New Phone Scam

According to the Better Business Bureau, there is another new phone scam going around. Here’s how the scam works: Your phone rings and you see your name and phone number pop up on caller ID. If you answer, a computerized message claims to be able to lower your credit card interest rates. In some cases, consumers are informed they can supposedly opt-out of future calls by pressing “1”. People who do so can count on receiving more calls of this nature from other shady telemarketing firms. Any action consumers take tells fraudsters that a phone number is ‘good’ and that number is added to phone lists which scammers then sell to other scammers. The practice of using technology to alter or disguise the true number of an incoming telephone call is known as “spoofing,” and its use is growing among criminals who also use this technique to pretend they are calling from a well-known company or government agency. By hijacking the names and phone numbers of organizations with which you are familiar, the callers attempt to gain your trust in hopes they can trick you into handing over personal or financial information. So, please be aware of who’s calling you. If something seems wrong or a little “off”, dont’ answer. Just let it go to voicemail and delete the message.