# Phone scam and caller ID spoofing warnings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/phone-scam-and-caller-id-spoofing-warnings
> Updated: 2026-08-19T08:07:24.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Authorities and security experts have issued warnings regarding evolving phone scam tactics. Initial warnings focused on voice recording fraud, advising consumers to avoid saying the word ‘yes’ to unknown callers to prevent scammers from claiming verbal agreement to fraudulent contracts or purchases.

Subsequent reports highlighted the use of caller ID spoofing to facilitate fraudulent international calls. Scammers have been observed using non-existent dialing codes, such as those starting with ‘+422’ or ‘+42’, to deceive recipients. Experts note that answering these calls, even if they result in an immediate disconnection, may serve to verify that a phone number is active for future targeting.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Whoscall warns of phone scams using fake international dialing codes

Whoscall warns against suspicious international calls starting with “+422” or “+42”, noting that scammers use caller ID spoofing to target active numbers through fraudulent dialing codes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/whoscall-warns-of-phone-scams-using-fake-international-dialing-codes

### 2026-08-15: Phone scam warning: Avoid saying ‘yes’ to unknown callers

Experts warn against saying ‘yes’ to unknown callers to prevent scammers from using recorded voices to authorize fraudulent contracts. Tools exist to help identify these numbers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/phone-scam-warning-avoid-saying-yes-to-unknown-callers

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Cite as: Phone scam and caller ID spoofing warnings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/phone-scam-and-caller-id-spoofing-warnings