Local news- Press Release
Township of Franklin New Jersey - Important Notice Beware of Caller ID Spoofing 01 February 2024 ( news )
Township of Franklin , state New Jersey ( By Press Release office)
Feb 01,2024
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Beware of Caller ID Spoofing
In recent times , our community has witnessed a surge incaller ID spoofingphone calls , compelling a heightened awareness to protect ourselves from potential scams and fraudulent activities .
Caller ID spoofing
is a misleading act where a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display . This can make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source , such as a government agency , bank , or other trusted entity , when in reality , it is a scam or fraudulent attempt .
The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) has prioritized the fight against unlawful robocalls and malicious caller ID spoofing as a top consumer protection measure . FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasizes , "
We ' re not going to stop until we get robocallers , spoofers , and scammers off the line .
"
To stay ahead of potential scams , the FCC recommends the following proactive steps:
Don ' t Hang On , Hang Up!
Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers .
If the caller prompts you to press a button to stop calls , hang up immediately – scammers use this to identify potential targets .
If a call seems suspicious or requests personal information , hang up promptly and never disclose sensitive details .
Verify Calls Using Publicly Advertised Numbers:
If a call claims to be from a reputable entity , hang up and call the phone number on your account statement or on the company ' s or government agency ' s website to verify the authenticity of the request .
Block Suspicious Numbers:
Call blocking is a tool used by phone companies to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone . Visit
https://www . fcc . gov/call - blockingfor call blocking tools and resources available to protect you from unwanted and illegal calls .
NOTE:
If a telephone number is blocked or labeled as a "potential scam" or "spam" on your caller ID , it is possible the number has been spoofed . Several phone companies and app developers offer call - blocking and labeling services that detect whether a call is likely to be fraudulent based on call patterns , consumer complaints or other means . Pay attention to such labels and treat calls from labeled numbers with caution .
File a Complaint with the FCC:
If you become a victim of Caller ID spoofing ,
File a complaint with the FCCto help them investigate and take appropriate action against the perpetrators .
Download the "Avoid Spoofing Scams"
TIP CARD Graphic
for a handy reminder . To provide you with a convenient and visual reminder of key tips to prevent spoofing scams , the FCC created a helpful TIP CARD graphic . Download it and keep it as a handy reference to reinforce your defenses against potential scams and fraudulent activities .
Additional Insights and Recommendations from the FCC:
What can you do if your number is being spoofed?
If you get calls from people saying your number is showing up on their caller ID , it ' s likely that your number has been spoofed . The FCC highly recommends to not answer calls from unknown numbers , but if you do , explain that your telephone number is being spoofed and that you did not actually make any calls . You can also place a message on your voicemail letting callers know that your number is being spoofed .
What is neighbor spoofing?
Robocallers use neighbor spoofing , which displays a phone number similar to your own on your caller ID , to increase the likelihood that you will answer the call .
What is a Robocall?
Robocalls are calls made with an autodialer or that contain a message made with a prerecorded or artificial voice .
When is spoofing illegal?
Under the
Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009
, FCC rules prohibit anyone from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud , cause harm or wrongly obtain anything of value .
Stay informed , stay safe , and stand guard against scammers!
The information in this article is based on common knowledge , advice , and recommendations related to caller ID spoofing and robocalls from the FCC . . For the most current and detailed information , please refer to the official FCC website at
FCC
.
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