How to protect yourself from ‘vishing’ scams

Cybercriminals are getting creative, and one of their favorite tricks now comes through your phone. Instead of sending phishing emails, scammers use vishing, short for “voice phishing,” to try to steal your personal or financial information. They may pretend to be from a bank, a government agency, or even mimic the voice of someone you know. With the rise of AI-powered voice cloning, these calls sound more convincing than ever, making it critical to know the warning signs and how to protect yourself.

What is vishing and how it works

Vishing or “voice phishing” is when scammers call or leave voice messages to trick you into sharing sensitive info like bank account details, credit card numbers, or passwords. They’re sneaky and often pretend to be from reputable organizations to catch you off guard. Some might even use voice-enhancing technology to disguise their true identity and mislead you into believing you may know them. So, how do you keep these vishing villains at bay?

How to spot unsolicited scam calls

First and foremost, be cautious with unsolicited calls. Keep your guard up, especially if a call comes in from an unknown number or someone who says they’re from a trusted organization. Scammers can make their calls look legit by spoofing caller IDs so that the incoming call appears to be coming from a company or government agency that you might recognize. In most instances, it means the caller will have a similar area code or even the same first three digits as your phone number. This is a big red flag, and ignoring that call and voicemail is best.

Watch for voice impersonation scams

AI voice cloning has become so advanced that scammers can now mimic someone’s speech with just a few seconds of audio. Using tools like Microsoft’s VALL-E, fraudsters only need about three seconds of a recording to create a convincing copy of a person’s voice. They may then drop in personal details they’ve found online to make the call feel even more real, tricking you into believing you know them.

This technology makes it easier than ever for criminals to sound like a trusted friend, colleague, or even a family member. That’s why it’s crucial to stay cautious and confirm a caller’s identity before acting on anything they say.

How to protect yourself from vishing scams

If you get a suspicious call, there are a few key actions that can help you stay safe and avoid falling victim.

Verify the caller’s identity

It’s also essential to verify the caller’s identity. If something seems fishy, hang up and contact the organization directly using a phone number you know is legit, like one from their official website or your account statement.

Don’t share sensitive information

When it comes to providing sensitive information, don’t do it. Real organizations usually won’t ask for personal details like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, or passwords over the phone. So, keep that kind of info private from unsolicited callers. Even if the caller claims to be someone you know, if the situation’s circumstances are even a tad fishy, it is best to hold off on providing any personal information.

Watch out for pressure tactics

Scammers love to make you feel rushed, hoping you’ll make a quick decision without thinking. Stay calm and take the time to check out the caller’s claims before doing anything. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Whether it’s an adrenaline rush because someone just called and told you, you won the lotto, or it’s a rush of fear flowing down your spine because the IRS called and claimed you owe them an arm and a leg. In either situation, you may feel pressured to act. It is best to wait and investigate the matter a bit further. Plus, the IRS would never call you.

What should you do if you think you’ve been scammed?

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a vishing scam, acting quickly can limit the damage and protect your personal information. Here are the most important steps to take right away.

Contact your bank

If you sent money to the scammer and want to get it back, you should immediately reach out to your bank or credit/debit card company and report it as fraud. The representatives will then walk you through the steps of how to get your money reimbursed.

Report the scammer

If you think you’re a victim of scamming, go to the FTC’s website here and report the scammer. The steps for reporting a scam are pretty straightforward, and the FTC will send out alerts to law enforcement immediately to help with investigating the scammers. That way, you can help raise awareness and protect others from the same scam. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and file a report with them 24/7.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov

If you gave out any personal information like a social security number, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll be able to make a report there, and the website will help you come up with a recovery plan for you and walk you through each step of gaining your identity back.

Use a personal data removal service

Many vishing scams start because criminals find your phone number, address, or relatives’ names on data broker websites. Using a trusted personal data removal service helps wipe your sensitive information from those sites, making it harder for scammers to target you in the future.

Is your personal information exposed online?

Run a free scan to see if your personal info is compromised. Results arrive by email in about an hour.

Sign up for identity theft protection

If you are the victim of a vishing scam, you’ll want a service that will walk you through every step of the reporting and recovery process. If you want to be proactive, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service.

Run antivirus or security software

Scammers may follow up a vishing call with phishing links or text messages that try to install malware. Running a full scan with reputable antivirus or security software can help catch and remove threats before they cause further harm. Keeping your software updated also ensures you’re protected from the latest exploits.

Related Links: 

• AI cybersecurity risks and deepfake scams on the rise
• How AI browsers open the door to new scams
• Stop Medicare scams before they stop you

Kurt’s key takeaways

Vishing scams are getting smarter, but you can stay one step ahead by slowing down and questioning every unexpected call. Remember, real organizations won’t pressure you to share personal details or rush you into quick decisions. By staying alert, using security tools, and removing your data from public sites, you lower your chances of becoming a target. The more you know about these tactics, the easier it is to shut scammers down before they get what they want.

Have you ever come across a vishing scam? How did you handle the situation? Let us know by commenting below.

FOR MORE OF MY TECH TIPS AND SECURITY ALERTS, SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE CYBERGUY REPORT NEWSLETTER HERE