Understanding Phone Number Spoofing: What it is and how to protect yourself


Phone number spoofing is becoming more common and understanding how it works is your best defense. Here's what you need to know.

What is Phone Number Spoofing?

Phone number spoofing is when someone uses technology to make a call appear to come from a different number than it actually does. Scammers use this tactic to impersonate trusted companies — including LMCU — hoping you'll trust the caller and share sensitive information or take an action you normally wouldn't.

The good news? It's easy to protect yourself once you know what to look for.

4 ways to stay safe:

1) Verify caller identity. If you receive an unexpected call about your account, don't assume the caller ID is accurate. Hang up and call LMCU directly using the number on your account statement or at lmcu.org. This simple step eliminates the risk entirely.

2) Never share sensitive information over the phone. LMCU will never ask for your account number, PIN, passcode, or personal information unless you initiate the call. If someone calls for these details, it's a red flag.

3) Stay alert to pressure tactics. Scammers often create urgency — threatening account closure or claiming fraud has occurred. Real companies take time to verify; scammers rush you. If you feel pressured, it's okay to slow down and verify.

4) Report suspicious calls. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from LMCU, report it to us at lmcu.org/security. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Take control of your security:

By understanding how spoofing works and following these straightforward steps, you're protecting yourself and helping keep our community safe. LMCU is committed to supporting you every step of the way. Thank you for staying vigilant.