The latest telephone scam has surfaced and it is your own name and telephone number showing up on your caller ID. Most of us refrain from answering calls from “unknown” or “private caller” so scammers are hoping that seeing your own name and number will lead you to pick up the phone. When people do pick up, there may be either a robot or an actual person on the other end. Their stated reason for calling varies among calls. No matter what, if you see your name and number appear on your caller ID it certainly IS a scam phone call and you should not share any personal information with the caller. CBS Money Watch provides the following tips for dealing with these scam phone calls:

• Just hang up. Don’t engage the caller and don’t press any of the buttons on your phone, even if it says that it will get you removed from their lists. You’ll just end up getting more calls.
• Remember that caller ID can lie. Don’t completely rely on what appears on the screen.
• Guard your personal information. Whether it’s a credit card, Social Security, or bank account number they’re after, it’s on you to hold those tight. Do not give out that information to anyone calling you unsolicited, and do not give them out at all unless you’re sure of who you’re talking to and that they need that information. If you think someone calling could be legitimate, call that business or agency at a known, published phone number from such sources as a bank statement or the back of your credit card.

To view the full article by CBS Money Watch: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-is-my-own-phone-number-calling-me/