Consumer Encyclopedia

Vishing

Vishing

Telephone equivalent of a phishing scam. Consumer receives a call from someone claiming there's a problem with a bank account, or perhaps offering a better interest rate on a credit card. Consumer is asked for personal information.

The government grant and jury duty scams are vishing scams when done by phone.

Tip: Never give out your personal information to anyone who contacts you. Give that out only when you initiate the contact. For more, see identity theft.

Listen to a sample vishing phone call

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