Protect your personal data from phone spoofing scams

Special Fraud Alert - phone Spoofing Man with phony mask on a landline phone

What is Phone Spoofing?

Spoofing is the act of disguising a phone number to impersonate a trusted entity or source. Scammers are using this tactic to con bank account holders into providing their personal data to gain access to their online banking accounts by impersonating their financial institution’s fraud department.

How Does It Work?

Scammers will phone their victims claiming to be calling from a Bank’s Fraud department to alert you about suspicious activity on your account.  They may claim that unauthorized access has occurred on your account or that there is a fraudulent pending charge. 

The scammer will then proceed to request your personal information such as your online banking user ID, password, answers to your online banking security questions, and/or social security number to access your account.

Tips to Identify Spoofing:

  • Check Numbers
    Carefully examine the phone number that’s calling you. Scammers will often use a number similar to one you know to make it appear legitimate. In some instances, the phone number could appear to be the same as the institution that they’re trying to impersonate. For example, the caller ID may be listed as 913.321.4242, but rest assured that it is not Bank of Labor calling you with questions about your personal security information.
  • False Urgency 
    Scammers will try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into giving information to them immediately.
    DO NOT give your personal data over the phone no matter how critical the situation may appear.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offer several other tips and resources to help combat phone spoofing scams.

https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/spoofing-and-phishing


What To Do If It Happens to You:

Bank of Labor will not call you with personal questions. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a Bank of Labor employee, hang up and call us back at (913) 321-4242 or 855-451-9204 so we can help verify any possible customer communication from the Bank.