Neighbor spoofing – taking outgoing caller ID to look like a local number - is a common technique used by scammers.
The callers then use auto-dialing software to call every number that begins with the same six digits. So when your phone rings, you’ll see a number similar to your own, which increases the likelihood you’ll answer.
In some cases, the number that appears on your caller ID could even be your own.
“It’s very easy for scam artists to put the phone number that they choose on your caller ID,” said Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen.
Once you answer, the person on the other end of the call will usually try to get you to divulge personal information or send them money.
“They use pressure tactics. You know, something bad is going to happen unless you make a payment and you make that payment very, very quickly, even immediately,” Jepsen said.
Jepsen says the best tactic is to ignore the call and wait to see if the caller leaves a message. He says simply answering the phone could make you a target.
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“Scam artists actually compile lists of phone numbers that work, phone numbers that reach a live person, and sell these lists to other scammers,” Jepsen said.
Even pressing a button to opt out of future calls to talk to a live person just confirms to the caller that they have reached an active line.
You can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
