People I have never contacted returning my calls

[Cabbage]

I have noticed for a few weeks now that I am getting phone calls from people I do not know, and have never contacted, saying that I have called them from my mobile phone number, and that they are returning my missed my call to them. They seem confused, and so am I.

Please can someone explain why I am getting these calls?

[MI5]

@Cabbage 

Scammers spoofing phone numbers. 

Number spoofing scams - Ofcom

[Enlli]

Happens here from time to time

[MI5]

If you're unlucky enough to have your number selected.

[Cabbage]

Thanks MI5 - I have just visited the website via the link that you provided.

...but, how can I stop my mobile phone number being used/displayed by scammers contacting others (who subsequently call me saying that they are returning my call) ? 

[Enlli · Accepted solution]

You can't unfortunately. They use your number for a short while then move on.

[MI5]

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@Cabbage wrote:

Thanks MI5 - I have just visited the website via the link that you provided.

...but, how can I stop my mobile phone number being used/displayed by scammers contacting others (who subsequently call me saying that they are returning my call) ? 

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As explained in the link....

What is being done?

Calls with spoofed numbers can and do come from all over the world and account for a significant and growing proportion of nuisance calls.

That's why Ofcom is working with the international regulators – as well as the telecoms industry – to find solutions to the problem.

Voice over IP (VoIP) technology – the type of technology used to make internet calls – is often used in spoofing. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which helps to develop internet standards, has created a group specifically to tackle this issue.

I'm sure in time there will be some new tech to overcome this, but for now you'll just have to explain to any callers what the issue is, esp now you know yourself.