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Fraudulent Telemarketers Falsify Caller ID Displays

July 10, 2007

Consumers can no longer rely on their caller ID to help alert them to telemarketing fraud, thanks to a special calling card that allows scammers to change what appears on the caller ID display.  These calling cards allow the telemarketer to key in the legitimate telephone number of the company he wants to impersonate.  When the consumer receives a call from someone claiming to be from a well-known bank, sweepstakes company, charitable organization, etc.  and then sees that company’s name on his caller ID display, he is apt to assume that the call is legitimate.

Consumers should exercise caution when telemarketers ask for personal or financial information, even if the caller ID display suggests that the call is legitimate.  To help ensure that you don’t get hooked by a telemarketing scam, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs suggests taking the following precautions:

• Refrain from giving out personal or financial information to a telemarketer unless you are sure he is legitimate and that he truly requires the information being requested.

• Ask telemarketers to mail you the information.

• Never pay taxes, fees or other money up-front to claim a prize, get a credit card or loan, or to have your credit “repaired”.

• Hang up and call the company back using a number you've obtained from directory assistance, your personal records/statements, or the company's main website.

For more information, contact Bill Cloud, Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs.