Fraudulent calls with spoofed phone numbers
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was included because it is based on a report from the Bundesnetzagentur. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk level is elevated.
How the scam works
- Criminals set any phone number they choose as the displayed caller ID in the telephone network (spoofing).
- They often select an area code or a number that appears familiar to you.
- The phone rings only once briefly (a ping call) to spark your curiosity so you call back, or someone answers with an advertising, prize, or donation pitch.
- The goal is often to trick you into calling back a premium-rate number or into providing personal data.
- In other cases, your own phone number is misused as the caller ID, creating the impression with third parties that you are calling them.
How to recognise it
- The displayed number does not match the caller or the stated purpose
- The area code suggests a location even though the company is not based there
- The phone rings only very briefly (a so-called ping call) and no one answers
- Calls at unusual times, particularly frequent or in large numbers
- You are asked to dial a specific number or press a key on your phone
- Third-party services you do not know appear on your mobile phone bill
- The displayed number looks reputable but the request is dubious
- Recorded announcement / automated call
How to protect yourself
- Do not call back unknown or unexpected numbers, especially if no one spoke.
- If you suspect a spoofed number, inform the Bundesnetzagentur (for example via their online form).
- Document incidents: date, time, displayed caller ID, and what was said.
- In the event of financial loss or disclosure of data, file a report with the police.
- For individual advice, contact the Verbraucherzentrale.
- Check whether your own line is being misused as the caller ID for calls and report this.
What you should never do
- Do not call back unknown or premium-rate numbers.
- Do not disclose personal data, bank details, or access codes over the phone.
- Do not fall for key prompts or callbacks requested during the call.
- Do not make any payments simply because a demand is made over the phone.
- Do not open links in SMS or messenger messages from unknown senders.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay a demand made in such a call?
No. You should not simply pay unjustified demands. First, seek clarity, for example through the Verbraucherzentrale.
What happens if I do not respond?
In most cases, nothing happens. Criminals often rely on pressure and time pressure. Do not let yourself be pressured into acting on the spur of the moment.
How did the callers get my phone number?
This often cannot be determined with certainty. Phone numbers can come from data breaches, public directories, or from random trial-and-error dialing.
Can my own phone number be displayed to others as the caller without me making a call?
Yes, this is possible. If you have evidence of this, you should report it to the Bundesnetzagentur.
Where can I report the incident?
To the Bundesnetzagentur, to the police (especially in the event of financial loss), and for advice to the Verbraucherzentrale.
Affected data
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Original source
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Bundesnetzagentur ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added