April 4, 2008 Dollars & Sense
Caller ID numbers may be falsified.
We’re all aware of “Phishing” scams in which crooks send e-mails asking consumers to “verify” or “re-submit” confidential information. Consumers are growing increasingly wary that links in e-mails or requests for personal information may be fraudulent. So criminals are moving away from email toward even more familiar tools like the telephone.
Caller ID Numbers Spoofed
The term “Vishing” is a combination of the words “voice” and “phishing.” Vishing is the criminal practice of using Voice over Internet (VoIP) telephony to gain access to your private personal and financial information. Vishing exploits the public’s trust in landline telephone services, which have traditionally terminated in physical locations, are known to the telephone company and are associated with a bill payer.
Most victims are unaware that VoIP allows for caller ID spoofing thus providing anonymity for the criminal caller. Vishing is attractive to criminals because VoIP services are fairly inexpensive, especially for making multiple, fake long distance calls. In addition, because VoIP is web based, criminals can use software programs to create phony automated customer call center service lines.
Many cell phones as well as land lines have caller ID displays. Even if the caller ID looks and sounds legitimate and the caller asks for personal information, don’t give it to him. Never give personal or financial information over the phone unless you have initiated the call. You may also want to call the company he claims to represent to find out if the request is legitimate. Chances are, it’s not.
If you think your SLFCU accounts have been compromised, please call us at 505-293-0500 or 800-947-5328.
Source: CUNA News Now
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