As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics used by scammers to obtain personal information. One such tactic is voice phishing, also known as vishing. This type of scam involves a fraudster calling you and pretending to be someone they are not, in order to gain access to sensitive information such as your social security number, bank account details, or passwords. In this blog, I will provide you with tips to keep your personal information safe from voice phishing scams.
What is voice phishing and voice cloning?
Voice phishing is a type of scam where a fraudster calls you and pretends to be someone they are not, such as a bank representative, a government official, or a technical support agent. The aim of the scam is to obtain sensitive information from you, such as your social security number, bank account details, or passwords. The caller may use various tactics to convince you to disclose your personal information, such as creating a sense of urgency or offering you a prize or reward.
Voice cloning is when AI technology is used to make a realistic digital copy of someone’s voice. This can be used to exploit fears a loved one is danger during a phishing scam. Such as a scammer using a replica of your loved ones voice to claim they have been kidnapped or arrested and need money. This form of voice phishing is particularly insidious because it plays on our emotions and can be very convincing. Sound too high tech to be real, think again, AI voice cloning software is becoming readily available on the internet and for only a few dollars a month criminals can obtain subscriptions that allow them to produce high quality clones.
How voice phishing and cloning works
Voice phishing works by exploiting your trust and manipulating you into disclosing sensitive information. The fraudster may use various tactics to gain your trust, such as spoofing their caller ID to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate organization or using a voice that sounds authoritative or familiar. Once they have gained your trust, they will then proceed to ask you for your personal information. They may create a sense of urgency or panic, such as claiming that your account has been compromised, that a loved one is in danger, or that you are about to be arrested, in order to pressure you into giving them your information.
Risks and concerns with voice phishing
The risks and concerns associated with voice phishing are significant. If you fall for a voice phishing scam, you could end up losing your money, having your identity stolen, or even becoming a victim of fraud. Voice phishing scams are often difficult to detect, as the caller may sound convincing and the caller ID may appear legitimate. Additionally, scammers can use the information they obtain from you to commit further fraud or identity theft.
I personally have very real concerns about scammers potentially using voice cloning to trick voice authorization protocols with financial institutions.
Examples of voice phishing scams
Voice phishing scams can take many forms, but some common examples include:
- A caller claiming to be from your bank, asking you to verify your account details over the phone.
- A caller claiming to be from the IRS, threatening legal action if you do not provide them with your social security number.
- A caller claiming to be from Microsoft, warning you that your computer has a virus and asking you to download a program that will give them access to your computer.
- A caller may use a voice clone of a loved one indicating that they are in danger and need your assistance
Tips to keep your personal information safe from voice phishing
To protect yourself from voice phishing scams, follow these tips:
- Never disclose personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain that the caller is legitimate.
- If a caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the organization back using a phone number that you know is genuine.
- Do not trust caller ID, as scammers can spoof it to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate organization.
- Be wary of calls that create a sense of urgency or panic, as these are often tactics used by scammers.
- Install anti-virus software on your computer and keep it up to date.
- Use strong passwords and do not share them with anyone.
- Keep your personal information private and do not post it online.
- Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, if it’s important they’ll leave a message.
- DO NOT ENABLE VOICE AUTHORIZATION WITH ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS! I fear this is going to be one of the fastest growing new forms of financial fraud.
What to do if you are a victim of voice phishing
If you think you have fallen for a voice phishing scam, take the following steps:
- Contact your bank or credit card company and report the fraud.
- Change your passwords for all online accounts.
- Contact the credit bureaus and request a fraud alert on your credit report.
- File a complaint with the FTC.
Reporting voice phishing scams
If you receive a voice phishing call, you can report it to the FTC by visiting their website or calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
How to stay aware of voice phishing
To stay aware of voice phishing scams, keep up to date with the latest scams and tactics used by fraudsters. You can do this by visiting the websites of organizations such as the FTC, FBI, and IRS, which provide information on the latest scams and how to avoid them. Additionally, sign up for alerts from your bank or credit card company, which can notify you of any suspicious activity on your account.
Additional resources for protecting against voice phishing
There are many resources available to help you protect yourself against voice phishing scams. Some useful resources include:
- The FTC’s website, which provides information on the latest scams and how to avoid them.
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which allows you to report scams and fraud.
- The IRS’s website, which provides information on scams targeting taxpayers.
- The National Cyber Security Alliance, which provides tips and resources for staying safe online.
Conclusion
Voice phishing scams are a serious threat to your personal information and financial well-being. By following the tips provided in this blog, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Remember to never disclose personal information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain that the caller is legitimate, and to always be wary of calls that create a sense of urgency or panic. Stay informed and stay safe!
CTA: If you have any questions or concerns about voice phishing scams, please reach out to a trusted financial advisor or organization for guidance.