If you would have received a call from a local number, it is not necessarily from that local number.
Neighbor Spoofing is a software technique recently developed by scammers and illegally-operating telemarketers to trick consumers into answering their calls and ads.
Scammers using the aforementioned technique generate fake caller ID numbers that match the area code and next three digits of the recipient’s phone number. By doing so, this can give the recipient a false impression that the scammer is a neighbor or family member. As a result, they are more to take the call and fall for the scam.
There are multiple ways to be avoid becoming a victim of neighbor spoofing. The most straightforward solution is to carefully check the phone number of the caller and not answer any unfamiliar numbers. By registering your number on the national Do Not Call Registry; it will be easier to determine whether the caller is a scammer or a legitimate telemarketer since legally operating telemarketing firms usually not allowed to call number on the Do Not Call Registry.
In the event that you do answer the call, ask the caller for basic identification information such as name and location. If you do not recognize the voice or the caller gives suspicious answers to the aforementioned questions regarding identification, then report your experience by calling the FCC at 1-888-382-1222.