Phishing, smishing, and vishing are deceptive tactics employed by fraudsters to trick individuals through various communication channels, such as emails, text messages, or phone calls, often impersonating reputable entities like banks or law enforcement.

In the realm of email scams, the term used is phishing, while fraudulent calls are referred to as vishing and deceitful SMS messages are known as smishing.

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How It Could Happen To You

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The scenario unfolds when you receive a seemingly authentic communication that, in reality, is a well-crafted fake. Perpetrators can manipulate phone numbers, email addresses, and company names displayed on your device, creating an illusion of contact with a legitimate organization—this practice is termed spoofing.

Once trust is established, these scammers employ tactics to coax you into divulging sensitive information, including personal and banking details. Subsequently, they exploit this information to gain unauthorized access to your account and execute transactions without your awareness.

Fraudsters may pose as trusted entities, claiming they will send a one-time passcode to verify your identity. In reality, they intend to use your card details for an illicit payment, counting on the likelihood that you will receive a code for confirmation. By coercing you to share the code, they gain authorization for the fraudulent transaction.

Another ploy involves tricking individuals into making payments for non-existent products, services, or investments. Scammers may concoct elaborate stories to manipulate victims into sending money.

How To Protect Yourself

To safeguard yourself, exercise caution with unexpected text messages, calls, and emails. Be discerning, even if phone numbers or email addresses appear genuine, as they can be manipulated. Exercise extra vigilance when prompted to open links or call provided numbers.

When contacting a company, ensure you use a verified number from a trusted source, such as the official website or the information on your card. When visiting a company's website, avoid relying on links from messages; instead, manually type in a known and genuine web address.

Crucially, refrain from disclosing personal information, PINs, PIN entry codes, mobile activation codes, QR codes, or Online Banking passcodes. If you receive an SMS passcode with instructions not to share it, adhere to this directive, even if someone claiming to represent the organization urges otherwise.

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