Spotting a Scam

The phone rang today and my caller ID showed a company name that I am familiar with.  The caller did not pronounce my last name correctly and I could hear other people in the background talking in what sounded like a call center.  How do you handle calls like this?  For me, I simply asked the caller to take me off 'the list' before hanging up.   

The caller ID feature was initially designed to provide accurate information about the identity of  callers.  It didn't take too long before someone figured out how to modify the information displayed.  This is also known as "spoofing".   Did you know that there are tools available on the Internet (free or at low cost) to change the information on your caller ID?  Check your favorite Internet search engines (Google, Bing, etc.); search for "disguise phone number" or "mask your phone number".   You might be surprised how many tools are available.  Here is an example of a free app that will modify the caller ID displayed on your cell phone:

Another tool allows you to make a call via the Internet.  You enter the caller ID information you want displayed.  You're also provided options including the ability to change the pitch of your voice during the call.  The site offers a trial version to test making a call but the normal rates run from $0.10 to $0.50 per minute for services ranging from caller ID spoofing, text message capability, voice modification and the option to record your call for up to 6 months.   Those costs are pretty reasonable which makes this something for just about anyone.

It might seem like this should be illegal but it isn't.   The FCC created the Truth in Caller ID Act (read more about the Act at:  https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/articles/202654304-Caller-ID-and-Spoofing) to provide consequences for some types of caller ID fraud.  The Act prohibits "any person or entity from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value."  Violators may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 for each violation.   

The FCC requires that violators intended to "defraud, cause harm or wrongfully obtain anything of value".  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word defraud as  "to trick or cheat someone or something in order to get money:  to use fraud in order to get money from a person, an organization, etc.".  Unless the "prankster" defrauds, causes harm or wrongfully obtains anything of value, the recipient may not file a complaint with the FCC.  The FCC provides a link to file an online complaint when the conditions are met. 

Courts and Law Enforcement agencies are exempt from the FCC Act.  That's probably not a bad idea given that they're generally dealing with people who can't comply with the standards of laws.  You might wonder how telemarketers get around this rule.   Telemarketers are permitted to modify their caller ID to show the name and main telephone number of the organization since they may have employees calling from multiple locations.  This main company phone number displayed must provide consumers a way to opt out of future telephone calls.  I'll keep this in mind for the future.

Never rely on the information displayed on your caller ID as trustworthy.  I provided you two examples of tools that demonstrate how easy it is to change the caller ID displayed on the receivers device; there are many more tools out there.  Many people will use these tools without considering the consequences or when they're in jeopardy of violating the Truth in Caller ID Act.  Be careful, unless you initiated the call do not provide personal information to the caller, even when the

caller ID displays the name of a company that might be calling to tell you you've won millions or have a date with a star.  Check the Internet for a credible phone number to return the call.