I think we all get this from time to time. Telemarketers know that something will appear in the "caller id" so they "spoof" it to appear as the person they are actually calling so that maybe someone will answer.

As for emails purporting to be from someone you know, but when you open it, they are not - that is also a common scheme for spammers.

And sadly, these people do "have a life," - they are being paid to do this, it is their job. I don't feel "sorry" for them, but I do not applaud them, either. Yes, it is illegal. Yes, it is annoying. But if people make money at it, they will keep doing it!