{"id":6822,"date":"2024-10-16T12:23:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T19:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missionfed.com\/?p=6822"},"modified":"2024-10-16T12:33:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T19:33:27","slug":"callerid-spoofing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.missionfed.com\/news-stories\/callerid-spoofing\/","title":{"rendered":"How Caller ID Spoofing Works\u2014and What You Can Do About It"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all love the convenience of seeing who’s calling before we pick up the phone. But sometimes, that number on your screen isn’t what it seems. Caller ID spoofing is a sneaky tactic scammers use to make you think the call is from someone you trust\u2014whether it’s a local business, your bank or credit union, or even a government agency. <\/p>\n

But don\u2019t worry\u2014Mission Fed is here to help you stay informed and stay safe. Here\u2019s what you need to know about caller ID spoofing and how to stay one step ahead.<\/p>\n

What Is Caller ID Spoofing?<\/h2>\n

Caller ID spoofing is when a scammer deliberately changes the phone number that shows up on your phone\u2019s caller ID. The goal is simple: trick you into picking up and potentially sharing personal info. They might pretend to be your bank, a government agency, or even a local number you recognize. By making you believe you\u2019re connected with a legitimate company, scammers will then try to get you to let your guard down and share sensitive information.<\/p>\n

How Does Caller ID Spoofing Work?<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s how scammers pull this off:<\/p>\n

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  1. They pick a number that looks familiar \u2013<\/strong> It might have your area code or appear to come from a trusted business. It may even be identical to a number you know and recognize. The idea is to make it look like someone you\u2019d normally pick up for.<\/li>\n
  2. They use software to disguise or spoof the number \u2013<\/strong> Technology lets them disguise their real number, manipulating caller ID, so the number you see isn\u2019t where the call is really coming from.<\/li>\n
  3. They hope you\u2019ll answer and share info \u2013<\/strong> Once you pick up, the scammer might pretend to be from a trusted source, asking for your bank info, Social Security number, or account passwords.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Common Caller ID Spoofing Scams<\/h2>\n

    Scammers have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to caller ID spoofing. Here\u2019s how they often operate:<\/p>\n