Have you ever received a call that appeared to come from your bank, the police, a local number or even someone you know?

It may look genuine on your screen. But that number could be fake.

Number spoofing allows scammers to change the caller ID shown on your phone. They can make a call appear to come from almost any number or organisation. Their aim is often to make you trust them quickly, before they ask for money, personal information or access to your device.

This is an important scam alert for everyone across Boston, Lincolnshire and beyond.

> This warning comes from Lincolnshire Police as part of their #LincolnshireAgainstFraud campaign.
>
> “Number spoofing: today we want to make sure everyone knows about this. Caller ID may say it's your bank, the police, a local number, or someone you know, however caller ID alone is not to be trusted. It's essential to know that number spoofing means that a caller can make their call appear to be from any number or organisation. This could be an impersonator and this could be their first step in attempting to gain your trust.
>
> NEVER trust a caller ID alone.
> ALWAYS hang up if you have any doubts.
> SHARE this message to help protect others from fraud.”

What is number spoofing?

Number spoofing is when someone deliberately changes the telephone number displayed on your phone.

The caller may make their number look like:

• Your bank’s official telephone number
• A police station or police force
• A local Lincolnshire number
• A government department
• A familiar business
• A friend or family member’s number
• In some cases, even your own number

The number on your screen is only a display. It is not proof of who is calling.

A scammer can use number spoofing as the first step in building trust. Once you believe the caller is genuine, they may tell you an urgent story and pressure you into taking action.

This type of phone scam can be difficult to recognise, particularly when the caller already knows a few details about you. Remember, though: knowing your name, address or part of your account information does not prove that the caller is genuine.

Why does number spoofing work?

Most of us naturally trust a familiar name or number.

If your phone says “Bank”, you may answer differently than you would if it showed an unknown number. If the caller ID appears to be from your local police station, you may feel you need to listen carefully. If it appears to be a relative, you may worry that they need help.

Scammers borrow that trust.

They use a familiar caller ID to make you feel safe before introducing a problem. The story may involve suspicious activity on your account, a supposed investigation, a computer problem or an emergency involving someone you love.

The pressure is designed to stop you thinking clearly.

That is why the most important rule is simple:

NEVER trust a caller ID alone

A genuine-looking number can still be a fraudulent call. Do not use the caller ID as your only way of checking who is speaking to you.

Take your time. Ask questions. Do not be embarrassed to end the call.

A genuine organisation will understand that you want to verify a call independently.

What might a spoofed call sound like?

There are many variations, but be especially cautious if a caller:

• Pressures you to act immediately: They may say you must make a payment, give information or follow instructions right away.
• Asks you to move money to a “safe account”: This is a common bank impersonation scam. The account usually belongs to the criminal.
• Requests a one-time code, PIN or password, Never share these because someone has called you unexpectedly.
• Claims your account has been compromised. The caller may say your bank account, card or computer is being used by criminals.
• Pretends to be the police: They may claim there is a warrant, an investigation or a problem with your identity.
• Asks you to install remote access software: This can give the caller control of your computer and access to files, passwords or online banking.
• Tells you to keep the call secret: Scammers may say you must not speak to your bank, family or the police because it could affect an investigation.
• Becomes impatient when you ask questions: Pressure, anger and urgency are warning signs.

The UK Government’s Stop! Think Fraud guidance on phone fraud confirms that genuine banks and the police will not ask you to transfer money, share personal financial details or hand over remote control of your computer in this way.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious call?

You do not need to prove that the caller is a scammer. You only need to protect yourself.

1. Hang up

End the call if you have any doubts.

Do not stay on the line while you try to decide whether the caller is genuine. Do not let them talk you into continuing.

You can simply say, “I’m going to call the organisation back using an official number,” and hang up.

2. Do not press buttons

If an automated caller asks you to press a number, do not do it. Hang up instead.

Do not follow instructions to connect to another department, confirm your identity or “secure” your account.

3. Call back using a trusted number

Do not call back on the number that contacted you. Do not use a number the caller gives you.

Find the organisation’s number yourself, using:

• The back of your bank card
• A genuine bank statement
• An official letter
• The organisation’s official website
• The organisation’s official mobile app

You can also contact your bank through its official app or by calling 159, where available.

If you use a landline, wait a few minutes before making another call, or use a different phone. This helps ensure the original caller has not kept the line open.

4. Never move money to a “safe account”

Real banks and the police will never ask you to move your money to a “safe”, “secure” or “holding” account because of a telephone call.

If someone asks you to do this, hang up immediately and contact your bank through a trusted route.

5. Never share security details

Do not share:

• Your PIN
• Your password
• A one-time passcode
• Your full card details
• Online banking information
• Personal information used for security questions

A genuine bank may need to confirm some information when you contact them through an official number. However, an unexpected caller should not pressure you into giving security information.

6. Do not allow remote access

Never install software or allow someone to control your computer because of an unexpected call.

If you need technical help, contact a provider yourself using details you already trust. You can also arrange support with our remote IT support team.

What if the caller says they are a loved one?

Number spoofing can also make a call appear to come from someone you know. Criminals may pretend to be a relative who has lost their phone, needs urgent money or is facing a problem.

Before sending money or sharing information, call the person back using a number you already have saved. You could also agree a family codeword or verification question in advance.

Choose something that would be difficult for a stranger to guess. Keep it private within your family or close friends.

If the caller cannot give the correct codeword, hang up.

Protect yourself and your family

A few small habits can make a big difference:

• Check through the official app, If your bank supposedly calls, open its official app separately and look for alerts or messages.
• Take a pause: Urgency is a scammer’s tool. You are allowed to stop and think.
• Speak to someone you trust, Ask a family member or friend to help you check an unexpected call.
• Talk to older relatives: Patient conversations about phone scams can help protect people who may be targeted more often.
• Keep devices updated: Updates help protect your phone, computer and accounts.
• Share this warning: A quick conversation could prevent someone else from losing money.

There is no shame in asking for help. Scammers are experienced at sounding convincing, and anyone can be targeted.

What should you do if you have already shared information?

Try not to panic. Act quickly.

Contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card or through its official app. Explain exactly what happened and follow its advice. Change any passwords that may have been shared, and tell the bank if you installed software or allowed remote access.

You can report fraud through Action Fraud. For Lincolnshire Police, call 101 for non-emergency matters. If you are in immediate danger or a crime is happening now, call 999.

You can also report suspicious mobile calls by texting “Call” followed by the caller’s number to 7726. This is a free service that helps mobile networks investigate nuisance and scam calls. Further information is available through Ofcom’s guidance on scam calls and messages.

Need a little help with online safety?

We’re a friendly local IT support team based in Boston, and we’re here to help without jargon or judgement.

If you are unsure about a suspicious call, message or device problem, you can visit us for free drop-in technology advice Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, at our Boston location. We can also provide remote support when that is more convenient for you.

• Call: 01205 627240
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit: Contact EB IT Support
• Response time: We aim to respond to enquiries within 3 hours during business hours

You can rely on us for calm, practical guidance. No rushing. No jargon. No judgement.

The key message to remember

Caller ID can be faked.

A familiar number does not prove that the person calling is your bank, the police, a business, a friend or a family member.

Hang up if you have any doubts. Check independently using a trusted number. Never move money, share security codes or allow remote access because of an unexpected call.

Please share this scam alert with your friends, family and neighbours across Boston and Lincolnshire. Together, we can help more people recognise number spoofing and stay safer online.

#LincolnshireAgainstFraud #ScamAlert #PhoneScam #NumberSpoofing #OnlineSafety