One of the most effective ways a fraudster can gain information to help them commit their crimes is by using Caller ID Spoofing. Ironically, the fraudster will often impersonate someone from the victim’s financial institution intending to protect the cardholder from fraud.
Verizon website defines Caller ID spoofing as follows:
- Caller ID spoofing is the process of changing the Caller ID to any number other than the actual calling number.
- Caller ID spoofing happens when a caller knowingly falsifies the info transmitted to disguise the number they're calling from.
- The number that displays on your Caller ID may look as though it's coming from a government agency, business, or even someone in your contacts list in an attempt to trick you into answering the call.
- If the caller's intent is to defraud, cause harm or scam you into providing info you may not otherwise provide over the phone, the spoofing is illegal.
- If no harm is intended or caused, the spoofing is not illegal. Some people may have legitimate reasons to hide their info, such as a law enforcement agency or a doctor's office.
The fraudster will ask for sensitive information. If the cardholder is suspicious, the fraudster will convince the victim the call is genuine by directing them to view the caller ID and noting it displays the same number printed on the back of the victim’s card. Once the fraudster gains a victim’s trust they are more likely to give out information they otherwise would not.
The most important thing for anyone with a phone to understand about Caller ID Spoofing is that it exists. One should never trust a caller simply because of Caller ID.
It’s very important for Campus Federal members to know we will never ask for PIN numbers, three-digit security codes or passwords. And no other financial institution will ever ask for this information either. No matter how convincing the caller may seem, if they ask for any of these items, hang up and call your financial institution directly.