Many IGA retailers have recently reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to represent trusted organizations, including IGA. In some cases, the caller discusses equipment upgrades, payment terminals, account issues, or scheduled service appointments. The caller ID may even display the name or phone number of a legitimate company.
This type of scam, known as caller ID spoofing, is becoming increasingly common. In fact, it's estimated that about 70% of scam calls in the U.S. deceive victims through phone call spoofing, also known as vishing (voice phishing). Criminals can manipulate caller ID information to make a call appear as though it is coming from almost any organization, including banks, technology vendors, government agencies, utility companies, or business partners.
The goal is often to gain trust and convince an employee to share information, approve a change, provide access to equipment, or take some other action that benefits the scammer.
Watch this video from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to learn more about caller ID spoofing.
The safest approach is to verify any unexpected request through a known and trusted contact method. If a caller claims to represent a company you work with, like IGA, end the call and contact that organization using a phone number you already have on file, like your area director's phone number.
Cybersecurity isn't always about computers and networks. Sometimes it starts with a simple phone call and a convincing voice on the other end of the line.
Remember:
Please share this information with your store teams, especially those in customer service who may be fielding phone calls. It's always safer to take a message than provide any information to someone on an inbound call. Questions? Contact IGA Senior IT Systems Manager Dipak Patel.