Woman calls for government intervention for apps used to make spoof calls

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sherry Henke, of Huntsville, says it was perhaps the most surprising phone call she's ever received.

A woman claimed that someone had called from Henke's cellphone and had left a series of voicemails described as "weird," "negative" allegations.

"I was really puzzled because I knew that those numbers weren't showing anywhere on my phone log," Henke said.

"I got on Verizon. They weren't anywhere on the logs there."

In fact, Henke hadn't made the calls.

She believes someone had used an app that allows anyone to use your cellphone number and pretend the call is coming from you -- like one called "Spoof Card."

"They can do anything they want to with it: send texts, send pictures, make phone calls," Henke said. "And they can even change their voice."

The apps are growing in popularity and are becoming so pervasive even the Department of Homeland Security has fallen victim.

Officials there said someone used the agency's anonymous tip line to make fake calls.

"Sure, it may seem like a prank. And that's how it's advertised on the app store," Henke said. "But when it comes down to it you could cause some real damage."

Henke says she speaking out about her experience to keep others from becoming victims. She also thinks it's time for the government to get involved.

"That's so personal. They should only use non-assigned numbers," Henke said. "There should be some kind of legislation to stop this."

Legislation may be one of the only ways to stop people from making these fake calls using apps.

Right now, it's not illegal to use them unless the caller scams people out of money.


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