What Is Spoofing?
Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that you may already know and trust. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to steal your money or valuable personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity.
Examples of Spoofing
We have noticed an increase in customer reports regarding spoofing incidents. The caller ID displays names like “Ergo Bank” or “Farmers State Bank”, and the callers often say:- “We are looking to update our customer information”
- "Our system has detected unusual activity on Ergo Bank's log in portal"
- “Please verify your ACH details, a payment has been flagged"
What To Do If You Receive an Unexpected Call
Please remain vigilant and cautious when receiving such calls. These callers are trying to extract your personal information. If you receive a call like this here are some steps you should take:
Do Not Share Personal Information
Never provide sensitive information such as your social security number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone unless you are absolutely certain of the caller’s identity.
Verify the Caller
Hang up and contact your bank directly using the phone number listed on their official website or your bank statements. This way, you can confirm whether the call you received was legitimate.
Report Suspicious Calls
If you suspect a call is fraudulent, report it to your bank and local authorities, providing them with as much detail as possible.
Educate Others
Share your knowledge about these scams with family and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable.
Stay Updated
Keep an eye on your bank statements and accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Regular monitoring can help you catch any suspicious activity.
Adjust Your Phone Settings
If you have a voice mail account with your phone service, be sure to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number. A hacker could spoof your home phone number and gain access to your voice mail if you do not set a password.
Block Robocalls
Talk to your phone company about call blocking tools and check into apps that you can download to your mobile device. The FCC allows phone companies to block robocalls by default based on reasonable analytics. More information about robocall blocking is available at
fcc.gov/robocalls.
Use Caution
Be wary if you are being pressured for information immediately. Remember, banks will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Always prioritize your security and be proactive in protecting your personal data. If something feels off about a call, trust your instincts and hang up.
