Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Yourself From Phone Scams and Vishing – Stay Safe with InfoCons Consumers Protection !
Phone scams have become one of the most common and dangerous forms of cybercrime, targeting people of all ages. While emails and fake websites often get the spotlight, fraudsters increasingly rely on phone calls to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or transferring money.
These scams, commonly known as vishing (a blend of “voice” and “phishing”), are becoming more convincing and harder to detect. Understanding how they work is a key step in protecting your personal data and strengthening your cybersecurity.
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What Are Phone Scams and How Do They Work?
Phone scams involve criminals calling individuals under false pretenses to obtain personal, financial, or security-related information. Fraudsters may pretend to represent trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.
To appear legitimate, scammers often spoof phone numbers, making the call look as if it comes from a genuine institution. In some cases, they already possess partial personal information from previous data breaches, which helps them gain trust and pressure victims into acting quickly.
The Most Common Types of Phone Scams to Watch For
- Impersonation and Authority Scams
Scammers may claim to be calling from your bank, the police, or a government department. They often create a sense of urgency, saying your account is at risk and urging you to move money into a so-called “safe account”—which actually belongs to the fraudster.
- Remote Access and Tech Support Scams
In these scams, callers warn that your account or device has been compromised. They instruct you to install legitimate remote-access software, which is then misused to gain control of your device and steal money or data.
- HMRC and Tax-Related Scams
Some fraudsters pose as tax authorities, claiming you owe unpaid taxes or face legal action. These scams may involve automated messages or requests to call back suspicious numbers. Others begin with emails or texts directing victims to fraudulent phone lines.
- Investment and Financial Opportunity Scams
Victims may receive unsolicited calls promoting fake investment opportunities with guaranteed high returns. Pension cold calls are already banned, and any unexpected financial sales call should be treated as suspicious.
- Prize Draw and Lottery Scams
In these cases, scammers claim you’ve won a prize or lottery you don’t remember entering. To release the winnings, they ask for personal details or payment of “fees,” which leads to financial loss.
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Number Spoofing: Why Caller ID Can’t Be Trusted
One of the most deceptive techniques scammers use is number spoofing, where the caller ID displays a legitimate phone number. This makes the call appear authentic even when it isn’t.
If you receive an unexpected call from a company or authority, the safest approach is to hang up and contact the organization directly using an official phone number from its website.
Premium-Rate and Missed Call Scams Explained
Some scams involve premium-rate phone numbers designed to generate high call charges. These numbers often appear in misleading online ads or “click-to-call” search results.
Common premium-rate numbers may start with 09, 118, 087, 084, 091, or 098. Another tactic is the missed call scam, where scammers hang up quickly, hoping you’ll call back and incur expensive charges.
How to Protect Yourself From Phone Scams
To strengthen your cybersecurity against phone-based fraud:
- Never share financial or security details over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- End the call immediately if something feels suspicious.
- Use call-blocking tools to reduce nuisance and scam calls.
- Wait at least 10–15 minutes before calling back a trusted organization, or use a different phone to avoid line-holding tricks.
- Avoid clicking sponsored phone ads when searching for official contact numbers.
How to Verify Unknown Phone Numbers Safely
If you’re unsure about a caller, you can check the number by:
- Searching it online or on dedicated phone-number reporting websites
- Looking it up on social media to see if others have flagged it
- Being cautious with international calling codes, as legitimate businesses rarely call from abroad unexpectedly
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Phone scams continue to evolve, but most rely on the same core tactics—urgency, fear, and trust. By staying informed, questioning unexpected calls, and following basic cybersecurity practices, you can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Strong cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about awareness, prevention, and knowing when to say no. Staying alert could save you from serious financial and personal harm.
Source : Which? UK
Signature: InfoCons Communication Department