Phone phishing (vishing or voice phishing) is a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal information or financial data from unsuspecting victims through phone calls.
Scammers will typically impersonate legitimate organizations, like banks, government agencies, or even tech support, to trick you into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions.
How does phone phishing work?
1. Social engineering
Scammers use manipulative tactics, such as creating a sense of urgency, fear, or trust, to pressure you into acting quickly and without thinking.
2. Spoofing
They often mask their phone numbers to appear to be calling from a familiar or trusted entity.
3. Pre-recorded messages
Sometimes, you might receive automated voice messages with instructions to call a specific number or visit a fake website.
Common phone phishing scams
1. Bank scams
Scammers might claim your account has been compromised and request your account number, PIN, or other sensitive information.
2. Government imposter scams
They might pose as IRS agents, threatening legal action or demanding immediate payment for supposed tax debts.
3. Tech support scams
Scammers might claim your computer is infected with viruses and offer fake “cleaning services” to steal your data or install malware.
4. Prize scams
You might be told you’ve won a prize but need to pay “processing fees” or provide personal information to claim it.
How to protect yourself from phone phishing
1. Never share personal information
Don’t give out your bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information over the phone unless you’re sure the caller is legitimate.
2. Be wary of urgency
Scammers often create a sense of panic or urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions.
Take your time to verify the caller’s identity before taking any action.
3. Don’t call back unknown numbers
If you receive a suspicious call, do not call back any numbers they provide.
Instead, look up the organization’s official phone number and contact them directly.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication for accounts to add an extra layer of security.
5. Use caller ID and blocking apps
Install apps that can identify potential spam calls and allow you to block unwanted numbers.
6. Report suspicious calls
If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and local authorities.
Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be cautious when answering unknown phone calls, and never give out sensitive information unless you’re sure the caller is legitimate.
By staying vigilant and adopting best practices for phone security, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of falling victim to vishing attacks.