Administrator
•
5.1K Messages
ANSWERED: Why am I getting calls with my contact info?
Question
Why am I getting calls with my name and telephone number on my caller ID?
Answer
We have received reports of this occurring on Xfinity Home and Mobile phones. This is related to a "spoofing" scam where fraudsters are using your own number to call you and others.
We understand that the fewer unwanted phone calls you receive, the better. That’s why we offer a variety of tools and features to help combat them.
Xfinity Home Phone
Each year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) receives thousands of complaints related to unwanted phone calls, which we refer to as Nuisance Calls. These calls are disruptive, frustrating, and even dangerous – sometimes they try to get personal information and create scams that cause financial harm.
How to Control Unwanted Calls
We understand that the fewer unwanted phone calls you receive, the better. That’s why we offer a variety of tools and features to help combat them. Get started withSpam Blocker, where control is put into your hands as you choose which types of call to block and which to send to voicemail, helping put an end to the nuisance calls in your life.
These unwanted calls can fall into one or more of the following categories:
-
- Robocalls– Automated calls playing a pre-recorded message.
- Spam Calls– Mass calls you may receive about information you haven’t expressed interest in receiving.
- Spoofed Calls– Calls from a caller whose name and/or telephone number has been altered so that misleading information shows up on your caller ID. This includes neighbor spoofing, where the caller changes the calling number to match the area code and part of your phone number.
- Scam Calls– Calls made to intentionally commit a crime, like identity theft or other fraud.
- Anonymous Calls– When the caller’s identification information is blocked entirely.
For additional information, visit theFCC Scam Glossary. The FCC describes the different types of robocall scams, spoofing scams, and more information about phone call-related consumer fraud.
We have many ways to help you control unwanted calls (and they’re available to Xfinity Voice customers at no additional charge):
-
- Spam Blocker– Identify and stop unwanted calls with our new spam blocker, so you only talk to the people who matter.
-
- Learn more aboutSpam Blocker.
- Edge Blocking– We automatically block the following types of calls to residential voice customers at no additional charge:
-
- Do Not Originate– Calls where the owner of the number has specified that the number is only used for incoming calls and not outgoing calls.
-
- This includes certain inbound-only telephone numbers used by the IRS and the Social Security Administration.
- Invalid– Phone numbers that don’t have the proper format or that have area codes that don’t exist.
- Do Not Originate– Calls where the owner of the number has specified that the number is only used for incoming calls and not outgoing calls.
- Anonymous Call Rejection– An opt-out feature (enabled by default) that rejects phone calls if the caller has blocked their phone number and name.
-
- The caller will hear a message instructing them to unblock their information and call back.
- Learn more about Anonymous Call Rejection.
- Call Screening– You can create a list of up to 25 phone numbers from which you don’t want to receive calls.
-
- Callers on the list will receive an announcement that you aren't available.
- Learn more about Call Screening.
- Caller ID– See the number that is calling you before you answer with Caller ID.
-
- Learn about Caller ID.
- We’ve also enhanced our Caller ID feature, so it now displaysVerified(or the letterV) next to the caller’s name for certain calls, where the caller’s phone provider has verified that the call is coming from a non-spoofed telephone number.
-
- This verification will also appear on your call log, voicemail, Xfinity Connect Portal and X1 TV screens when applicable.
- Learn aboutVerified Caller ID.
You can alsoregister your telephone number(s)with theNational Do Not Call Registryto help decrease Nuisance Calls.
-
- For more information on the National Do Not Call Registry visit,donotcall.gov.
Xfinity Mobile
Robocalls, or spam calls, are quite the hassle. Fortunately, your Xfinity Mobile plan now includes call filtering at no additional cost.
With call filtering, suspicious calls will show up on your call screen as "Potential Spam." This free feature applies to all phones and all data options. Some Android phones may require a restart — but otherwise, you don't need to take any extra steps to turn it on.
If you find that this feature isn't enough, here are some steps you can take to block the calls — or at least to limit how many come through:
Pay attention to the phone number
Robocallers often call from numbers that resemble your own or those local to you so that you're more inclined to answer. If the area code and next three digits match your number, but you don't recognize the number, and you're not expecting any calls, let it go to voicemail. It's more likely to be spam.
Don't speak on the call
You may feel the urge to speak up or complain to the caller's manager, but doing so will only confirm that your number is in service. It could have the opposite effect you desire. The best thing you can do in the moment is just hang up. And of course, avoid giving out or confirming any personal information.
Block the numbers
Block the numbers with tools built into your phone using instructions below.
On iOS devices:
-
- Go to your Phone icon.
- If you've saved the number in your phone, go to the contact and scroll down to select "Block this Caller."
- If the number is in your recent calls, select the blue "i" icon and scroll down to select "Block this Caller."
On Android devices:
-
- Go to your Phone icon.
- Go to your recent calls, or your contacts list if you've saved the number already.
- Depending on which Android phone you have, select More, Details, or an icon with three vertical dots. Then, select Block.
Register your number
You can add both mobile lines and landlines to theNational Do Not Call Registryto prevent some telemarketers as well as robocallers from calling you. However, this will not stop illegal robocalls because they are unlikely to adhere to the registry's regulations.
File a complaint
You can file a complaint with theFTCorFCConline about specific numbers that become relentless. You can also call the FTC at (888) 382-1222 or the FCC at (888) CALL-FCC. They won't respond to complaints individually, but they will take action against the most reported numbers.
You can also report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
Additional Resources:
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/voice-unwanted-calls
https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/support/article/how-to-block-robocalls
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers
https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing
https://www.usa.gov/telemarketing
https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-stop-unwanted-calls
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.
No Responses!