Call spoofing is when the caller deliberately sends false information to change the caller ID. Most spoofing is done using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service or IP phone that uses VoIP to transmit calls over the internet. VoIP users can usually choose their preferred number or name to be displayed on the caller ID when they set up their account.

Some providers even offer spoofing services that work like a prepaid calling card. Customers pay for a PIN code to use when calling their provider, allowing them to select both the destinations number they want to call, as well as the number they want to appear on the recipient’s caller ID.

Therefore, spoofing enables fraudsters to call you with their numbers but on your side you will see it as a different number all together. For example one can call you and the number displayed on you side shows that the call has originated from Safaricom customer service yet the caller is using their personal number.

Fraudsters are now using this technique to call unsuspecting individuals who think that they are speaking to safaricom and ask them for their personal information such as your account PIN and ID number. This is has seen many individuals get coned as they pick the call believing that they are being called by the service provider Safaricom.

Incase you are called by a Safaricom number and they ask you for your personal details including your mpesa PIN, you should immediately hang up as you are about to be scammed.