BBB Alert Warns Of Caller ID Spoofing

You may think you're getting a call from a local number because it pops up on caller ID as local area code but it's usually from overseas. This is called "Caller ID Spoofing. The callers advertise lower credit card interest rates and tries to get you to give them your credit card number.Southwest Louisiana Better Business Bureau President Carmen Million says:

"Con artists use software and devices to dial over the Internet and can then make any business name and phone number appears on the caller ID," This hijacking scheme allows callers to attempt to gain your trust, as well as your important personal or financial information."

According to the BBB these tips can help you avoid becoming a victim of Caller ID Spoofing:

• Never give out financial information, including bank account, credit card or social security numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call.
• Don't rely on caller ID. Scammers can spoof the number to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate business.
• Hang up. Don't press any buttons to speak to an operator or to unsubscribe. Responding will only show the scammers that they have a live, working number. This can lead to even more calls from other telemarketers.
• Block the phone number in your cellphone settings or ask your provider to block the number. (Make sure to ask the provider whether the company charges for this service.)