Don't Trust Cell Phone Calller ID

Did you know there are apps like (I’m not going to name them) for iPhone and Android that allow a user to fake their cell phone identity?

Even worse, these apps  are sold on the Apple and Android app stores.

Unbelievable? Yes, but it’s true. These apps were created for legitimate uses such as police shielding their identity or a salesman for a national company who wants to appear locally-based.

Of course, crooks grabbed hold of this immediately. It works like this. You download the app, enter the number you want to call then put in the number you want to appear on the recipient’s caller ID. That fake number could be someone’s bank, a credit card company, the IRS, Medicare, or any number that might seem legit.

The Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 makes it legal to spoof caller ID unless the intent is to defraud, cause harm or wrongfully obtain anything of value. Proving that is as difficult as you can imagine.

Beware

Beware of any phone call you receive that claims to be a company you might do business with. Never give any information to anyone who calls even if the Caller ID is a name you recognize. Tell them you’ll call back then do so with a number you obtain from the back of your credit card or a number you know is correct.

Takeaway Truth

There are more fakes, scams, and crooks out there than you can possibly imagine. Beware and take care.