Think twice before answering that local-looking number.
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association is warning residents about a surge in “neighborhood spoofing,” a phone scam tactic where fraudsters disguise their calls to look like they’re coming from a nearby number—often with the same area code and prefix as yours.
The goal? To trick you into picking up.
“Scammers use neighborhood spoofing to increase the chances you’ll answer the phone,” the Sheriffs’ Association says. “Just because the number looks local doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
Officials say caller ID can’t be trusted alone and urge people not to share any verification codes or personal information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact your local sheriff’s office.
Tips from the NYSSA include:
- Let unexpected calls go to voicemail
- Never share codes or personal info
- If it claims to be a business, check the number on the company’s official website
- Report suspicious calls to local authorities
For more information or to report a scam, visit nysheriffs.org.
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