Avoid ‘Vishing’ Scams

Original Post, YouTube | Symantec

We stumbled on this YouTube video put out by Symnantec and thought it was most definitely worth a share. If you wish to learn more about their in-depth Security Awareness Training Program, you may email them at: [email protected] You may also visit go.symantec.com/awareness. We like the tips they offer to avoid this latest cyber-attack, so we thought we would share the information.

What is a ‘Vishing’ Scam?

A ‘vishing’ scam is the voice version of email ‘phishing’ scams. The end result is the same, but the approach is via telephone instead of email. It is a phone scam in which individuals are tricked, or scared, into sending money, handing over financial information, or even allowing remote access to their computer.

The criminal pretends to be from a legitimate software security company, bank, or maybe maybe even from law enforcement, or a government organization, such as the IRS. The goal is always the same — to get you to send money or hand over sensitive financial information, usernames, or passwords, or to trick you into giving them remote access to your computer.

How To Avoid A ‘Vishing’ Scam

If someone calls you, never give personal information over the phone. If you’re asked for it, simply hang up, or tell them you’re going to call the main office directly. Research the company in question — especially if you’re not sure if you have an account with them or have ever done business with them.

Make sure the company website is legitimate and call their main number and ask to speak to a representative concerning your account to see if the previous call was legitimate. If you’re dealing with an unfamiliar company, or an organization you don’t remember dealing with, be highly suspicious.

Scammers will sometimes create fake companies with legitimate-looking websites in an effort to trick people into thinking they’re real. When in doubt, think twice about giving them information, money, or remote access to your computer. It’s not worth the risk. Legitimate companies know this and will not pressure you or threaten you if you decline to give them personal information or remote computer access.

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The mission at FAST is to increase public awareness of financial exploitation with the goal of mitigating risk of exploitation and protecting our state’s vulnerable populations.

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