In a digital age where technology connects us more than ever, fraudulent practices like call spoofing have become a prevalent concern. Call spoofing occurs when scammers falsify the information sent to your caller ID to disguise their identity. This scam is often used to trick people into answering calls they otherwise might ignore, leading to various scams and phishing attempts.
Most recently, we have learned of a scam from people claiming to be from a credit union fraud department, informing them of attempted charges on their debit cards. The caller instructed these Members to call a specific phone number to freeze their cards, in an attempt to gather personal information.
Remember: Trademark will never contact you by phone and ask you to share account information.
Some tips to avoid falling victim:
Be Cautious of Unknown Numbers
If you receive a call from an unknown or suspicious number, exercise caution. Avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
Verify Caller Information
Legitimate organizations often provide additional information or references that scammers won’t have. Ask for specific details, hang up, and look up the organization’s number (can typically be found on their website or through a google search) and call them back on the number listed in your search.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Refrain from sharing personal or financial information over the phone unless you’re certain about the caller’s authenticity. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive information over the phone.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to call spoofing and other phone scams. Remember, your vigilance is your best defense against fraudsters seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.