{"id":71297,"date":"2024-06-14T07:07:01","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T14:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=71297"},"modified":"2025-05-26T00:57:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-26T07:57:39","slug":"learn-phishing-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/mobile-security\/learn-phishing-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Being Phished by Your Phone"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now you\u2019ve probably heard of the term \u201cphishing<\/a>\u201d\u2014when scammers try to fool you into revealing your personal info or sending money, usually via email \u2014 but what about \u201cvishing\u201d? Vishing, or voice phishing, is basically the same practice, but done by phone.<\/p>\n

There are a few reasons why it\u2019s important for you to know about vishing. First off, voice phishing scams are prevalent and growing. A common example around tax season is the\u00a0IRS scam<\/a>, where fraudsters make threatening calls to taxpayers pretending to be IRS agents and demanding money for back taxes. Another popular example is the phony tech support scam, in which a scammer calls you claiming that they represent a security provider.<\/p>\n

The scammers might say they\u2019ve noticed a problem with your computer or device and want money to fix the problem, or even request direct access to your machine. They might also ask you to download software to do a \u201csecurity scan\u201d just so they can get you to install a piece of malware that steals your personal info. They might even try to sell you a worthless computer warranty or offer a phony refund.<\/p>\n

These kinds of attacks can be very persuasive because the scammers employ \u201csocial engineering\u201d techniques. This involves plays on emotion, urgency, authority, and even sometimes threats. The end result, scammers manipulate their victims into doing something for fraudulent purposes. Because scammers can reach you at any time on your most private device, your smartphone, it can feel more direct and personal.<\/p>\n

Vishing scams don\u2019t always require a phone call from a real person. Often, scammers use a generic or targeted recording, claiming to be from your bank or credit union. For instance, they might ask you to enter your bank account number or other personal details, which opens you up to identity theft.<\/p>\n

Increasingly, scammers use AI tools in voice cloning attacks. With readily available voice cloning apps, scammers can replicate someone else\u2019s voice with remarkable accuracy. While initially developed for benign purposes such as voice assistants and entertainment, scammers now use voice cloning tools to exploit unsuspecting victims.<\/p>\n

The incoming number might even appear to have come from your bank, thanks to a trick called \u201ccaller ID spoofing,\u201d which allows scammers to fake the origin of the call. They can do this by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which connects calls over the internet instead of traditional phone circuits, allowing them to easily assign incoming phone numbers.<\/p>\n

Tips to Avoid Vishing Attacks<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t risk losing your money or valuable personal info to these scams. Here\u2019s how to avoid vishing attacks:<\/p>\n