Sheriff Warns Of ‘Spoofing’ Caller ID Scams

McDonald County Sheriff’s Office reminds people to be extremely cautious, even skeptical, when it comes to sharing private information over the phone. Deputies have recently received information about a new approach to phone scams.

Scammers are now “spoofing” as other businesses, such as AT&T, and calling citizens, asking them to verify personal information. Caller ID will display the phone number for AT&T (or another business of the scammers’ choosing).

“They are also doing this with local businesses such as banks and other businesses that would jeopardize people’s accounts and personal information,” said Sheriff Michael Hall. “With a caller ID spoof, they can make it look like they are calling from any number.”

“They have actually used the Sheriff’s Office phone number in these before,” he added.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds people not to share sensitive information over the phone because it is extremely hard to track these scammers.

Do not believe a company is calling you to verify your information, Hall said. If you receive a call, do not immediately provide the information. Hall suggests hanging up, calling the company claiming to contact you, verifying who it is and letting a representative know you received a call asking to verify personal information. If it truly was the company calling, they will have a record of making contact.