A call from your own number? Don’t answer

The recorded message purports to be from AT&T, but it’s a scam to gather information that could be used to steal your identity.

Palm Beach County residents are getting calls that seem to be from their own cell number. Received one of these? Here’s how it works:

A recorded message that purports to be from AT&T says an account has been compromised and asks people to punch in the last four digits of their Social Security number.

It’s just confusing and disconcerting enough to throw some folks off-balance.

Customers might wonder if only a phone company could call them from their own number, so there might be something to it.

Don’t respond. Hang up. It’s a scam to gather information that could be used to plunder accounts or steal your identity.

“These calls are not from AT&T,” said company spokeswoman Kelly Starling. “If any company calls you and asks for your personal information, that is a red flag. One of our tips on our new Cyber Aware website is never give such information to someone who calls you. Call the company at the number found on your bill. You can read more helpful tips for all consumers at www.att.com/cyberaware.”

The call appears to be from your own phone number through a technological trick called “spoofing.” This is how scammers appear to be calling from the IRS or from across town in other ploys.

That is why, unfortunately, consumers cannot take the caller ID at face value 100 percent of the time.

Your own number on the caller ID may come as a startling surprise, though it has been reported off and on around the country in recent years.

In any case, it’s a sure sign of mischief. Real phone companies don’t do this.