Vishing, short for "voice phishing," involves scammers using phone calls to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or bank details.
These scams often begin with a phone call from a fraudster posing as a representative from a trusted entity, such as a government agency, financial institution, or a well-known company. The caller typically employs tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear, pressuring the victim to provide information or take immediate action.
One common tactic used by vishers is to ask a question designed to elicit a "yes" response, which they can then record and later use to authorise fraudulent charges or services in the victim's name.
How to protect yourself from vishing
To protect yourself from falling victim to vishing scams, consider the following precautions:
- Ignore and block calls from unknown numbers: If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, especially one that appears suspicious or asks for personal information, it's best to ignore or block the number.
- Never provide personal or financial information: Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified phone number.
- Don't trust anyone who creates urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into providing information or taking action. Be wary of calls that claim you must act immediately to avoid negative consequences.
- Avoid saying "yes" if asked questions: Instead of saying "yes" if asked a question, respond with "correct." Scammers may record your "yes" response and use it to authorise fraudulent charges or services.
- Don't fall for paying with a gift card or wire transfer: Legitimate organisations will not ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers. If you're asked to pay in this manner, it's likely a scam.
- Check the official company website and call that number to verify: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate organisation, hang up and call the official company number listed on their website to verify the authenticity of the call.
By remaining vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to vishing scams. If you believe you've been targeted by a vishing scam, report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
Stay safe and informed to avoid becoming a victim of fraud!