Every day, hackers and fraudsters use a technique called phone spoofing to impersonate legitimate nonprofits and businesses on caller ID. They use software that hides their real phone number but instead displays someone else’s phone number. Using these phone spoofing tools, hackers trick unsuspecting victims into sharing their personal data, credit card numbers or banking details. It’s a lucrative scam that robs millions of dollars from people every year. 

Safety Tips

Never be pressured into giving up your credit card or bank account information to a stranger — no matter what name or business shows on the caller ID.

If the caller says they’re calling from a specific business, hang up the phone then call that business directly to verify that the call is legitimate. If you must update your payment details or ACH information, do so on the company website or call the business and share your details using a trusted phone number.

Don’t be fooled if a caller knows your personal information including your social security number. Hackers can buy your SSN on the dark web because there have been so many data breaches that have exposed millions of people’s personal data.