Dealing with Vishing Scams
What is Vishing? Vishing is when a scammer calls you, pretending to be someone from a trustworthy organization, to steal your personal information. They might sound very convincing and can trick you into sharing details that benefit them. Vishing scams often aim to create fear and prompt quick actions. Some scams are short, targeting your card details or security info, while others are more prolonged, coaxing you into handing over significant amounts of money.
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How to Spot a Vishing Call
Unexpected Call: Legitimate organizations like banks won't call you asking for personal details they should already know. If you get such a call, hang up and contact the organization directly.
Unknown Number: Vishing calls often come from unfamiliar numbers. Sometimes they can even spoof a number to look official. Always check the number on the organization's website.
Sense of Urgency: Scammers create urgency, claiming there's suspicious activity on your account or that someone you know needs immediate financial help. These are warning signs. If unsure, contact the person or company directly using known contact details, not those given by the caller.
Gut Feeling: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Hang up and verify with the person or organization directly.
What to Do If You Fall for a Vishing Scam Even experts can fall for vishing scams. If it happens to you, don't feel embarrassed—act quickly:
Contact the Organization: Report the scam to the company the scammer impersonated, whether it’s your bank, utility company, or employer. Follow their instructions for safeguarding your account.
Change Shared Information: If you shared any passwords or personal details, change them immediately and inform the relevant providers.
Monitor for Identity Theft: Watch your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. You can also set up alerts for unusual activity.
If You Allowed Remote Access to Your Device Some scams involve pretending to be IT companies to fix supposed computer issues. If you let someone access your device, take it offline and follow malware removal guides.
Reporting the Crime
You can report cyber crimes to Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Phone number: If needed, call the FTC Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357
How to Avoid Vishing Scams
Register with the US National Do Not Call Registry: To register your phone number to combat scam calls, you can visit the website "DoNotCall.gov" or call 1-888-382-1222.
Avoid Answering Unknown Numbers: Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message or call back later.
Never Share Personal Information Over the Phone: Banks and government institutions won't ask for personal details over the phone. If concerned about fraud, banks may call to confirm your location but won't ask for sensitive information.
Use a Caller ID App: These apps can help identify and block spam calls on both Android and iOS phones. You can also add scam numbers to their databases.
Be Good at Security: Consider using sites like Secure our World and FBI SOS! to improve your understanding of online security. The more secure you are, the more likely cybercriminals will move on to easier targets.
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