If you suspect a vishing (voice phishing) attempt, follow these steps to protect yourself:
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Provide Information
- Do not share personal, financial, or sensitive information over the phone.
- Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency—don’t let it pressure you.
2. Verify the Caller
- Politely ask for their name, position, and the organization they represent.
- Tell them you’ll call back using the official contact number listed on their organization’s website or documents you trust.
3. Avoid Clicking or Acting on Their Requests
- Do not follow instructions to press buttons, visit fake links, or download anything.
- If they immediately request payment or personal details, it’s a warning sign.
4. Ask Clarifying Questions
- Genuine representatives should be able to answer detailed questions about their purpose. Scammers often stumble here.
5. Hang Up
- If something feels off, end the call. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you into staying on the line.
6. Report the Incident
- Report the number and details to your phone provider and relevant authorities in your country (e.g., FTC in the U.S., Action Fraud in the U.K.).
- If it’s work-related, inform your IT or security team immediately.
7. Check Your Accounts
- If you share sensitive information, monitor your bank and online accounts for unauthorized activity.
- Consider changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.