In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to be aware of emerging cyber threats like vishing and spoofing. Vishing, a blend of “voice” and “phishing,” is a sneaky tactic where scammers trick people into sharing personal information over the phone through voice cloning and audial impersonation.
Vishing is becoming more common, with a staggering 142% increase reported in 2022. Especially with recent advancements in the field of artificial intelligence, scammers have more tools now than ever before that can be used in vishing scams.
Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank representative – or even a loved one – to deceive you into revealing sensitive details. They might even fake their caller ID (this is called “spoofing”) to make the call seem legitimate.
To stay safe from vishing:
1. Stay Alert: Be cautious of unexpected calls or emails asking for personal information.
2. Verify Contacts: Always double-check the identity of callers by contacting the organization directly using official channels.
3. Guard Your Data: Refrain from sharing sensitive details like passwords or social security numbers over the phone or email.
4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s security software and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added protection.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
6. Hang Up: When in doubt, hang up the phone. If someone was pretending to be a loved one or trusted individual, call that loved one/trusted person back at their verified number. (If it really was a loved one, they’ll forgive you for hanging up!)
If you ever receive a suspicious phone call, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Guthrie County State Bank! We are here to help you stay safe, vigilant, and hyper-aware of the various threats that exist in our increasingly digital world.
See you next time for another Fraud Friday!