Someone Is Sending Texts From My Phone Number [Answered 2024] 

Certainly, technology has its downsides, and a glorious example (that jolted me like lightning) was when my wife received a text from my phone number that reeked of a scam.

Yes, it’s scary, and text recipients might even believe it’s true—even leading them to send unneeded help or divulging sensitive information to the fake you.

Well, to help you protect yourself, we’re going down this rabbit hole of spoofing attacks and detailing six ways to stay on top of things. Let’s get started!

Is it possible for someone to be sending texts from my phone number?

Off the bat, know someone can send texts from your number by changing their sender information to match yours. This way, they can use your identity to scam others into giving them money or more information.

As such, the typical targets of spoofing are people close to you, like your family and friends. Once the scammers convince their target that you’re behind the text message, they can extract more information and use it to scam more people.

How does text message spoofing work?

Text message spoofing is a tactic used by scammers to deceive their targets. They use a fake sender ID to make it appear as if they are someone trustworthy. 

For instance, scammers may use tools or websites to modify their sender details or phone numbers to trick the unsuspecting target into taking specific actions, like sending money.

Why would someone spoof my phone number?

Phone numbers are usually spoofed because of malicious intent, like phishing attempts, scams, or to conceal the sender’s true identity while engaging in fraudulent activities.

How To Stop Someone From Spoofing Your Phone Number

Here are some practical ways to protect yourself if you believe you’re a target for text message spoofing. Unfortunately, these methods won’t prevent it, but they can stop someone from spoofing your phone number and scamming others.

Don’t expect spoofers and malicious individuals to stop using your number once you perform the methods below. Realistically, there’s no way to stop them permanently, but you can help limit their options and make their actions known to authorities.

FIX 1. Turn on your phone’s spam blocker feature

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	5
Time to Perform Fix	40 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone

Phone hackers and scammers often use spam text messages to attack unsuspecting targets. Unsurprisingly, text spams are the most common type of scam that mobile phone users report because of how rampant and easy it can spread.

Often, these spam messages contain a phishing link that extracts information from your device upon clicking. It’s how these hackers and scammers can steal and use your information for fraudulent activities, usually towards people close to you.

Scammers use your info to send texts from your number, posing as you to trick friends into giving money or more info.

To avoid falling for phishing tricks, turn on your phone’s spam blocker. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Messages.

Step 2: Click your Messages app’s kebab menu to reveal its additional options.

Step 3: Go to Settings.

Step 4: Click the Spam Protection option.

Step 5: Turn on your phone’s spam protection to protect it yourself from unwanted messages.

FIX 2. Use your cellular carrier’s scam protection tool

While spam protection is standard for many devices, iPhones lack a built-in feature found on Androids. Unfortunately, iPhones filter spam but don’t prevent these messages entirely.

Thankfully, most carriers offer similar protection through apps or remote tools. We recommend asking your cellular carrier about their spam protection tools and services so they can provide you with the necessary assistance. 

Otherwise, refer to the steps below to activate scam-blocking features on a cellular carrier like T-Mobile.

Use your carrier’s activation code to enable spam blocker

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	3
Time to Perform Fix	20 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone

Using your carrier’s activation code is the fastest way to enable their spam block tool and stop scammers from sending texts from your phone number. 

You can activate your carrier’s spam block quickly using the provided activation code. If your carrier has a self-service menu, like T-Mobile, there’s no need for additional apps – just dial the code on your phone!

If your carrier relies on a companion app, skip to the next option. 

Step 1: Go to Phone.

Step 2: Enter and call your carrier’s self-service code.

Step 3: Wait for the dialogue box that says you turned on the Spam Block feature.

Use your carrier’s dedicated app to enable spam blocker

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	4
Time to Perform Fix	2 minutes
Things Needed	Any smartphone A working internet connection

As mentioned, some cellular carriers may offer their spam-blocking tool through their companion app instead. However, that doesn’t mean carriers with dedicated apps won’t have a self-service menu for their users.

For instance, T-Mobile lets users activate their Spam Block feature using both the activation code or their Scam Shield companion app. Here’s how to navigate it:

Step 1: Open your phone’s built-in app store and install your cellular carrier’s companion app.

Step 2: Open the app.

Step 3: Go to the app’s Spam Block page. Note: The app layout may differ on your carrier’s companion app. Thus, their spam block feature may not be on a dedicated page but under the app’s general settings menu.

Step 4: Turn on the spam block feature.

FIX 3. Install a third-party app for blocking unwanted calls

Difficulty	Easy ●●○○○
Number of Steps	14
Time to Perform Fix	1 minute and 40 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone A working internet connection

While your phone and carrier’s spam protection are often enough, it’s wise to explore additional options. Not all carriers provide foolproof services, so having a backup plan is essential. 

If your carrier’s tool falls short in stopping unwanted texts, consider third-party apps. Popular and reliable choices include RoboKiller, Hiya, and Nomorobo Max.

