State officials warn a new “spoofing” service gives anyone the chance to change the way their digits appear to others on a cell phone and a land-line equipped with caller I.D.
Bill Brauch, director of the consumer protection division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office, says caller ID “spoofing” could be the latest scam. “It might cause someone to lower their guard and to disclose information they would not otherwise disclose,” Brauch says. “Spoof” services are likely breaking the law by, for example, plugging in a caller ID number so that you think it’s your bank is calling, but it’s really a scam.
Brauch says to trust your instincts. “Your bank is not going to call you to confirm your account number,” Brauch says. “Don’t give out that information.” These so-called “spoofing” services are easy to find on the web and some companies even sell something that can make a man’s voice sound like a woman’s. The U.S. House is now considering a bill that would shut down these so-called “spoof” services for cell phones.