Caller ID Spoofing: Do You Know Who’s Calling You?

For people who screen their calls, caller ID can be a favorable device.

For scam artists, the tool can be used to manipulate the information for an incoming call.

According to Forsyth Police Department’s Sergeant David Asbell caller ID spoofing doesn’t take a genius to figure out. The applications can be purchased through smartphones for just a few dollars.

“Just use common sense. No law enforcement officer is ever going to sit there and ask you for personal information over the phone. If we’re going to ask you for any type of information, the officer’s going to come out and present credentials or they’re going to ask you to come to the station.”

Caller ID spoofing applications can also be purchased through the internet.
Law enforcement agencies and banks will never ask for personal information over the phone.

Scammers can change the information on the display and make it seem like they’re calling from anywhere they choose.

If you’re unsure about the person on the other line, hang up and call the direct number of the organization calling you. Do not call the number back on the caller ID.