When you’re online and somebody asks you to “update your account information”, you probably don’t even think twice. It’s a scam 99% of the time. But what if you get a phone call? Do you assume those are fake as well?
High-Tech Scheme, Low-Tech Tool
Scammers are increasingly using a low-tech tool – the telephone – to rip people off. They can set up a system that automatically dials a long list of phone numbers and asks for account information. What’s more, they can mask the number that shows up on caller ID said that the incoming call looks legitimate.
Vishing
This form of fishing for valuable information is called “vishing”. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a variation of the term “
phishing” – and the V stands for Voice. We can sometimes be less guarded when a phishing attack comes through the phone lines.
Don’t Get Snagged
To protect yourself from vishing, use some of the same techniques you’d use to avoid phishing scams. Don’t give information to anybody unless you are certain you know who you’re dealing with. If you get a phone call about one of your accounts, hang up and call the institution. Dial the number that appears on the back of your credit card or on your statements. Then, you know you’re in the right place and they can take care of any issues on your account.
