Sibling Shocked After Getting a Call from Their Late Mother’s Phone Number
ILLINOIS — A local sibling was left shaken after receiving what appeared to be a phone call from their deceased mother’s number, leading to a deeply unsettling exchange that has sparked discussion about phone number spoofing and emotional scams.
“Someone Just Called Me from Mom’s Number”
According to the message shared online, the sibling initially answered the call out of curiosity — believing it might be a network glitch or misdial. What they heard, however, was chilling.
“It was someone gasping for air. I said hello,” the sibling wrote. “Then a man came on the phone and said, ‘Listen man, [name] needs your help.’ I paused and said, ‘Oh really?’ and he hung up.”
The sibling later confirmed that their mother had passed away some time ago — making the incident even more disturbing.
Possible Explanation: Spoofing or Emotional Scam
Experts warn that caller ID spoofing — a tactic where scammers fake a phone number to appear familiar — is becoming more common. The goal is to get victims to answer calls they might otherwise ignore.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), criminals often use spoofing not only for scams but also to manipulate emotions, impersonate loved ones, or trick people into giving away information.
In some cases, scammers even use AI voice mimicking technology to imitate a family member’s tone or distress, which can make the situation feel eerily real.
A Growing Concern for Grieving Families
For those who’ve lost loved ones, receiving calls or texts from a deceased person’s number can be traumatic. Experts recommend reporting suspicious calls to both the FCC and your mobile carrier, and never sharing personal details or money over the phone.
While this Naperville case may be an example of digital trickery, it also highlights how technology can be used in unsettling ways — blurring the line between coincidence and the unexplainable.
Residents are reminded to stay alert and take precautions when answering unfamiliar or emotionally charged calls.
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Author: Avery Hughes Category: Local News
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.