Week 2: Phone Number Spoofing

Week 2 of our countdown to International Fraud Awareness Week is focused on a more recent type of fraud:  phone number spoofing. Thanks (or no thanks) to technology, fraudsters have discovered a new way to target unsuspecting victims through fraudulent phone calls posing as “your credit union or bank”.

What Is Spoofing?

The scammer uses special technology to display a name and number of their choosing on the screen of the person who is receiving the call. In the past, they have commonly spoofed toll-free numbers of large national banks. They're now using more familiar and believable local area codes and phone numbers. By doing so, they can masquerade themselves as the friendly local credit union right down the street, a neighbor, a friend, or even a family member in need. 

What Is the Motivation of the Spoofer?

As with most forms of fraud, these criminals are looking for schemes that will pay off quick. If they are posing as a local credit union, or business, they may mislead the victim, alleging that there is an issue with their account that can only be resolved with a payment. In the event that they portray themselves as a friend or family member, they will lead the victim to believe that they are in an emergency situation and need money fast.

What Should You Do to Protect Yourself? 

1. Never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, payment information, passwords, or other personal information to unexpected callers.
2. If you are being pressured for information immediately, disconnect the call or use extreme caution when giving out information.
3. If a caller is seeking personal information and claims to be from a government agency or business, hang up and call the agency or business directly.
4. Make sure your voicemail account has a password so spoofers cannot access it.

Always remember, FCU will never call and ask for certain information. If you receive a call, that appears to be from Florida Credit Union, be advised that we will never ask for secure information, such as:

• Your debit or credit card number
• PIN
• Expiration Date 
• CVV code on the back of your card

Please be aware of these fraudulent calls and never provide personal information to the caller or automated recording prompts. If in doubt, please hang up on the caller and call FCU directly with any questions or concerns regarding suspicious calls. 
 

Sources: 
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id