[I want the USA back]

Problem is sending a false number to a person’s caller id. They are now using numbers from the same area code, and exchange as the receiver. Sometimes the receiver’s own phone number.

Changing the phone number should be allowed only for a company with multiple lines, so the number displayed is the normal, listed number, not some extension.

I don’t know how to prevent it. The people who designed the telephone system know, if anyone knows. Penalties should be death by hanging, or in a vat of acid.

[caww]

.....”I don’t know how to prevent it. “....

Get a dime store whistle and blow hard into the phone. If you get a person all the better.

[henkster]

Problem is sending a false number to a person’s caller id. They are now using numbers from the same area code, and exchange as the receiver.

Something I have noticed becoming more frequent in the past few months. Usually the last four digits will have some of the same digits as your phone number. If I do not recognize the caller, I simply do not answer the phone. A ringing phone does not have a right to be answered. They can leave a message and I'll decide whether I want to return the call.

My rule of thumb is that if the caller ID comes up "unavailable," that makes two of us.