Caller ID Spoofing / Fake Caller ID Scam

Don't believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren't always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up.

Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they are someone local, someone you trust like a government agency, police department, or your bank. The practice is called caller ID spoofing.

Here are a few tips for handling these calls:

• If you get a strange call from your Bank or IRS, HANG UP. The Bank employees won't call out of the blue to demand money or account information
• Don't give out or confirm your personal or financial information to someone who calls.
• Don't wire money (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/you-wire-money) or send money using a reloadable card.
• Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That's a sure sign of a scam.
• Want more tips for avoiding scams? Check out 10 Ways to Avoid Fraud. (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-things-you-can-do-avoid-fraud#_blank)