You’re Calling Yourself? Scam

Like other spoofed number scams, this one is fake…but your number appears on the caller ID.

Who Is It Targeting: Phone users

What Is It: A bizarre spoofing scam that tricks you into turning over your Social Security number

What Are They After: If you ever pick up your phone and see your own phone number on the caller ID, don’t answer it. By “spoofing” the phone number and using your own digits, scammers are hoping to trick you into believing they’re calling from your phone provider (that’s why your own number appeared on the screen, supposedly). They threaten to disconnect your service due to suspicious activity until you verify your account holder information, including things like your Social Security number.

How Can You Avoid It:

• Your phone company will never call you from a faked phone number, even yours.
• Never give out your sensitive information over the phone, no matter what excuse the caller gives.
• Remember, there’s nothing wrong with refusing to answer; if it was legitimate and important, they’ll leave a message, call back, or wait for you to return the call.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530. Find more information about current scams and alerts here. For full details of this scam check out this article from VisaliaTimesDelta.com.