City Investigating Phone Scam Incidents

City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI – (News Release) The City of Corpus Christi is investigating reports of scammers who are using City of Corpus Christi phone numbers in a fraudulent attempt to sell a product. This is known as spoofing. The calls have been received at City Hall and by residents.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number, or they spoof a number from a company or a government agency that you may already know and trust. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to steal your money or valuable personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity.

Here are some tips for dealing with these types of calls:

• If you do not recognize the number calling, do not answer

• If the caller request you push a button to stop receiving calls, simply hang up

• Do not respond to questions, especially ones with a “Yes” or “No” answer

• Never confirm or give out personal or private information to the caller

• Do not allow the caller to force you into an immediate decision or action

If you think you have been the victim of a spoofing scam, you can file a complaint with the FCC.