INDIANAPOLIS -- Scammers are now using bogus caller ID information to trick you into thinking the Federal Trade Commission is calling you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a federal agency that aims to protect consumers from fraud and scams.
Scammers are spoofing the FTC’s Consumer Response Center’s phone number (877-382-4357), which has the federal agency very concerned.
“Don’t let that stop you from reporting scammers — it’s still safe to call the Consumer Response Center, and it’s also safe to report scammers online,” said Andrew Johnson, a consumer education specialist with the FTC. “If you’ve submitted a report or request to the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, the FTC might call you for additional information. But we won’t call you from 877-382-4357.”
The FTC says you should not answer if you get a call from 877-382-4357.
The federal agency will never ask for money or for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account information.
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Scammers are constantly picking new phone numbers to spoof.
The FTC offers these tips for staying ahead of scammers and their unexpected calls:
- If you get a strange call from a government phone number, hang up. If you want to check it out, visit the official (.gov) website for contact information.
- Don’t give out — or confirm — your personal or financial information to someone who calls.
- Don’t wire money or send money using a reloadable card. In fact, never pay someone who calls out of the blue, even if the name or number on the caller ID looks legit.
- Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That’s a sure sign of a scam.
If you’ve gotten a call from a scammer, with or without fake caller ID information, report it to the FTC.
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