Don’t Trust Caller ID: Why Phone Numbers Can Be Spoofed
Have you ever received a call or text that looks like it’s from your bank—but something just doesn’t feel right? That’s called spoofing—and it’s a common scam tactic.
What Is Spoofing?
Spoofing is when a scammer makes it look like they’re calling or texting you from a number you recognize—like your local branch or a customer service line. In reality, the message is coming from somewhere else entirely.
How to Spot It
Even if the number looks real:
- They may ask for sensitive info like your account number, password, or Social Security Number.
- They may try to create urgency or fear.
What You Can Do
- Don’t trust caller ID. It’s not a guarantee of legitimacy.
- Hang up and call back using a trusted number.
- Report suspicious calls or texts to your bank and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about common scams and share this knowledge with friends and family to help protect them as well!
