How to protect yourself from vishing?

Updated: Friday, July 5, 2013, 9:58 [IST]

"Vishing" is a fraudulent activity where fraudster coerces unsuspecting persons to divulge personal and financial information over the phone. Sensitive data collected through vishing attacks are then used to commit identity theft and financial frauds. Vishing techniques are relatively new and more sophisticated as compared to phishing attacks.

How to Protect Yourself from Vishing Attacks?

There are few steps you need to take to help protect yourself from vishing attacks.

1. Hang Up

Easiest way of protection from vishing attacks is to simply hang up the phone call soliciting sensitive information like banking password and CVV numbers.

2. Be aware and educate yourself regarding new methods of fraud - The more you know about the modus operandi of various frauds, less is the chance of getting trapped. Gather information regarding new fraudulent techniques from your bank as they maintain database of the same.

3. Be skeptical about automated calls and caller ID's as they can be tampered with - Speak only with live persons if personal and financially sensitive information is being asked for. Do not entertain random calls. Call should have a definite purpose and make sure you have raised request with the customer care regarding the same. Mind you, if you have not raised any request or complain with the customer care recently, do not expect a call from them.

4. Keep record of the information you shared on the call together with the phone number or area code of the caller, and report this to your bank if in doubt.

5. Never make a call on customer care numbers given in an email. Pick the customer care number from official bank website.

About the Author:
The author Bimlesh Singh is a financial advisor. He holds a Bachelor's degree from IIT and is a CFA Level 2 candidate. He can be reached at [email protected]

Courtesy:www.investmentyogi.com