We have received reports from citizens that anonymous callers are spoofing Mills County phone numbers and asking for money. This is a scam and these are not employees of Mills County. Unfortunately scammers can make their phone calls look like any number they choose, but you can always call our offices to verify if you're in doubt.
What Is Spoofing?
The FCC indicates spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that you may already know and trust. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to steal your money or valuable personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity.
Watch this video from the FCC to learn more about spoofing and how to avoid being scammed.
If you think you've been the victim of a spoofing scam, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
Again, if you're ever in doubt about whether the person you are speaking with is actually a Mills County employee let that person know you'll hang up and call the office directly. Then only call a Mills County office number listed on our website at https://www.millscountyiowa.gov/Directory.aspx
