Neighbor Spoofing: What You Need To Know

Sep 05, 2018 Safety & Security

Scammers are using fake caller IDs to trick you into picking up the phone. Learn how you can protect your personal information.

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Have you been receiving phone calls from numbers that look similar or identical to yours? Chances are you’re a victim of neighbor spoofing, along with thousands of other people in the United States. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently issued a $120 million fine to a telemarketer for spoofed robocalls, the largest fine ever in FCC history.

Phone Scam Alert

What’s Neighbor Spoofing?

Con artists and scammers are using a new technique called neighbor spoofing to get individuals to pick up the phone and share personal information. People typically don’t answer the phone for an out-of-state or blocked number, so scammers had to get creative.

The scammer will use a phone spoofing program to call someone using a phone number that’s very similar to theirs. The idea is that the victim will answer, thinking it’s someone they know. Once they answer, it’s possible they can fall into a bigger trap by answering questions or pushing buttons for the scammer.

Tips For Avoiding Phone Spoofing Scams

Summary

Just in case, check your voicemail periodically to make sure you aren’t missing important calls and to clear out any spam calls that might fill your voicemail box to capacity.

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