Today's Why Guy inquiry from to us from April: "I have a Why question... yesterday I received a call from my own number. I didn't answer it since I obviously was not calling myself..."
OK, so that's clearly not supposed to happen. If you get a call from your own number, you obviously shouldn't answer, so good on you, April, for not doing so.
But let's get to it. How am I calling me?
Scammers are high tech in ways to get you to answer the call. It's bait on the hook, and you're the fish. It’s called "Spoofing" — altering or disguising an incoming call to get you to answer.
READ MORE FROM WALT GRAY:
- WHY GUY: Why does street sweeping still exist?
- WHY GUY | Why are the highways numbered the way they are?
- WHY GUY | Why aren't there any guardrails on some of the local two lane roads
The Better Business Bureau advises, "Scammers who get you to answer your phone want one of two things. To pitch their products or to steal your personal information."
So, if you see a number that's yours, or close to it, what should you do? Pick it up? Cuss at them? Ignoring the call doesn't seem to stop them.
The Federal Trade Commission says, "these calls from your own number are illegal. Don't pick up... That just leads to more calls. It's best to ignore them."
Scammers, or “spoofers,” use tricks to get around call blocking and to hide from law enforcement. They prey on older citizens and those who have English as a second language.
A final list of advice from the BBB:
- If you answer, don't press any buttons.
- Never give out personal or financial info.
- Allow unknown calls to go to straight to your voicemail.