Voice phishing, or "vishing," is a phishing technique where attackers use telephone calls to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information, often by impersonating trusted entities. Vishing attacks exploit the human trust in voice communication and the immediacy of phone interactions to bypass typical security measures.

 
• Impersonating Financial Institutions: Attackers often pretend to be representatives from a bank or credit card company, calling the victim to alert them of suspicious activity on their account. They create urgency, asking the victim to "verify" personal information, such as account numbers, passwords, or PINs, which the attackers then use for fraud.
   
• Tech Support Scams: Phishers impersonate technical support from well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple, calling to warn the victim about a "security issue" or "virus" on their device. The attackers then instruct the victim to install software that gives the attackers remote access to their computer, allowing them to steal personal data or install malware.
   
• Government Impersonation: In these scams, vishers pretend to be from government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement. They may claim that the victim owes taxes, is at risk of arrest, or has an unresolved legal issue. The caller pressures the victim to provide sensitive information or make immediate payments to avoid fines or penalties.
   
• Voicemail Phishing: Attackers leave voicemails instructing the victim to call back a specific number regarding an urgent matter, such as a compromised bank account or overdue payment. When the victim returns the call, they are asked to provide personal or financial details to "resolve" the issue, leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
   
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) via Vishing: In this scenario, attackers call employees at a company, pretending to be high-level executives or IT staff, instructing them to transfer money or provide sensitive corporate information. The sense of authority and urgency makes the victim more likely to comply without questioning the legitimacy of the request.
   
• Healthcare Impersonation: Vishing scams targeting individuals may involve callers impersonating health insurance providers or medical institutions, asking for personal information such as social security numbers, insurance details, or payment information. These scams often create fear by claiming that the victim’s healthcare coverage is about to expire or that there are unpaid medical bills.
   
• Fake Charity Calls: Attackers may pose as representatives of charitable organizations, especially following a natural disaster or during the holiday season. They use the emotional appeal of helping those in need to convince victims to donate money over the phone, but instead, the funds are pocketed by the scammers.
   
• Utility Company Scams: Vishers may pretend to be from utility companies, claiming that the victim’s electricity, water, or gas service is about to be cut off due to non-payment. The attacker pressures the victim to make an immediate payment over the phone to avoid service disruption, often using prepaid cards or direct transfers to steal money.
   
• Fake Debt Collection: In some vishing schemes, attackers pose as debt collectors, informing the victim of an outstanding debt that needs to be settled immediately. The victim, fearing legal action or damage to their credit, provides payment or sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the call.
   
• Employment Scams: Vishers may call victims with fake job offers, asking them to provide personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account details, under the guise of processing paperwork for a new position. These details are then used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

Vishing is effective because it leverages the human voice to build trust and create urgency. Attackers often impersonate trusted organizations or government bodies, pressuring victims into providing sensitive information or making financial transfers. As phone-based scams increase, it is critical to be cautious about sharing personal or financial details over the phone and to always verify the legitimacy of the caller.