Phishing, Smishing and Vishing!

Letting your guard down can lead to serious consequences, especially when it comes to fraud through your emails, SMS’s and even telephone calls.

Phishing, smishing, and vishing are some of the many ways that criminals may try to defraud you…

Here’s what you need to know about phishing, smishing, and vishing!

Phishing: This is a scam that takes place through emails. A typical attack will occur when you receive an email that looks real, either appearing to be sent from your bank or other financial institution. 

Most of the time the email will ask you to click on a link or update your private account information.

Even though these emails may look legitimate, they are simply trying to scare you into clicking a link that will lead to a legitimate-looking website – but it isn’t! They will try and scare you into clicking links by saying, “your account has been blocked.” or “you need to install this new software to stay protected.” If you fall for this fake email, you will most likely have your private information, including your PIN stolen by fraudsters!

If you’re unsure of an email sent from your bank or financial institute, always give them a call first to double-check. Never click on links you are unsure of!

Smishing: This scam is a lot like phishing, but scammers will use SMS messages instead of email. If you receive a smishing SMS you will be asked to click on a link where you will be redirected to a legitimate-looking website. You will then be asked to input your personal, private information, including your PIN, just as they would do in a phishing scam.

Just as with a phishing email, always contact your bank or financial institute first before clicking on anything or giving away any private information!

Vishing: This scam is similar to phishing and smishing, but it is done over a phone call! You will be called and tricked into giving out your personal information, including your private baking information as well as your PIN. Scammers will use a technique called “caller identity spoofing” where the calls will seem to be made from a real or known number.

Be aware that no bank or financial institute will ever request you to give out your private information or PIN over a telephone call. So just as you did for phishing and smishing, be sure to simply end the call and then call them back yourself on the number provided on their website.

Always be alert of these scams, they may look legitimate, but you need to use your common sense! If you’ve become a victim of phishing, smishing or vishing, be sure to call OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za and we will do what we can to assist you!