I discovered that the messages were not originating from their network. This leads me to believe that my Apple ID may have been compromised—although I’ve already taken steps to secure it. Alternatively, it could simply be a case of number spoofing.

To keep my contacts informed, I reached out to the friend who received the odd texts and encouraged anyone else affected to contact me directly. Thankfully, the situation appears to be confined to just that one instance in September.

For context, I’ve been residing in a remote area since March due to the pandemic. Other than close family and a few older coworkers, no one has had physical access to my phone, making it unlikely that someone I know is behind this. The intent behind the messages doesn’t seem malicious, as they’ve clearly indicated that my number is being misused.

As a precautionary measure, I’m also contacting my bank to ensure my number is removed from my accounts. If you’re experiencing anything similar, I encourage you to take immediate action to protect your information and reach out to your contacts. It’s better to be safe than sorry in an age where digital security is paramount.

Stay vigilant, everyone!