Local numbers show up in calls from elsewhere

Lt. Jeff Stritesky of the Botetourt Sheriff’s Department warns consumers that just because the call has a local number, those people may be out to get your personal information  from a faraway place. Two of the common calls going around with those local numbers or  “spoof calls” are about better interest rates on credit cards and medicare benefits.

When the Bee first heard about the medicare call, a local resident told us they got a call on a local number. When she was passed through to the next level she realized what the telemarketer was after– her identity.  When she made note of it to the caller he cursed her and she hung up.

Stritsky said, ” If either  of those subjects come up or a deal sounds to good to be true, just hang up. The callers are up to no good.” These types of calls are called spoof calls, where your phone number or someone else’s is stolen and used by a nefarious company– often from over seas like the Caribbean or Africa. Unfortunately, Congress has never made these calls illegal.

The use of local numbers gives people peace of mind. Often though, into  the call they are forwarded to a site man who has a foreign accent  and just needs “a little information.” 

Stritesky encouraged citizens to write their local Congress representatives and state representatives to have stricter call regulations. He also reminded citizens not to believe the IRS is calling you demanding to be paid or you get arrested immediately.

He said, “Just hang up.”

By Cathy Benson and photo by Cathy Benson

Lt. Jeff Stritesky checks the list of phone scams.