The Fraud Fighters at American 1 Credit Union are working to raise awareness of a recently trending security threat that has been on the rise: vishing (voice phishing). As we continue to rely on technology for communication and transactions, it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant.
What is Vishing?
Vishing occurs when attackers impersonate legitimate entities (such as banks, government agencies, or IT support) over phone calls. They manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information, such as account numbers, passwords, contact information, or personal details. These calls often appear convincing, using social engineering tactics to gain trust.
Why Does This Matter?
Vishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, making it challenging to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent calls. They are also targeted attacks; credit unions are prime targets due to the valuable financial data they hold. Vishing attacks involve social engineering: attackers pretend to be trustworthy individuals, often leveraging a sense of urgency or fear to manipulate victims into sharing sensitive details or taking actions they shouldn’t.
How to Protect Yourself:
It is important to remain vigilant to protect yourself and the community. As these attacks become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial to be well-informed about the signs of scams. Taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal and financial well-being can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss and promote financial wellness. Should you come across any suspicious phone calls or communications, report them immediately.
For more information on how to protect yourself and others against fraud and scams, please visit: www.thefraudfighters.org.
