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Recognize and prevent phone scams

Learn how to protect yourself from caller ID spoofing and other kinds of phone fraud.

Caller ID spoofing and other phone scams

Unwanted calls may be scams, sales pitches, or other annoyances. They may also be fraudulent or illegal. Caller ID spoofing occurs when a caller purposely displays incorrect caller ID information. Often this is done to try and commit fraud or otherwise cause harm to the recipient of the call. Spoofing can include robocalling, phone spamming, phantom debt collection, and voice phishing.

Phone scam tactics
Phone scams can be difficult to detect, so pay special attention to calls that:
  • Request that you verify personal data (such as your Social Security number).
  • Ask you visit a website that appears to be affiliated with AT&T or another company.
  • Use an automated voice instructing you to return their call.
  • Instruct you to return their call at a different phone number than the one shown by Caller ID.
  • Claim to be a computer technician with a technical support company requesting remote access to your computer.
  • Claim you have won a sweepstakes, contest, or other item of value.
  • Claim you owe a debt or fine and ask that you take care of it today.
  • Request you provide a PIN, password, or passcode by phone if you didn’t initiate the request or ask for an update to your account, service, or profile.

Protect yourself from deceptive callers

  • Use caution when giving out or verifying personal or financial info over the phone. Initiate the call yourself and only call a phone number that you can verify as legitimate.
  • Never use your myAT&T account details to sign in to any website other than the AT&T website listed on your statement. 
  • Register your phone number with DoNotCall.gov and report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Stay informed and know your rights by visiting the FCC Consumer Help Center.

AT&T features

In addition to these tips, if you have AT&T wireless or digital phone service, you have free access to many features to help manage unwanted calls.

Wireless
Take more control over unwanted wireless calls on HD voice-enabled iOS and Android smartphones with AT&T ActiveArmorSM mobile security..

Digital phone
Digital Phone Call Protect offers you more control than ever over unwanted calls. Visit the Digital Phone Portal to access:


Additional resources

Last updated: April 16, 2025

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