In the News -- Caller ID Spoofing a Growing Problem

Telemarketers and debt collectors are using Caller ID spoofing more and more. Caller ID spoofing is the technique of masking the actual phone number that a call is coming from, and instead displaying another number, a general term like “Customer Service,” or nothing at all.

Because the number is masked, it’s hard for consumers to know who’s calling and get them to stop, or block all the numbers that are used. Both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforce laws against using Caller ID spoofing for harmful or fraudulent intent.

If you’re getting spoofed calls, and you know who’s calling you, complain to the BBB. You can also complain to the FTC and FCC.

Federal Trade Commission provides tips on stopping telemarketing calls you don’t want.

Federal Communications Commission also advises consumers on Caller ID spoofing.

If you know who is calling you, you may file a complaint with your local BBB.

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