Warning: Illinois Scammers Are Using Fake Local Phone Numbers

Anyone who relies on their phone's caller-ID feature to give them the truth when it comes to the texts and calls we get on a regular basis is going to be in for a surprise.

It looks like "using a fake, but local-looking phone number to trick you" has gotten very popular among the groups (also known as scammers, scam artists, con-men, etc.) that make their living by stealing money and personal information via phone.

I'm happy to say that I haven't been scammed (that I know of), but I have answered my phone when a local number appeared on the caller-ID, and very quickly realized that the call wasn't local, and the person calling was trying to scam me.

Now my policy is very straightforward. If I don't recognize the phone number, local or not, I don't answer. I let it go to voicemail and then listen to the message later. Many scammers won't leave you a message at all, they'll just try to catch you later.

Back When You Had To Actually Answer Your Phone To Find Out Who Might Be Calling You, This Sort Of Thing Wasn't A Problem...But In A World Powered By Caller ID, It's Become A Big Problem

At first, Caller ID was such a cool thing, and it still is as long as it's not being used to scam you out of money and your personal information. Looking down at the Caller ID has provided us many opportunities to skip talking with anyone we don't want to talk to, but spoofing Caller ID is helping the bad actors out there get into your wallet.

Spoofing is a technique that allows scammers to trick caller ID into displaying a false number or other information. This can make the call appear more familiar and encourage the recipient to answer when they normally wouldn't.

Scammers can use spoofing to trick you into sharing personal information, sending money, or downloading malicious software. Spoofed numbers may imitate the geographic location of the recipient. For example, if your phone number is (815) xxx-xxxx, a spoofed call will make it look like the call came from your same area code.

According To The Rockford BBB Office, These Scam Calls Are Growing In Frequency And Sophistication

Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB):

These fake calls are designed to trick unsuspecting individuals into giving up personal information and/or financial details. The scammers use familiar area codes to target individuals, often impersonating legitimate organizations, government agencies, or financial institutions. The intent is to create a sense of urgency, prompting recipients to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the call.

Here are what the BBB calls the warning signs of a phone scam:

Unsolicited Calls: Be wary of calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller asks for personal or financial information.

Urgency and Threats: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, such as threats of legal action or claims that your account has been compromised.

Requests for Payment: Legitimate organizations will never ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency over the phone.

Spoofed Caller ID: Even though it looks like a local number (based on your area code), don't answer it. Let it go to voicemail, then listen to the message afterwards.

Here are some great ideas for avoiding been scammed by someone who's spoofing your Caller ID: