Spoofing Explained

WHAT IS SPOOFING?

Spoofing is when a caller disguises their identity by deliberately misrepresenting the name or number that appears on your caller ID display. In most cases these calls try to trick you into providing valuable personal information such as your Social Security or credit card number.

Did You Know:  56 MILLION Americans lost nearly $19.7 billion from phone scams in 2020

Neighbor spoofing is when illegal robocallers display a phone number similar to yours, or use your area code or one from a neighboring area, in the hopes you are more likely to answer the call and provide personal information.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SPOOFING SCAMS

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers
• Hang up if you accidentally answer the phone
• Don’t hit any buttons if the caller or message instructs you to do so to stop getting these calls
• Don’t answer any questions
• Never provide any personal information in response to a robocall
• Verify when the caller claims to represent a company you know or a government agency. You always cancCall the company or agency using the number found on their website.
• File a complaint online with the FTC or call 1-877-FTC-HELP or FCC or call 1-888-CALL-FCC
• Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry