Jami Wright

What is Caller ID Spoofing and How Can it Hurt You



Posted: Sunday, May 03, 2009

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That phone call you are getting right now that is showing on your caller ID as the IRS. Is that really the IRS? How about the one you get next week that is from your credit card company? The voice on the other end says they are. And now they want you to verify your credit card number over the phone.

How do you know it is really them? You don't. There are many companies that allow you to spoof your caller id and even disguise your voice for a few dollars.

Now most of us are thinking, cool April fools joke. But some people will abuse this system for their own financial means. There are reports of these types of scams popping up all over America . Your bank calls you and tells you that your debit card is disabled, please verify your credit card number. This article will give you some tips on how to protect yourself from these scams.

First, the law is on your side. A bill was passed through the house and senate stating it is unlawful to intentionally mislead or be inaccurate with your caller ID. There are also some states that are outlawing the use of caller ID spoofing.

When you get someone calls you to verify account information you should hang up the phone and call that business directly. Tell them that someone called you representing them and they should be able to verify if that is true.

They will also be able to tell you if there is something wrong with your account.

A good general rule is that if someone calls you to get your information DO NOT give it to them. The spoofing does not work the other way around. The criminals cannot be on the other end when you call the company.

Next, if you do verify that this is a scam notify the authorities and make sure the word gets out there that there is something fishy going on. This will help to protect your neighbors too.

Most likely when you hang up they are already dialing that next number to hook a fish on the line.

Jami Wright is a successful stay at home housewife and online writer.  She has published on mutlipe sites and enjoys writing about anything and everything.  She is also working on two paranormal romance series that will be published within the next two years.  I write at other sites and would be happy to recommend you if you send me an email request.  jcoolcash11@gmail.com Thank you for taking the time to read my work.
 
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)
» left by David Pekrul
 2 years 261 days ago.
66 fans.
I can't understand people who give out their personal information over the phone or internet. They are just asking for it. Thanks for this article. Maybe someone who would give out their information will read and be warned.
» left by Lorrie Davids
 2 years 258 days ago.
96 fans.
Good information for us, Jami. Thanks for sharing it. I don't know why anyone would give out personal info to a caller. I am not trusting at all, maybe that is good. I usually just tell anyone calling that I don't do business over the phone and if they need to contact me, mail the info. Usually, if they are legit, they already have my email and physical addys anyway.
» left by Connor Davidson
 2 years 255 days ago.
89 fans. Follow Connor Davidson on twitter!
Great article. Well done.
 
I is amazing what people will believe and give away over the phone.
» left by John Weber
 2 years 254 days ago.
12 fans.
Good information, Jami. I've embarrassed to say I've been scammed in the past and I'm now hyper-sensitive to these kind of calls.
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