Caller ID can be a helpful tool to identify who’s calling you, but scammers have found a way to exploit it through a method referred to as caller ID spoofing. This method allows fraudsters to manipulate the caller ID display so it appears they’re calling from a trusted number—such as a local business, government agency, or even your credit union. Their goal is to trick you into sharing personal information, sending money or granting access to your accounts.

Let’s break down how caller ID spoofing works and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

What is Caller ID Spoofing?

Caller ID spoofing happens when a scammer changes the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. The number may look familiar—it could be from your area code or even resemble a number you trust. In some cases, scammers spoof the actual phone number of your financial institution, the IRS, or even your own phone number.

Once they get you on the phone, they often use scare tactics, urgency or too-good-to-be-true offers to get you to act quickly without thinking. Here are some common spoofing scams.

• Phony tech support calls
• Fake Social Security or IRS threats
• Fraudulent calls claiming to be from your credit union or bank
• Prize or sweepstakes scams

How to Spot a Spoofed Call

Caller ID spoofing can be hard to detect, but here are some red flags.
• The caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens consequences.
• You’re asked to verify personal details like your Social Security number, debit card PIN, or account number.
• The caller insists on payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• The call comes from a number you recognize, but the conversation feels off or out of the ordinary.

It’s important to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up.

How to Protect Yourself

While you can’t stop scammers from spoofing numbers, you can take steps to avoid falling for the scam.

Never trust the caller ID alone.
Even if it looks legitimate, be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call them back through a verified phone number on their website.

Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
If the call is important, the caller will leave a message.

Don’t provide personal or financial information unless you initiated the call.
When in doubt, hang up and call the company directly using a verified phone number.

Use call-blocking tools.
Many smartphones and phone carriers offer call filtering or spam detection features. You can find more information about robocall blocking here.

Report suspicious calls.
Notify the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Federal Trade Commission (FTC), especially if the call involved a scam.

What to Do if You’ve Been Spoofed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a spoofing scam, act quickly.
• Contact your financial institution immediately.
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
• File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

At Partner Colorado Credit Union, your financial security is our top priority. We will never call you out of the blue to ask for sensitive account details like your full Social Security number, passwords, account numbers, card numbers, etc. If you receive a suspicious call that appears to come from us, hang up and call our number directly. Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself from spoofing scams.