Vishing is a form of phishing that uses phone calls or voice messages to trick someone into giving up sensitive information, such as passwords, financial details, or personal data. Attackers often impersonate banks, government agencies, IT support, or trusted companies to seem legitimate.
Why it matters:
- Vishing is rising because people tend to trust voice communication more than email.
- Attackers use social engineering and urgency (“your account will be closed,” “your computer is infected”) to pressure victims.
- Can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or unauthorized access to business systems.
Pro tip: Never share personal or account information over the phone unless you initiated the call. If something feels off, hang up and call the organization back using a verified phone number.
Synonyms:
Voice Phishing