Article
A local resident informed us that a phone scammer impersonated the Aloha Foundation to trick her into giving money. We are writing to alert you to this scam in case you receive a similar fraudulent call.
Background and what happened
There exists “spoofing” technology that enables thieves to display false information in your caller ID. In this case, our neighbor saw “Aloha Foundation” and a phone number beginning with 333 in her caller ID. Believing it was us, she answered.
The caller asked if she would donate to a fund to help underprivileged kids attend camp. Even though the bits of information added up—our name, local number, donation, children, camp—she felt something was odd. When she asked if she could call them back, they hung up. When she redialed the 333 number on her caller ID, it was out of service.
Be extra vigilant
While the Aloha Foundation or a volunteer may call you from time to time—perhaps even to ask for a donation—please be extra vigilant. If you have any doubt, ask to call us back. Or when you see our call, let it go to your voicemail or answering machine. If a true Aloha Foundation staffer or volunteer is calling you…
- We will leave you a message.
- You will be able to call us back on the number in your caller ID. But, to be safe, call us (or our volunteer) back on a verifiable number from our website or an Aloha publication.
- We will never ask you for your credit card. Instead, we will invite you to visit our website to make a secure donation or tuition payment.
For more information
Illegal robocalls and phone scams are prevalent and becoming more sophisticated. The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission have information you may find helpful:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2016/05/scammers-can-fake-caller-id-info
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you already have received one of these fraudulent calls.