Below, we guide you through installing and using the Hiya app for blocking spam messages and calls. The process is similar for other apps, with variations based on their unique interfaces and features. 

Step 1: Go to your phone’s default app store.

Step 2: Tap search and enter your desired third-party spam or call blocker app.

Step 3: Install your desired third-party app.

Step 4: Open the app.

Step 5: Click Get Started.

Step 6: Click Allow All to give the app the necessary permissions.

Step 7: Click Allow on the small pop-up windows.

Step 8: Click Continue.

Step 9: Enter your phone number and click Continue.

Step 10: Continue with the app’s basic version or a limited trial. Note: You must enter your billing details if you choose the free trial of the app’s premium version.

Step 11: Click “Skip for now.”

Step 12: Click Allow.

Step 13: Go to the Blocking page.

Step 14: Block unwanted calls and private phone numbers. Note: Some features are only available on the sample app’s premium version.

FIX 4. Register your phone number to the DNC Registry

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	5
Time to Perform Fix	60 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone A working internet connection

If you’re in the US, you can safeguard your phone from telemarketers and potential scammers by joining the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Do-Not-Call Registry. 

You can even register up to three numbers under your name! Although, If you share a number with someone in your household, they’re automatically protected once registered — no need for individual registration. 

Here’s how to register:

Step 1: Select any browser.

Step 2: Visit the Do-Not-Call Registry website.

Step 3: Click “Register Your Phone.”

Step 4: Click the REGISTER HERE button to continue.

Step 5: Follow FTC’s provided steps and enter the required information to complete your registration.

FIX 5. Report the message as spam

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	6
Time to Perform Fix	25 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone

You can also combat spam texts by copying and forwarding them to your carrier for labeling. Though this option is less convenient than passive spam protection, it enhances the network’s ability to spot and block new spam. 

By proactively reporting, you contribute to a network that prevents spoofers from sending texts. With this, you can limit how spam messages reach mobile users because cell carriers can block them beforehand.

Step 1: Go to Messages.

Step 2: Tap and hold the spam message. Note: Be careful not to tap the link on the spam message.

Step 3: Go to More.

Step 4: Click the forward button in the bottom-right corner.

Step 5: Set 7726 as the recipient.

Step 6: Click the send button to forward the spam message to FTC.

FIX 6. File a complaint with the proper authorities or agencies

Difficulty	Very Easy ●○○○○
Number of Steps	5
Time to Perform Fix	40 seconds
Things Needed	Any smartphone A working internet connection

Finally, you can file a complaint to the FTC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against unwanted text messages and calls to report fraudulent activities via spam messages.

You can make separate reports to these agencies for unwanted calls and messages or phone number spoofing and help create a better network for spotting and preventing different types of scams as they happen.

Step 1: Select any browser.

Step 2: Visit the FCC’s consumer complaint website.

Step 3: Click “File an Unwanted Call/Text Complaint.”

Step 4: Select the report form for the type of complaint you want to file.

Step 5: Enter the required information and click Submit.

Can I tell if a number is spoofed?

Unfortunately, identifying a spoofed phone number can be challenging. However, you can look for specific red flags to determine whether a spoofed phone number sends you calls or texts.

Here are some red flags you can spot from common spam messages and scam calls from spoofed phone numbers. Once you spot these red flags, blocking and reporting the phone number should be your immediate response.

• The phone number is unfamiliar, even if the caller ID is someone you recognize. Sometimes, a spoofed phone number will display a caller ID slightly different from your contact’s name.

• Calls involving pre-recorded messages are what scammers use for robocall scams.

• Scam calls or text messages are usually about something urgent because the immediacy prevents the target from processing the situation appropriately. If someone contacts you for money because of an emergency, it’s likely a scam.

• Text messages that involve payments and requests for sensitive information like your social security number and bank or credit card information. Remember, bank personnel won’t ask for your details via text messages.

Can you find out who spoofed you?

Sadly, tracking who spoofed you can be tricky because you typically can’t call a spoofed phone number back. You can, however, ask your cellular carrier to trace the spoof caller, but they may not share their information with you.

Of course, you can report the spoofing incident to the police so they can investigate and trace the scammer who sent texts from your phone number. Authorities can work with cellular carriers to trace these scammers and capture them.

Can you prevent someone from spoofing your number?

It’s impossible to prevent someone from spoofing your number, but there are things you can do to become a less likely target of their scammers. Here are some tips we recommend so scammers can’t send texts using your phone number to scam others.

• Avoid clicking links from shady sources.

• Don’t answer text messages, calls, and emails from unfamiliar senders.

• Use two-factor authentication to safeguard your accounts.

• Use strong passwords.

• Improve your privacy settings on online platforms and websites.

• Update your devices whenever possible to provide the latest security updates.

• Avoid websites with terrible grammar and spelling.

What does it mean to have your number spoofed?

Someone spoofing your phone number means they can use your identity to contact and scam others. Scammers usually use your identity to target people you know you because they’re more likely to respond to your messages or phone calls.

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