City officials in Murphy are warning about a call-spoofing scheme meant to trick people into answering a telemarketing call.
The city said it has received reports over the past few weeks about high-pressure sales pitches for roofing repairs that show up on caller ID as "Murphy City Hall" or "City of Murphy."
"For the most part, telemarketers conduct their business legitimately and, while their calls may be annoying, unless we get on a no-call list, we'll likely get a call," City Manager James Fisher said in a statement. "But when unscrupulous telemarketers use technology to pretend to be a trusted source by manipulating the caller ID function, fraudulently making it appear as though the call is coming from the city, it crosses the line."
The Federal Communications Commission enforces laws against caller ID spoofing if someone uses it to commit fraud, harm someone or obtain personal information.
Murphy residents are starting to be on guard against the calls.
"I've heard about that," M.K. George said. "It is people trying to be clever. I won't even answer them. I don't trust them."
The city said calls from its offices will display as 972-468-4000.
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City officials says that people who receive a call with an identifier such as "City of Murphy" or "Murphy City Hall" should ask to speak to a supervisor.
Resident with further questions can call Murphy Customer Service at 972-468-4100.
