Vishing (voice phishing) is a sophisticated cybercrime technique where hackers manipulate victims over the phone to steal sensitive information. These attacks target individuals, businesses, and even large corporations, causing financial and reputational damage. Below are detailed real-life vishing attack examples that showcase the severity and impact of these scams.
1. Twitter’s 2020 Social Engineering Attack
What Happened?
In July 2020, Twitter experienced one of the most significant cybersecurity breaches in its history. Attackers used vishing to gain access to internal systems, leading to the hijacking of several high-profile Twitter accounts, including those of Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Apple.
How Did They Do It?
- The attackers called Twitter employees, pretending to be from the IT department.
- They tricked employees into providing their login credentials by claiming they needed to perform security maintenance.
- Once inside Twitter’s internal systems, the hackers reset passwords and took control of prominent accounts.
- They then posted a Bitcoin scam, asking users to send cryptocurrency with a promise of doubling their money.
Impact:
- The scam generated over $100,000 in Bitcoin before Twitter intervened.
- It exposed weaknesses in Twitter’s security and employee training.
- Twitter had to temporarily block verified accounts from posting, affecting millions of users.
2. Deepfake CEO Voice Scam ($243,000 Fraud)
What Happened?
In 2019, hackers used deepfake voice technology to mimic the CEO of a UK-based company and trick an employee into transferring $243,000 to a fraudulent account.
How Did They Do It?
- The scammers used AI-generated deepfake voice technology to impersonate the CEO’s voice.
- An employee received a call from what sounded like their CEO, instructing them to make an urgent transfer to a Hungarian supplier.
- Believing the request was genuine, the employee wired $243,000 to the provided bank account.
- By the time the fraud was detected, the money had disappeared.
Impact:
- The company suffered financial losses with little chance of recovery.
- It exposed the dangers of AI-powered vishing scams and their potential to bypass traditional verification methods.
3. U.S. Banks’ Multi-Million Dollar Vishing Scam (2020)
What Happened?
A group of cybercriminals successfully tricked thousands of bank customers into revealing their account details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) through vishing.
How Did They Do It?
- Hackers spoofed official bank phone numbers, making calls appear legitimate.
- Victims received urgent calls claiming suspicious activity on their accounts.
- The scammers convinced victims to confirm personal details, OTPs, and login credentials.
- Using the stolen information, they transferred millions of dollars from victims’ accounts.
Impact:
- Multiple U.S. banks reported huge financial losses.
- The attack exposed weaknesses in customer verification methods.
- Banks tightened security protocols, including voice recognition and multi-factor authentication.
4. IRS & Social Security Vishing Scams
What Happened?
Millions of Americans have been targeted by fraudsters posing as IRS agents or Social Security Administration officers. The goal is to scare victims into making immediate payments by threatening legal action.
How Did They Do It?
- Victims received phone calls claiming unpaid taxes or fraudulent activity linked to their Social Security numbers.
- The scammers used aggressive tactics, warning that victims would be arrested, sued, or deported if they didn’t comply.
- They demanded immediate payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Some scammers even used caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call was from a government agency.
Impact:
- Over $30 million in financial losses have been reported annually.
- Many elderly victims have lost their life savings to these scams.
- The IRS and SSA have issued public warnings, advising people to never trust phone calls demanding payments.
5. COVID-19 Healthcare Vishing Scams
What Happened?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals exploited people’s fears by posing as healthcare officials offering vaccines, financial aid, and testing services.
How Did They Do It?
- Victims received phone calls from fake health organizations.
- Scammers claimed the victim qualified for an early vaccine or stimulus check.
- They asked for personal details, including Social Security numbers and banking information.
- Some victims were instructed to pay a fee to receive their “COVID-19 relief funds.”
Impact:
- Thousands of people fell victim to identity theft.
- Personal and medical data was sold on the dark web.
- The FBI and WHO issued public alerts about pandemic-related scams.
6. The Tech Support Scam Targeting Seniors
What Happened?
This ongoing scam targets elderly individuals, with criminals posing as Microsoft or Apple technical support agents.
How Did They Do It?
- Victims received cold calls warning them of a “virus” on their computers.
- Scammers convinced victims to download remote access software (like TeamViewer or AnyDesk).
- Once inside, hackers stole sensitive data and demanded payment for fake repairs.
- Some victims even had their bank accounts drained while the attackers remained connected to their computers.
Impact:
- Victims lost millions of dollars in fake “tech support” fees.
- Many elderly victims suffer from psychological distress and fear.
7. Corporate Vishing Attack on a Financial Institution
What Happened?
A multinational financial firm was breached through vishing, leading to millions of dollars in fraudulent transactions.
How Did They Do It?
- Cybercriminals posed as IT support and called employees.
- They claimed that employees needed to update their security credentials.
- Victims unknowingly provided their usernames and passwords, allowing hackers to enter the system.
- The attackers transferred large sums of money from company accounts.
Impact:
- The company suffered significant financial and reputational damage.
- Multiple employees were fired due to security negligence.
8. Europol Fake Call Scam
What Happened?
Thousands of Europeans received fraudulent calls from scammers pretending to be Europol or Interpol officers.
How Did They Do It?
- Victims were told that their identity had been linked to criminal activity.
- The scammers threatened immediate arrest unless the victim provided personal and banking details.
- Many victims were coerced into transferring money to “clear their names.”
Impact:
- Several victims lost thousands of euros.
- Europol issued warnings, advising the public that they never make unsolicited phone calls.
9. The Amazon Refund Scam
What Happened?
Scammers pretended to be from Amazon customer service, tricking victims into sharing credit card details or remote access to their devices.
How Did They Do It?
- Victims were told they were due a refund for an overcharged purchase.
- They were asked to log into their Amazon accounts while the scammer remained on the call.
- Some were tricked into installing software that allowed hackers to steal passwords and financial data.
Impact:
- Thousands of victims lost money to fraudulent transactions.
- Amazon warned customers to never share account details over the phone.
Final Thoughts
Vishing attacks continue to evolve, using AI, caller ID spoofing, and psychological manipulation to deceive victims. The best defense is awareness and verification—never share personal or financial information over the phone without confirming the caller’s legitimacy.
Read More
What is Vishing in Cyber Security? Defination and Meaning, Attacks, Prevention.
How does Vishing Work in Cybersecurity?