In this article, we will discuss the subject of “Voice Phishing”, which is the Turkish equivalent of “Voice Phishing”.
Voice Phishing is an attempt to get you to voluntarily provide your personal information, including your credit card information, to criminals. Voice phishing has been on the rise in recent years, with increasing e-mail phishing attacks. In this method, also known as "Vishing", attackers use social engineering methods. While doing these transactions, they aim to reach their goals by persuading the people they target with psychological and social methods.
Scammers; They reach the personal data of the victim by stating that they are calling from legitimate institutions or organizations such as the police, internet provider, bank, courthouse. For this, they create fear, excitement, panic and stress.
Some Methods Scammers Use for Vishing
⦁ Transactions related to bank and credit card account information
⦁ Transactions that address the confidentiality and reputation of the institution/organization
⦁ Information request by being introduced as courthouse, police, gendarmerie and insurance officer
⦁ Rewards such as lottery, raffle, vacation
⦁ Social assistance and donations
COVİD-19 and Voice Phishing
Due to the remote working model passed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic process, online transactions have increased. Attackers who want to turn the current situation into an opportunity state that they are calling from reliable sources. In this regard, people should be careful not to fall into the existing traps.
Methods of Protection from Vishing
⦁ Only accept calls from real contact numbers of institutions. If the name of the relevant institution is given by calling from numbers other than this, end the call.
⦁ In some cases, it is possible to make calls that appear to be coming from the real contact number. Even if you see a number you trust on the screen; detailed information should be obtained for confirmation. If there is any doubt, the call should be terminated and the institution should be called back by yourself.
⦁ Do not respond to suspicious calls, just as you do not respond to suspicious e-mails.
⦁ Keep in mind that scammers will offer fake and exaggerated services. Products that are difficult to access or that promise affordable prices should be investigated further and careful choices should be made.
⦁ Indicate that you will hang up as soon as you are uncomfortable with the questions directed to you. Please note that no institution/organization will object to you terminating the interview.
⦁ Especially avoid sharing “personal data” if you are not sure that the person you are talking to is calling from a real institution.
⦁ End the phone call, as there is a possibility that the phone number may not be verified in incoming calls by scammers. Only accept calls from real contact numbers of institutions.
⦁ Make sure that the measures you take are sustainable. Ensure the continuity of the necessary precautions and trainings for the employees in your organization.
