By now you probably know not to click on links that arrive unexpectedly via email (Phishing) or text (Smishing), but how about an old-fashioned telephone scam? As people have become more educated on cybersecurity, criminals are turning to alternative scamming methods, including the telephone scam.
Vishing
What is Vishing?
Vishing is the telephone version of phishing, or a voice scam, designed to trick victims into sharing personal information, such as PIN numbers, social security numbers, credit card security codes, passwords, and other personal data.
The obtained information is then used to gain access to personal or financial accounts or to compromise a brand reputation. Vishing calls often appear to be coming from an official source such as your bank or a government organization. You should never provide your personal information or install software upon the request of a voice at the other end of the line. Vishing scammers can often use voice to text synthesizers or recorded messages to hide their identity. If you think that you received a vishing call, rush to say goodbye and hang up.
To learn more about cyber security and best practices, visit River City Bank’s Safety & Security page.
