Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, but unfortunately, scammers are using technology to become more convincing. One common tactic is spoofing, a type of fraud where criminals disguise their identity to make a phone call, text message, email, or website appear legitimate.

What Is Spoofing?

Spoofing occurs when a scammer changes the information you see so it looks like a trusted business, government agency, or even your financial institution is contacting you. The goal is often to trick you into sharing personal information, account details, passwords, or money.

For example, a scammer may make a call that appears to come from your credit union’s phone number. They may claim there is suspicious activity on your account and ask for sensitive information to “verify” your identity.

Common Types of Spoofing

Phone Spoofing

Fraudsters manipulate caller ID information to make a phone call appear as though it is coming from a trusted source.

Text Message Spoofing

Scammers send text messages that appear to come from a legitimate company, often including links that lead to fake websites.

Email Spoofing

Criminals create emails that look like they were sent by a trusted organization, using logos and branding to appear authentic.

Website Spoofing

Fake websites are designed to look nearly identical to legitimate websites in an attempt to steal usernames, passwords, and financial information.

How to Spot a Spoofing Scam

Be cautious if someone:

• Creates a sense of urgency or panic.
• Asks for passwords, verification codes, or account credentials.
• Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Pressures you to act immediately without verifying their identity.
• Sends links that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never share passwords, account numbers, or one-time verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
• Enable multifactor authentication whenever available.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Spoofed

If you believe you’ve shared information with a scammer or notice suspicious account activity, contact your financial institution immediately. Acting quickly can help prevent additional fraud and protect your accounts.

Stay Alert

Spoofing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way. If something feels unusual, pause, verify the source, and contact the organization directly before taking action.

For more tips on security read our other blogs.