Scam alert: more Caller ID Spoofing reported

Scam Alert: Flagstaff residents have once again been complaining of telemarketers using Caller ID Spoofing, with calls being made to look like they’re incoming from trusted local businesses.

We received a tip this morning that our Killam office is one of the numbers that the calls are made to look like they’re coming from.

The person or recording on the other line typically claims to be phoning on behalf of WestJet or Google.

The Community Press originally reported on ‘spoofing’ back in March, when our office had received several telemarketer calls which appeared to be coming from Killam businesses.

Robert Palmer, Manager of Public Relations for Telus told us in March, “We strongly advise anyone who receives one of these calls to hang up and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/home.html.”

Palmer told us that it is extremely rare that these scams catch anyone, but the potential for fraud is clear. Any phone number can be spoofed, but typically businesses or institutions like banks are chosen due to the level of trust associated with them.

Always be cautious of who you are giving personal information to, and be especially wary if you didn’t initiate the call.

Eric Anderson
Publisher