A lot of people use caller ID as a convenience to screen for unwanted calls. Some have used it for years to avoid telemarketers, and some use it for their own personal safety.
But some con men have found a way to get around the system. For example, you can go to a web site called www.spoofcard.com and pay for a way to have a fake number appear on someone’s caller ID. This commercial service allows callers to disguise their phone number so that when they place a call, a different number and/or name shows up the caller I.D. screen.
It is another example of what we call “spoofing.” For as little as $10, web sites such as SpoofCard.com will let you disguise your phone number. For example, one could use a cell phone to call someone else's phone and disguise the caller ID simply by going through the SpoofCard number first. A spoofing service can make it appear as though the call is from anyone, anywhere -- from your local bank to the Governor, or even the White House.
And that is not the only thing that current technology can disguise.
Someone intent on disguising their identity can also speak in a normal voice, but the computer alters it so the person at the other end hears what sounds like the voice of a woman. It is not illegal to alter your voice or disguise your number unless a telemarketer does it to get around the Do-Not-call registry and get you on the phone.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from falling victim:
· Do not give any personal information to an unfamiliar company, whether it’s by phone, mail or e-mail. This includes credit card numbers, credit card expiration dates, your social security number, driver’s license number, bank account numbers or any other personal information. Even if you are told it is only for “identification” or “verification” purposes, this information can be used to make unauthorized purchases.
· Do not provide sensitive information over the phone just because the caller ID says you are talking to a trusted source. Con artists can hack into caller ID systems and caller ID spoofing is not currently prohibited by law. Do not automatically trust a phone number based on its area code.
· Be leery of “banks” or “credit card companies” requesting verification of account numbers. If your bank or credit card company has a legitimate reason to call, they will not need to request identifying information because they already have it on record.
· Arm yourself with information. If you have a question or concern about a merchant or marketplace transaction and for additional information on protecting yourself from scams and for advice you can trust, contact your local BBB at 256.533.1640 or 800.239.1642 or start with www.bbb.org.