FirstHealth of the Carolinas is warning the community about a phone scam that uses “caller ID spoofing.” 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.
In this case, scammers are disguising themselves as FirstHealth of the Carolinas, said the hospital in a press release. People have reported receiving phone calls that appear to be from a FirstHealth phone number, with the scammer advertising a “medical alert system.” Scammers are trying to obtain financial or personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity.
If you receive a phone call like this, hang up immediately, and do not share any personal information over the phone. Because the call did not come from FirstHealth, it’s unnecessary to call the number back.
If you have given any personal information to a similar caller, please contact your bank and/or credit card companies. If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, you should call your local law enforcement.
Contributed.
