When you get a call and see a number you don’t recognize, what do you do? Most people let it go to voicemail. But if your Caller ID shows your own number, or a local number that’s clearly fake, you know you’re dealing with a scam. And you’re not alone. In 2022, Americans got over 88 billion robocalls. By 2024, the problem hasn’t gotten better-it’s just gotten smarter. The real question isn’t whether you’re getting spam calls. It’s whether your phone system can protect you from them.
How Caller ID Works on Landlines
Landline Caller ID has been around since the 1980s. It works by sending a burst of data between the first and second ring. That data includes your phone number and, sometimes, your name. It’s simple. It’s reliable. And it’s also completely unencrypted.This means anyone with physical access to the phone line-like a technician at a junction box-can intercept that data. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. And because landline systems don’t verify who’s sending the info, scammers can easily fake a number. In 2021, a breach at T-Mobile exposed data that let fraudsters spoof landline numbers with startling accuracy.
Most landline providers offer basic Caller ID as part of their service. AT&T, for example, charges around $24.99 to $34.99 a month for residential service, with Caller ID included. But advanced privacy features? Things like blocking anonymous calls or creating custom block lists? Those are either not available or cost extra-$3 to $5 a month, if they’re offered at all. And even then, the tools are basic. AT&T’s Call Protect blocks about 60% of spam calls, according to user reports. That’s better than nothing, but it’s not enough.
How Caller ID Works on VoIP
VoIP doesn’t use copper wires. It uses your internet connection. That means Caller ID data travels as part of the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) header. This isn’t just a number-it’s a packet of information. VoIP can send your name, department, office extension, even CRM data if you’re using a business system.That flexibility is powerful. RingCentral, Vonage, and other VoIP providers let you customize what shows up on the recipient’s screen. But here’s the catch: because SIP headers are digital, they’re also easy to manipulate. Spoofing a VoIP number takes minutes, not hours. That’s why, in 2023, 42% of spoofed calls came from VoIP services, according to the FCC.
But VoIP isn’t defenseless. The industry responded with STIR/SHAKEN-a set of protocols that digitally sign calls to prove they’re legitimate. By early 2024, 98% of U.S. carriers had implemented it. The result? Verified spoofed calls dropped by 41% in one year. Providers like RingCentral now use AI to analyze call patterns. Their new ‘Call Sense’ tool flags suspicious calls with 92.7% accuracy in internal tests.
VoIP services also give you control. You can create custom block lists, set up call screening rules, get detailed logs of blocked calls, and even record conversations for evidence. One user on DSLReports used Plexatalk’s call recording feature to help law enforcement make two arrests. That’s something no landline can do.
Privacy Features Compared
Here’s what you actually get with each system:
| Feature | VoIP | Landline |
|---|---|---|
| Caller ID Encryption | Yes (TLS, SRTP) | No |
| STIR/SHAKEN Support | Yes (98% of providers) | Yes (carrier-dependent) |
| Custom Block Lists | Yes | Rarely |
| Call Recording | Yes (often included) | No |
| CRM Integration | Yes | No |
| Anonymous Call Rejection | Yes | Optional ($3-$5/month) |
| Average Number of Privacy Tools | 14 | 5 |
VoIP wins on features. But features mean complexity. If you don’t set up STIR/SHAKEN correctly, or if you ignore call screening rules, your privacy can be worse than with a landline. PC Magazine found that 38% of VoIP users get false positives-legitimate calls blocked because the system got confused. Landlines don’t have that problem. They just don’t have the tools to stop the spam in the first place.
Real-World User Experiences
Reddit user ‘PhoneSecurityPro’ switched from an AT&T landline to Vonage VoIP. They loved the ability to block entire area codes and get daily reports on blocked calls. Then, their own number was spoofed. Someone used their number to make scam calls. That’s not a flaw in VoIP-it’s a flaw in the system. Spoofing your own number is possible because Caller ID isn’t a secure identity. It’s just a label.
On Trustpilot, VoIP services average 4.3 stars for privacy features. Landlines? 3.1. Why? Because VoIP users can actually do something about spam. Landline users just get frustrated. One user wrote: “I pay for Call Protect. It blocks 60% of spam. The other 40%? I answer anyway, because I can’t risk missing a real call.”
And then there’s neighbor spoofing-where scammers use numbers with your area code and exchange. It’s the same on both systems. A 2024 Consumer Reports survey found 63% of VoIP users and 58% of landline users have been targeted. The difference? VoIP users can block those numbers permanently. Landline users? They’re stuck waiting for their provider to update their filter.
Setup, Cost, and Skill Requirements
Setting up a landline with Caller ID? Plug it in. Done. Five minutes. No tech skills needed.
