Tip 5: Don't Believe Your Caller ID
Posted
on Wednesday, July 12, 2023
in
Tips and Tricks
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Just because an official-sounding name or title shows up on your caller ID, that doesn't mean it's accurate.
Scammers can "spoof" the name and phone number that appears on your caller ID to make it look like they're calling from your local area code; from Washington, D.C.; from a business or organization you know; or anything they need to make their scam seem legitimate.
Also, don't be fooled by a charity's name; names like "Veterans Relief Network" sound good, but aren't always truthful.
Check whether a non-profit organization is registered with the Iowa Secretary of State or the IRS's Tax Exempt Organization Search; and review its ratings with groups like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Guidestar before giving money.
Al Perales is an investigator with the Consumer Protection Division. In his 15 years in the office, he's seen all types of scams and tracked down many thieves and charlatans. Watch the seminar here.