Financial Wellness Minute: Spoofing - Just hang up (or don't answer)

Have you heard the term SPOOFING? It is bad guys trying to get your personal information in a very sneaky way. Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information on your caller ID to disguise their identity.  This is a scam! Scammers often use local phone numbers, or a company or government agency you recognize and trust.  Like your bank or credit union! The Federal Communications Commission suggest these tips:

1. Don't answer calls from unknown numbers, if you do answer hang up immediately.
2. If you answer the call, do not answer any questions they ask.
3. Never give out personal information – social security number, mother's maiden name, Medicare number are just a few they may ask for.

If you aren't expecting the call, it is best to hang up and call back with a number you have found on a statement or website, not a number the scammers left you! Bottom line, be cautious and skeptical of incoming phone calls especially if they are pressuring you for information immediately. Want to know more about scams or have a weekly financial wellness tip sent to you? Sign up below or, contact your local Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Office. Sign Up for a Weekly Financial Wellness Tip   Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and we are an equal housing lender.