Sender ID spoofing
Definition
Faking the name or number shown as the sender of a text so a scam message looks like it came from a trusted source.
Sender ID spoofing, explained
Sender ID spoofing is when a text message is made to appear as if it came from someone else, such as a delivery company, a government agency or a well-known brand. In countries that allow alphanumeric sender names, including the UK, a scam message can sometimes show a familiar brand name and even land in the same conversation thread as genuine messages from that brand. In the US and Canada, where business texts usually come from numbers, scammers more often use lookalike numbers or ordinary mobile numbers. Carriers, regulators and industry groups work to limit spoofing; for example, the UK has a registry that lets brands protect their sender names, and carriers filter messages from unregistered routes. None of this is perfect, so treat the sender label as a hint, not proof. Be suspicious of any unexpected text that asks you to tap a link, call a number, pay a small fee or share a verification code, and go to the company's official app or website instead.
Related terms
Sender ID
The name or number shown as the sender of a text message, such as a short code, a phone number or a brand name.
Smishing
Phishing by text message: a fake SMS that tries to get you to click a link, share a code or send money.
Caller ID
The number, and sometimes a name, displayed on your phone when someone calls you.