Caller ID Scam

 

The FTC is warning people the number listed on caller ID may not be the person or institution calling. Cyber criminals are able to spoof a phone number; that is the number appearing on caller ID is not the actual originating phone number.

 

Scammers are trying to pressure people into giving out personal information as well as making wire transfers, or credit card transactions over the phone. People need to be aware that banks and legitimate institutions do not insist on phone transactions. The Federal Trade Commission warns “Don’t rely on caller ID to verify who’s calling. It can be nearly impossible to tell whether the caller ID information is real”

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/scammers-can-fake-caller-id-info?utm_source=govdelivery

 

Let the call go to voicemail, and research the call information later. Caution is never a bad thing. Some other tips to avoid a phone scam are:

• Caller insists they are from the government check it out, visit the official (.gov) website for contact information. Government employees won’t call out of the blue to demand money or account information.
• Never give — or confirm —  personal or financial information to someone who calls.
• Don’t wire money or send money using a reloadable card. Never pay over the phone to anyone who calls.
• If the caller is insistent or pressuring hang up. That’s a sure sign of a scam.

 

If you feel a call was a scam report it to the Federal Trade Commission as well as the Federal Communications Commission at these websites:

 

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1

https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=39744

 

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