Caller ID scams

Calling line identification (CLI), also knowns as calling number display/calling name display (CND), allows you to see the telephone number or business name of the person calling you before you answer your phone (if you have a device with a screen able to display a number or text).

If you don’t want your number displayed when you call someone, you can make your number more private by permanently or temporarily blocking it. 

For more information about CND, see the Communications Alliance’s (CA’s) consumer fact sheet.

CLI overstamping

CLI overstamping allows the person calling you to display a different number from the number they are calling from.

For example, an Australian company that operates an overseas call centre may overstamp their calls (which originate from overseas) with an Australian number so that you recognise who is calling and return a call.

Freephone or local rate number (13, 1300 or 1800 numbers), and invalid or unallocated Australian numbers, cannot be used for CLI overstamping.

CLI overstamping is legal in Australia. You can discuss CLI management and overstamping directly with your telco. 

CLI overstamping that is done for unlawful or malicious purposes, most commonly to carry out scams, is referred to as CLI spoofing.

CLI spoofing

CLI spoofing allows the scammer to deliberately hide their number and display a different (often Australian) number. This increases the likelihood that you answer the call.

Typically, these callers are located overseas and may be impersonating a bank, a government agency or a telco to get your personal or financially sensitive information for fraudulent purposes.

Telcos have put systems in place to reduce the ability of scammers to spoof Australian phone numbers. Telcos work together and exchange information to actively block scam calls, so these types of calls don’t reach your device. 

Telstra explains it has strict controls to help prevent caller ID spoofing. Telcos have reported blocking more than 2.2 billion scam calls since December 2020 and more than 788 million scam SMS since July 2022. (Data current as at November 2024.)

Rules

We have registered the Industry Code C661:2022 Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs. This requires telcos to identify, trace and block SMS scams and scam calls. If a telco breaks a rule in the code, we can take action.

Beware of suspicious calls – most trusted institutions, including banks, will never ask you to provide your financial details over the phone. Never send money or gift cards, or give out your credit card or bank details.

Scammers may ask you for evidence to prove your identity, demand a payment, threaten you with a fine, telephone disconnection, legal action or sometimes suggest you will be arrested or deported.

If you receive a suspected scam call, you should:

• Never send money or give personal information such as passwords or other sensitive information.
• Hang up. Make sure the caller is who they say they are. It’s safest to find this information yourself by searching for a phone number on the organisation’s website or app.
• Block the caller. Your telco can tell you how. 
• Report scam activity to your telco and Scamwatch.
• Contact your bank immediately if you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information.
• Contact IDCARE (call 1800 595 160) if you’ve had personal details stolen.

What to do if your number is spoofed

If you get calls from people saying they missed a call from you, or accusing you of being a scammer, even though you didn’t call them, it's likely that your number has been CLI spoofed. 

If you believe your number has been spoofed, you should contact your telco immediately. 

Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. You can also place a temporary message on your voicemail to alert callers that your number has been CLI spoofed.

View more information about phone and SMS scams, our scam alerts and what to do if your number has been stolen. 

IDCARE also has a caller ID spoofing fact sheet.

Complaint about Caller ID scams

If you have a problem, complain to your telco first.

If you cannot resolve your issue, contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.