Phone spoofing is a fraudulent tactic in which scammers manipulate the information sent to your caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source, such as a local business, government agency, or even a friend. This method is becoming increasingly common and can be very convincing, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and know how to protect yourself.

How spoofing works

Spoofing involves changing the caller ID displayed on your phone to resemble a real number. This can make it appear as though you are receiving a call from someone you know or a legitimate organization, when in fact the call is coming from a scammer. The goal of spoofing is often to trick you into revealing personal information, making a payment, or granting access to sensitive accounts.

Example of a current local scam

Recently, residents of St. Mary’s County have reported receiving calls from numbers that appear to be from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. In these calls, the scammers pose as sheriff’s deputies and demand money for so-called “warrants.” THIS IS A SCAM! The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call and demand cash for a warrant or any other legal issue.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and do not respond. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to verify the legitimacy of suspicious calls by contacting the office directly at 301-475-8008.

Common Types of Spoofing Scams

Government scams: Scammers may impersonate government agencies, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement. They often claim there is an urgent issue, such as unpaid taxes or a legal case, and demand immediate payment to resolve the issue. Keep in mind that legitimate government agencies will never request payment over the phone.

Tech support scam: In this scam, you may receive a call claiming to be from a technology company, such as Microsoft or Apple, warning you that your computer has been infected. The scammer then asks you to install software or grant remote access to fix the problem, which allows them to steal your personal information.

Bank or financial institution scams: Scammers often pose as representatives of your bank or credit card company and claim there has been suspicious activity on your account. They may ask you to confirm your account information or passwords, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

Neighbor spoofing: This tactic involves using a phone number with the same area code and dialing prefix as your own, making it appear like a local call. The familiarity of the number increases the likelihood that you will answer and find a scammer on the other end.

How to avoid becoming a victim of spoofing

Don’t trust caller ID: Caller ID is not a reliable indicator of who is calling. Scammers can easily alter the information to make it look like the call is coming from someone you trust. If a call seems suspicious, it’s best to hang up and verify the number with a trusted source before responding.

Never send money: A legitimate organization or individual will never ask for immediate payment over the phone, especially via unconventional methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies. If a caller insists on urgent payment in this way, it is a clear sign of a scam.

Local example: The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office never asks for immediate payment over the phone. If someone asks for payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, it is definitely a scam.

Beware of urgency: Scammers often use aggressive tactics to create a sense of urgency, urging you to act quickly and without thinking. They may claim there is a problem with your bank account, that you owe taxes, or that a loved one is in danger. Always take a moment to step back, breathe, and independently verify the information before taking action.

Local Example: If you receive a call demanding immediate action or payment, such as for an alleged warrant, take a moment to verify it by contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly at 301-475-8008.

Advanced tips to protect yourself

Use call authentication technologies: Some phone companies offer services to authenticate incoming calls. The STIR/SHAKEN protocol, for example, is designed to reduce the effectiveness of spoofing by verifying the authenticity of the calling number. Check with your phone service provider to see if this is available.

Use third-party apps: There are several apps that can help identify and block spoofed calls. These apps use databases of known scam numbers and advanced algorithms to detect and block potential spoofing attempts.

Be skeptical of unwanted calls: If you receive an unexpected call, especially if you are asked for personal information or a payment, be cautious. Scammers often fake emergencies to pressure you into making quick decisions. Always verify the identity of the caller before giving out any information.

Learn about common scams: Familiarize yourself with common spoofing tactics and scams. The more you know, the better you can spot suspicious calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regularly update their websites with information on current scams and tips on how to protect yourself.

Check your phone bill regularly: Check your phone bill for unusual charges as scammers sometimes use spoofing to make expensive international or premium calls that are billed to your account.

Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry: While this won’t stop all scam calls, registering your number can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive and make it easier to identify potential spoofing attempts.

Report spoofing and fraud

If you suspect you have fallen victim to a spoofing scam, it is important to report it:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can file a complaint online at the FTC website or by calling their hotline.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC also accepts complaints related to spoofing and robocalls.

Your phone service provider: Some providers have their own reporting tools and may take additional steps to block fraudulent calls.

Diploma

Phone spoofing is a common problem, but if you stay alert and follow these tips, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Remember, if something seems odd, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust – hang up, verify, and stay safe.

For more information on how to protect yourself from phone spoofing and other scams, visit trusted online resources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Alternatively, contact your phone service provider for additional protection measures.

This entry was posted on August 14, 2024 at 7:01 pm and is filed under A, All News, Anne Arundel News, Calvert News, Charles News, Community, County, Law Enforcement, More News, Prince George’s News, St. Mary’s News, z 600X120 Top Ad Bottom, z 600X120 Top Ad Top. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.