Setting up VoIP for maximum privacy? That’s a different story. Nuacom’s 2024 guide says it takes 2 to 5 hours. You need to:
- Enable STIR/SHAKEN authentication
- Configure call screening rules
- Set up call recording (if you want it)
- Integrate with a spam database like Hiya or Robokiller
- Test everything
That’s a lot. But if you’re a business, it’s worth it. Deloitte found 89% of Fortune 500 companies use VoIP with advanced Caller ID analytics. They need the data. They can afford the setup.
For home users, the cost is similar. RingCentral starts at $19.99/month. AT&T landline is $24.99. But VoIP gives you more for the same price. And if you use your home internet for calls, you’re already paying for it. Landline? You’re paying for a separate line.
What’s Next? The Future of Caller ID Privacy
The FCC is cracking down. Fines for spoofing can now hit $10,000 per call. That’s a deterrent. But scammers are using AI voice cloning now. They can mimic your voice, your tone, even your accent. And they’re using spoofed Caller IDs to make it look like you’re calling yourself.
Experts agree: the next big leap is AI-powered authentication. By 2026, IDC predicts 72% of carriers will use machine learning to detect anomalies in call patterns. That means your phone might know a call is fake before it even rings.
But here’s the twist: landlines might still have a place. In rural areas with spotty internet, they’re still the only option. And for people who just want a phone that works-without apps, settings, or updates-they’re reliable.
Still, Gartner predicts landline Caller ID will be obsolete for privacy-sensitive use by 2027. Why? Because you can’t patch a 40-year-old system. You can’t add AI to copper wire.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want the simplest, most reliable option-no setup, no tech headaches-stick with your landline. But accept that you’re at the mercy of your provider’s filters. You won’t stop all spam. You won’t get detailed logs. You won’t record calls. And you won’t know if your number was spoofed until someone tells you.
If you want control, if you want to fight back, if you want to know exactly who’s calling and why-go VoIP. You’ll need to invest a little time upfront. But once it’s set up, you’ll have tools landlines can’t match: block lists, recording, AI screening, CRM integration. And if you’re worried about spoofing? STIR/SHAKEN and AI tools are making it harder every day.
The truth? Neither system is perfect. But VoIP gives you the tools to protect yourself. Landline just lets you hope for the best.
Can I block all spam calls on a landline?
No, not reliably. Landline providers offer basic spam filters like AT&T’s Call Protect, but they typically block only 60% of spam calls. There’s no way to create custom block lists, record calls, or get detailed reports. Your options are limited to what your provider offers, and updates are slow.
Is VoIP more secure than landline for Caller ID?
Yes, when properly configured. VoIP uses encryption (TLS, SRTP) and the STIR/SHAKEN framework to verify caller identity. Landlines transmit Caller ID in plain text with no encryption, making them vulnerable to interception. However, VoIP is also easier to spoof if settings aren’t locked down. Security depends on correct setup.
What is STIR/SHAKEN and does it help with Caller ID spoofing?
STIR/SHAKEN is a set of digital protocols that add cryptographic signatures to VoIP calls to prove they’re legitimate. It doesn’t stop spoofing entirely, but it lets your phone know if a call is verified. As of early 2024, 98% of U.S. carriers use it, and verified spoofed calls dropped by 41% in one year.
Can I use Caller ID privacy features with my existing phone?
With a landline, you’re limited to what your provider supports. With VoIP, you can use almost any phone-cordless, IP, or even your smartphone-with an adapter. Most VoIP providers include apps that let you manage Caller ID settings from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Are VoIP services worth the extra setup time?
If you get more than a few spam calls a week, yes. The initial setup takes 2-5 hours, but once done, you gain control: block numbers, record calls, see who’s calling before you answer, and get alerts when your number is spoofed. Landlines don’t offer these tools. For most people, the time investment pays off in peace of mind.
What’s the biggest risk with VoIP Caller ID?
The biggest risk is assuming it’s secure out of the box. Many users skip STIR/SHAKEN setup or ignore call screening rules. That leaves them vulnerable to spoofing. VoIP gives you powerful tools-but you have to use them. A poorly configured VoIP system can be less secure than a landline.
Bhagyashri Zokarkar
28 Nov 2025 at 11:35so i switched to voip last year after getting 17 spam calls in one day and honestly its been a game changer i didnt think i needed all those settings but once i turned on call screening and stirs/haken it felt like i finally had control like before i was just answering every call hoping its not another scammer now i see the label says 'possible spoof' and i just let it ring i even recorded one that used my number and sent it to the fcc they actually replied wow