How To: Protect Against Caller ID Spoofing, Spam and Other Unsolicited Calls

Overview

If you receive spam, nuisance or potentially malicious calls, a good first option is to block the caller’s number directly from your device. We cannot block calls or texts from specific phone numbers.

Instructions for blocking calls vary by device. Refer to your device manufacturer's user guide for detailed steps:


The best way to protect yourself from scams and unexpected charges is to be cautious when answering calls or responding to messages from unknown numbers.

You're responsible for any charges associated with your service, so it's important to understand your plan's inclusions.

CRTC Mandate

Since December 2018, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) requires all Canadian carriers to block calls that use blatantly illegitimate Caller ID. For more information, you can refer to the Compliance and Enforcement and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2018-484 - Implementation of Universal Network-Level Blocking of Calls with Blatantly Illegitimate Caller Identification.

Since November 2021, all Canadian carriers are required to implement STIR/SHAKEN to digitally sign originating calls for easier identification of verified calling parties.

Learn more about STIR/SHAKEN.

Use to Add space between paragraphs

Tips to Protect Yourself

If you are receiving suspicious or unwanted calls:

  1. Don’t answer or return calls from unsolicited, unknown numbers.

  2. Look for the STIR/SHAKEN verification indicator on your device when available. Learn more about STIR/SHAKEN.

  3. If you have the phone number of the caller, and believe the call is malicious or threatening , contact the police and give them the details.

  4. Let callers identify themselves first and consider rejecting calls from withheld or unknown numbers.

  5. Avoid including personal details like alternative contact details in your voicemail greeting.

  6. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, including on social media.

  7. Do not engage with suspected spam callers or reply to unfamiliar text messages.

  8. Never share personal or account information, including your name, account details or mobile number, PIN, or MFA code.



If someone claiming to represent Freedom Mobile contacts you:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited calls asking you to verify account information.

  • Never share an MFA code, password, or PIN.

    Important: We only use MFA codes to verify your account when you contact us. We will never request codes when we contact you.

  • If you’re contacted unexpectedly, hang up and contact Freedom through official channels.

  • Remember that MFA codes are intended solely for the account holder and account user and should never be disclosed to another person. Learn more about Freedom Mobile account verification.

  • Review any unexpected device orders, account changes, or return requests and contact us immediately if there are any unexpected changes.



Spam Text Messages

If you received a spam text message, forward the text to short code 7726 (SPAM). Customer Care can help confirm if a text message you received was legitimately from Freedom Mobile.

Use to Add space between paragraphs

Malicious Call Tracing (MTC)

You can use the Malicious Call Tracing (MCT) service free of charge, to help police trace calls using the steps below:

  1. Immediately after the call ends, dial *57 from the Freedom Mobile phone that received the call.

  2. Freedom Mobile will flag the calling phone number (even if it's unknown or withheld) so that it can be shared with authorities upon request.

  3. File a police report, informing them that the call was flagged using MTC. Upon request, we will provide the flagged phone number to law enforcement.

  4. If you already have the number of the caller, you can report the incident directly to the police without Malicious Call Tracing (MCT).

If you would like to take immediate action, or the alternatives are not effective, you can change your number directly in My Account at any time.

Learn how to change your phone number in My Account.


IMPORTANT: Changing your phone number is permanent and immediate. Your old phone number will enter quarantine before it is reused, you will not be able to get your old phone number back.

Use to Add space between paragraphs

Sales and Marketing Calls

If the call is a sales or marketing related, rather than a malicious call, you can register with the Do Not Call List.

This can prevent future calls of this nature.

The Do Not Call list is an independent government funded service. Most calls that immediately hang up when answered or silent calls are generated by companies using automated dialers that generate large volumes of calls. These calls aren't intended to be of a malicious nature and it's possible they may eventually contact you again.

Use to Add space between paragraphs

Caller ID Spoofing

Caller ID spoofing /spam occurs when a caller deliberately changes the phone number displayed on your device from the actual number being dialed from.

There are, however, legitimate purposes for altering the Caller ID information provided when placing a call.

Use to Add space between paragraphs

FAQs

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

If you don’t see your answer in our FAQ section, we’re here to help.