How To Protect Yourself From Caller ID Spoofing Scams

It seems like every time we turn around, there’s a new scam making the rounds around Williston — and keeping up with them all can feel exhausting. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and alert. The Williston Police Department is once again reminding residents and businesses to be cautious after receiving reports of a new caller impersonation scam targeting the community.

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Williston, North Dakota Businesses Warned About Caller ID Spoofing Scams

In one recent case, a Williston business received a call from someone claiming to be an employee at their bank, asking to verify a large payment. The number on the caller ID even appeared to be the bank’s legitimate number — but it wasn’t. The caller was a scammer attempting to trick the business into providing sensitive information.

This type of fraud, known as caller ID spoofing, allows scammers to disguise their phone number to make it appear as though they’re calling from a trusted source such as a bank, government office, or local business. It’s a common tactic that can fool even the most cautious people.

The Williston Police Department urges everyone to take a few simple precautions:

Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call and contact your bank directly using the official phone number found on their website or your bank statements.
Never give out account numbers, passwords, or personal details over the phone to an unsolicited caller.
Report any suspicious calls to your bank and the Williston Police Department.

Staying alert and verifying before you trust can save you and your business from becoming the next victim. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but a healthy dose of skepticism is still your best defense.