TL;DR: Vishing (voice phishing) is a scam carried out over a phone call, where a caller impersonates a trusted organization to extract personal information or money. Hang up and call the organization back using a number from their official website or the back of your card — never a number the caller gives you.
Vishing (voice phishing) is a scam carried out over a phone call, where a caller impersonates a trusted organization to extract personal information or money.
How Vishing Works
A caller claims to be from your bank, the IRS, tech support, or a government agency, often using caller ID spoofing to look legitimate. They create urgency — a security issue, unpaid tax, or legal threat — to pressure you into acting immediately.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Pressure to act immediately, requests for remote access to your device, requests for payment via gift card or wire transfer, and refusal to let you call back through an official number.
How to Protect Yourself
Hang up and call the organization back using a number from their official website or the back of your card — never a number the caller gives you.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Wardialing Robocalls? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Wardriving? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vishing?
Vishing (voice phishing) is a scam carried out over a phone call, where a caller impersonates a trusted organization to extract personal information or money.
How does Vishing typically work?
A caller claims to be from your bank, the IRS, tech support, or a government agency, often using caller ID spoofing to look legitimate. They create urgency — a security issue, unpaid tax, or legal threat — to pressure you into acting immediately.
What are the warning signs of Vishing?
Pressure to act immediately, requests for remote access to your device, requests for payment via gift card or wire transfer, and refusal to let you call back through an official number.
How can I protect myself from Vishing?
Hang up and call the organization back using a number from their official website or the back of your card — never a number the caller gives you.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Vishing?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.