What is Call Spoofing? How to Spot this Scam

Have you ever received a phone call from someone claiming to be from a specific organization and asking for your personal information or sensitive data? If so, you may have experienced “spoofing,” a common tactic used by scammers. Call spoofing is a common tactic where scammers alter their caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted entity, such as a bank, credit union, or government agency. Their goal is to trick you into providing sensitive information like your Social Security number, credit card details, or banking information.

Recently, there has been an increase in spoofing incidents targeting financial institutions and credit union members. In this post, we will outline strategies for identifying these scams and protective measures that HFS FCU members can use to safeguard their information.

Call Spoofing Meaning: Understanding the Basics

Call spoofing occurs when a scammer disguises their phone number to make it appear as though they are a trusted entity. This tactic is often used to gain access to confidential information. At HFS FCU, we have received numerous reports from our members about call spoofing, making it essential to educate everyone on how to recognize and respond to this scam.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between a spoofed call and a typical call. A spoofed call uses technology to display local numbers or even your own number, and you might see an official-looking name on your phone screen. In contrast, a typical incoming call will show the actual number and name of the individual or calling entity.

One reason call spoofing has become so popular is that the technology is readily available and affordable, making it an attractive tool for scammers.

How Does Call Spoofing Work?

Spoofing is a common scam that involves a somewhat sophisticated process. Scammers often use VoIP services to make calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. They utilize specialized software that allows them to manually enter any phone number they choose. This is the number that will appear on the caller ID, and it often resembles a credible institution or entity.

Any phone number can be spoofed, including exact matches to existing numbers, which is part of what makes these scams convincing. For instance, a scammer could spoof the exact phone number of HFS FCU. The main objective of a spoofing scammer is to create a sense of urgency to obtain confidential information. They may request verification codes, personal or account details, or ask you to confirm a text message they claim to have “just sent.”

Common Call Spoofing Scams Targeting Credit Union Members

The best way to protect yourself from caller ID spoofing scams is to be aware of common scenarios and hang up before the scammer can obtain the information they seek. Here are some common scams that credit union members are likely to encounter:

• Callers impersonating HFS FCU are claiming they’ve found suspicious activity on your account. They’ll often ask you to verify your account information as part of an urgent security update. Mobile deposit check scams and bill pay scams are also common tactics during spoofed calls.
• Callers impersonating a government agency like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a law enforcement agency attempt to gain your Social Security number or other sensitive, personal information.
• Callers impersonating a utility company, tech support, or an emergency service, or an emergency scam that requests immediate payment for a made-up service.

How to Detect Call Spoofing: Warning Signs to Watch For

So how do you know if you’re on the receiving end of a spoofed call? Here’s a look at some of the warning signs to watch for:

• Callers that create a sense of urgency and ask you to take immediate action.
• Requests for bank account information, PINs, or Social Security numbers.
• Threats of account closure or legal action if you fail to take fast action.
• Callers that are seemingly reading from a script and appear confused or thrown off if you ask them a question that their script doesn’t prepare them to answer.
• Unusual background noises.
• Callers are pressuring you to stay on the line and not offering callback opportunities. Let unknown numbers roll to your voicemail box, then return the call using a trusted number you recognize, not the caller ID display.

Please be aware that no legitimate HFS FCU representative will ever contact you by phone to request sensitive details, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other confidential financial information. Learn more about how to protect your identity when you receive a personal information request here.

What HFS FCU Won’t Ask You Over the Phone

To be clear, HFS FCU will never request your full Social Security number, full account number, banking passwords or PINs, or ask you to wire money or make an immediate transfer over the phone. Scammers may also attempt credit card scams to obtain information on such accounts.

If you suspect that you’re on the receiving end of a spoofed call impersonating an HFS FCU representative, hang up and call the credit union directly.

Protect Yourself from Call Spoofing: Step-by-Step Actions

How can you avoid falling victim to a call spoofing scam? Here are some best practices to follow:

• Never share sensitive information over the phone, especially if the caller is unsolicited.
• Know the signs of a spoofing scam and end the phone call. Instead of trusting an unsolicited call, it’s always best to call the organization or institution on its official number to verify any requests.
• Use call-blocking apps or carrier services to prevent spoofed number calls. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
• Enable two-factor authentication for all your accounts to add an extra layer of security. Learn more about fraud prevention in HFS FCU’s education center.

Remember, if you receive a phone call and it appears suspicious, it probably is. Always trust your instincts and hang up the phone if you believe you are being spoofed.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted by a Call Spoofing Scam

If you’ve answered what you believe is a spoofing call, it’s essential to respond appropriately to protect your information and potentially prevent future identity theft. Here’s a look at what you should do:

• Hang up the phone immediately without providing any information the scammer is asking for.
• Contact HFS FCU (or the organization the caller is impersonating) to verify the scam and ensure your accounts are secure.
• Report the incident to the FTC, FCC, and local authorities.

Early reporting not only helps keep your accounts and information secure but also helps prevent financial loss for others. While you should constantly monitor your bank accounts for unusual activity, it is especially important after a spoofing attempt. You may want to consider instituting fraud alerts, especially if you suspect that any of your personal information may have been compromised. A money mule scam is a common scam that HFS FCU members should be aware of.

Take Control of Your Security with HFS FCU

At HFS FCU, we proactively monitor and educate our members about emerging scams, including call spoofing.  We encourage members to set up security alerts and regularly review our educational resources to stay informed about the latest threats. Remember, we’re always here to answer questions about suspicious calls or any concerns regarding account security. Contact HFS FCU today for more information on the measures we’re taking to keep our members safe.

FAQs About Call Spoofing

Can scammers really make their number look exactly like HFS FCU’s phone number?

Yes. Scammers can use ID spoofing technology to impersonate HFS FCU (or any credible organization) to trick people into thinking a call is legitimate. They may impersonate HFS FCU to steal personal information and gain access to your bank accounts.

If I answer a spoofed call, can they access my phone or accounts?

Answering a phone call won’t automatically provide them with access to any confidential information. However, if you provide the caller with passwords, account information, or other personal details, they could gain access to these platforms.

Should I block numbers that appear to be spoofed calls from HFS FCU?

Yes, you should block any numbers you believe are spoofed. However, don’t think that blocking one number means a scammer won’t try to spoof you again. They’ll likely call back from another number, so knowing the common signs of a spoofed call remains important.

Will HFS FCU ever call me about suspicious activity on my account?

Yes. However, when we contact you to alert you to any suspicious activity on your account, please be assured that we will never ask for any sensitive information. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from HFS FCU asking for this information, proceed with caution. It’s best to hang up and call HFS FCU directly if you’re unsure.

How can I report a spoofed call claiming to be from HFS FCU?

We suggest filing complaints directly with the FTC, FCC, and HFS FCU. Ideally, we can gather data to stop scams, hold scammers accountable, and prevent other HFS FCU members from being spoofed in the future.

Are there apps that can help detect or block call spoofing attempts?

You might try apps such as RoboKiller, Truecaller, Nomorobo, and Hiya, which work to identify and block spam calls. Many cellphone providers also offer call screening as an add-on to help people avoid scams.