Can several people use the same telephone number?¶

An investigation may identify one number connected to several people.

Evidential caution: that one telephone number must have one human user.

What this means¶

A physical handset may be shared within a household, workplace or criminal group. A business line may be answered or used by several staff members. A messaging account linked to the number may also be active on several devices.

Call forwarding, shared VoIP systems, dual-SIM arrangements and linked desktop sessions can allow communications associated with one number to be handled in several places.

The subscriber record may therefore identify the account holder without identifying the person who made a particular call or sent a particular message.

Consider whether the number was used through a shared organisational platform or whether access could be delegated. A receptionist, colleague, family member or administrator may have been able to send or receive communications using the same number.

In reports, distinguish between the number being associated with several people and a particular person using it at a particular time.

What to check or do next¶

• Preserve evidence of device and session use around the relevant event. This may include handset possession, SIM association, linked devices, access logs, shift records, location, witness evidence and surrounding communications.
• Look at timing. A number may pass between users during the day, across shifts or after a device is borrowed, sold or seized.

Evidential limits¶

Do not assume shared access means every user is responsible for every communication. Attribute each event separately.