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Let's talk about "Spoofing"
Recently some of you may have noticed an increase in phone calls from local numbers you do not know, mainly cell phone numbers. You may have answered these calls, even though your caller ID did not identify them as someone you know. If you are like me, when you see a local cell phone number on an incoming call, you figure there is a probability it is someone you know.
Many times I am surprised to hear the voice on the other end of the line offering me a vacation package, student loan forgiveness or an opportunity to take out a loan. Well, needless to say I end the call as soon as possible.
Sometimes, I find I have missed a call from a local number and I call it back, only to find the person having no clue why I am calling them. There is a short conversation that goes like this; Me : " I missed a call from this number". Them : " I didn't call you". Me : "yes, you did, your number is on my caller ID". Them : " I already told you I didn't call you". And it goes on from there until someone gets mad and hangs up. According to the FCC, "Spoofing" is when the caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.
Unfortunately, there are programs on the internet that allow someone to do this with ease. My advice to you is that when you get one of these calls, Hang Up, immediately. Also If you call the number back, it will not go back to the (spoofing) caller, it will go back to the legitimate user of that phone number. Please keep this in mind when you call back and maybe we can avoid unpleasant confrontations with an innocent person.
Thank you and God Bless!! Lee Cone, Sheriff
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