Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Neighbor Scam Calls Being Used by Scammers
Neighbor Scam Calls Being Used by Scammers

When your phone rings and it looks like a local call, you may be more likely to answer. Scammers count on this and can easily fake caller ID numbers. They even can match the first six digits of your own number, which is called "neighbor spoofing." The urge to answer can be tough to resist, since you might worry it’s a neighbor who needs help.

If you see a number like this on your caller ID, remember that it could be faked. Letting it go to voicemail is one option. If you do pick up and don’t recognize the caller — hang up.

Here are ways you can prevent yourself from becoming the next victim of the Neighbor Scam:

  • Despite a number looking local, if you do not recognize it, don’t pick it up and send it straight to voicemail. Anyone who is trying to get a hold of you will leave a voicemail or text.
  • If a caller demands immediate payment for services or debt collection that you are not aware of, do not share any personal or financial information and hang-up immediately.
  • If an offer sounds too go to be true (i.e. free vacation, interest rate adjustments, refinancing debts), go with your gut feeling because it probably is.
  • If you have been a victim or have been targeted by the Neighbor Scam, report the number to the FCC immediately.
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