The Truth About Caller ID: It’s Not What It Seems

Imagine this: You get a text message from your bank. Same number as always, right below another message the bank had previously sent you, even a case number for reference. Then your phone rings. The caller ID shows your bank’s real number. A polite “fraud investigator” with a reassuring accent is on the line, ready to protect you from fraud.

You’re not suspicious. After all, your phone says it’s legit.

This is exactly how a seasoned journalist, let’s call her Diane, who’s spent over a decade reporting for some of the biggest TV and radio networks, was scammed out of $33,000. Her story shows just how dangerous it can be to trust our phones too much.

Diane’s ordeal began when she spotted a strange $75.97 international charge attempt on her credit card. Almost immediately, she received a text from her bank’s usual message thread alerting her to possible fraud. It warned her to expect a call from a bank investigator and provided a case number. Moments later, Oscar Schmidt called, polite, thorough, and prepared. He knew her case number. His number matched the bank’s.

At every step, things looked real. There were no spelling mistakes. No suspicious new numbers. No clumsy requests. Just careful, convincing deception. Oscar slowly led Diane through a detailed process to “secure” her accounts, guiding her step-by-step until she unknowingly helped transfer over $33,000 to the scammer’s accounts.

It wasn’t until later, when Diane called the bank herself and heard silence on the other end, that the horrifying truth became clear. The texts, the calls — all faked using a technique called ID spoofing. Scammers had manipulated caller ID and messaging headers to impersonate her bank perfectly.

So, what can we learn from Diane’s experience?

First, never trust caller ID alone. Technology now allows scammers to make any number appear on your screen, even from your bank, the police, the government and even your son.

Second, always verify independently. If you get a call or text about suspicious activity, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card — not any number they give you.

Third, beware of urgency. Scammers rely on emotions; fear, confusion, even kindness to short-circuit our logical thinking. Take a breath. Real banks will never pressure you to act instantly.

Finally, trust, but verify. Technology is amazing, but when it comes to your money and identity, it’s okay (and smart) to be skeptical.

Diane’s story is a powerful reminder: Even smart, tech-savvy people can fall victim. Scammers are evolving and so must our defenses.

Stay skeptical. Stay safe. Stay OnGuard.