3 minute read
What Is Caller ID Spoofing?
Posted on June 17, 2021
Have you ever checked the caller ID and decided it was a call you wanted to take, only to find out when you answered the call, it was not the caller you expected? If this has happened to you, you have been the victim of Caller ID spoofing.
Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsified the information transmitted to your caller ID (including on your mobile phone) to disguise their identity. Spoofing can be used to gain valuable information for fraudulent activity. For example, a fraudster could call you from their mobile phone but your caller ID would display that the Texas State Lottery is calling.
While there may be legitimate uses for caller ID spoofing, such as for law enforcement purposes, the fraudulent uses of the practice are increasing. Here are some uses that are not considered legitimate:
- Voicemail hacking
- Wire Fraud
- Phone Phishing
- Threats
- Prank Calls
Don’t assume it is who the caller ID says it is, even a relative, your children’s school or the police department.
While there is currently no way to block your phone from caller ID spoofing, you may want to talk to your phone company about call blocking tools or you can check into apps that may block unwanted calls. Here are some common tips to remember when you receive any phone call:
- Don’t trust anyone. Anyone you do business with already has the information they need about you.
- Don’t assume it is who the caller ID says it is, even a relative, your children’s school or the police department.
Remember, Texell has your information! We will never contact you to ask for your social security number, your credit card number, your account number or your e-Branch Home Banking or Mobile Banking credentials. Never give personal information out over the phone unless you initiate the phone call.
If you wish to comment on this article or have an idea for a topic we should cover, we want to hear from you! Email us at editor@texell.org.
