Fraud Alert: Spoofing

Podcast Transcription

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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PFCU’s Money Talk podcast, as always, I’m your host, Maddy. Today’s episode is a fraud alert about spoofing.

For those of you that might not know, caller ID spoofing is when a caller falsifies the information that appears on your caller ID display. Criminals use this scamming method in hopes of tricking someone into giving up personal information. For example, these spoofing calls will look like they’re coming from a local number with a recognizable area code or could even be the same number as an actual business or government agency. I know that when I see these calls come in, I’m certainly more inclined to answer if the number looks familiar or local.

So, it can really be hard to tell if a call is spoofed, especially if it’s coming through as the exact same number as someone or somewhere that you know. This is why you should be careful of any calls from someone that is requesting personal information, especially if you are not expecting the call. So, here are some tips from the Federal Communications Commission to avoid these spoofing scams:

Number one is not to answer calls from unknown numbers and if you do answer one of those calls, hang up immediately. I always say if it’s important or from someone that you know, they can leave you a message.

And if you do answer the phone and the caller, or a recording, asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.

Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with "Yes" or "No." It may seem harmless, but they can easily use the recording of your voice to authorize charges.

Tip number four is to never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.

If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, hang up and call the number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government agency's website. That way you can verify the authenticity of the request. You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source, especially if the caller is asking for payment. So, if you are at all unsure, just double check that information.

Tip number six is to use caution if you are being pressured or threatened for information immediately. That is a big red flag that you are dealing with a scammer.

Number seven is that if you have a voicemail account with your phone service, be sure to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number. So, a hacker could spoof your phone number and gain access to your voicemail if you do not set a password. And I did not know this, so if you didn’t either, make sure you are setting that password for your voicemail.

And the last tip is to talk to your phone company about call blocking tools that they might have and check into apps that you can download to your mobile device to block unwanted calls. If you want more information on available robocall blocking tools, you can go to fcc.gov/robocalls.

If you receive a call and you suspect caller ID information has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your phone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC. 

For more information you can visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website. Thanks for listening, everyone, see you next time!

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