New Phone Scam of 2018: Neighbor Spoofing

Looks like there is another phone scam making its way around the country. If you’ve been receiving a lot of calls from a local number that you don’t know, you’re not alone. Neighbor Spoofing is the new phone scam this 2018, and the goal is to get people to answer their phones.

What’s being used by these scammers/con-artists/robocallers (whatever you want to call them), is a technology that modifies what numbers appear on a caller ID. They do this to impersonate local businesses, friends, or neighbors. By impersonating someone local, people usually answer their phones and the scammers begin to initiate a conversation.

The caller ID will usually show the number calling you has the same area code along with the same first three digits of your own number. The only difference will be the last four digits, just like the example below.

Your number: (123)-456-7891

Robocaller number: (123)-456-9876

There have also been reports of scammers’ caller ID coming up as a number you actually know and/or have communicated with before. This is done to increase the odds of the call getting answered.

If this has been happening to you, call My Computer Works right away! We can help block these numbers and stop them from calling you. You can reach us at, 877-629-6972!

Don’t answer one of these calls!

When this type of call is answered, the victim’s name will be put on a list that is referred to as the “sucker list”. This will happens because you answering the phone indicates to the robocaller that your phone line is active. Basically this list opens up your phone line to receive more scam calls like the Neighbor Spoofing new phone scam.

We understand that it may be difficult to decipher which calls are important and which calls are scams. My Computer Works has come up with some tips and tricks on how to avoid phone scams.

Tips and Tricks to defend yourself against Neighbor Spoofing

• Get your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Unfortunately, this will not completely stop these scammers, but it will reduce the amount of telemarketing calls you receive. Doing this will help when attempting to screen fraudulent calls.
• If friends, family, or people you communicate with on a regular basis ask you why you keep calling them (and you haven’t been), it is safe to assume they are being scammed. Knowing your own number can be used by scammers can help you explain the situation.
• Simply avoid answering calls from numbers you do not know, even of they appear to be local. If it is important, they will leave a message.
• Call blocking apps are out there and can be installed on smartphones. Telephone service providers may also offer something like this through your actual cellphone plan.
• If a number calls that has the same Caller ID as someone important to you (i.e. doctors office, work client, parents, etc.), and you are unsure of its legitimacy, hangup and call the dial back that person’s number yourself.

It is always better to be safe than sorry…

If you need help downloading and installing software to block calls, My Computer Works can help you! You can call us at 877-629-6972 or visit our website here! Don’t forget to check us out on our A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.

Our all-American based techs are standing by!