Calls with a “fake” caller number: anti-fraud advice from the Carabinieri of Salerno

Reports to 112 increase by citizens who claim to have been contacted by a telephone number apparently referring to a "Carabinieri Command” or to a “Banking institution” during the conversation the interlocutor addresses the “victim” with phrases such as “Hello? We are the Carabinieri, your son has been arrested"Or"I am the Bank operator your current account is in danger…”, a circumstance which usually triggers the attempt to fraud carried out by a network of criminals who exploit the computer spoofing, or the telephone deception technique by which the telephone contact is “falsified” caller mostly using VOIP technology.

The scam exploits the possibility of “clone” real existing phone numbers of police offices or bank operators, thus allowing the criminal to present himself as belonging to them so as to to trick who receives the calls - and displays the number, often known - thus giving support and credibility to subsequent requests for delivery of money and valuables or know the access data to the bank accounts.

Scammers are taking advantage on the urgency proposed and on fears victims to mislead them and convince them to carry out certain actions such as handing over money to the "accomplice" on duty rather than have personal data information, access codes to bank accounts revealed that is, induce the victim to “temporarily” transfer money to other current accounts.

Defending oneself from these crimes is possible, the Carabinieri, which in the provincial area has recently established the section within the Investigative Unit cyber investigation, is at the forefront of the fraud prevention and reminds all citizens of never share personal data via phone, such as bank account credentials or initiating wire transfer transactions, or Do not comply with requests to hand over money or jewelry.

If you receive a phone call like this, Call 112 immediately.