"vishing" voice over internet protocol VoIP

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A new phenomenon called "vishing" (or voice phishing) uses Internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services to trick people into revealing sensitive personal data which is then used for identity fraud.

Here's how "vishing" works and how you can protect yourself against it.

ID thieves have really perfected an online scam called "phishing".

Vishing mimics the legitimate ways people interact with their banking, so victims are more likely to respond without hesitation.

People trust phone transactions more than they trust the Internet (survey says), because the traceability & cost of landline or cellular phone services make mass phone fraud impractical. But VoIP service has rendered that security null.

TOP TIP - Never never ever, don't DO it, give out your private data, over a phone or online in response to an email or automated phone call.

Because "vishing" can lure victims through phone calls, it may reach people who haven't been exposed to anti-phishing education on the Web, which is probably MOST of us. Spread the word among your less Web-savvy friends and relatives. They need to know.

It is easy to get sucked in at a time when you are already multi-tasking 5 things, have 30 on your mind and the phone rings....

One of my best friends is an MD doctor, it happened to her. She is an intelligent lady - so don't think it can't happen to you.

USE COMMON SENSE. Don't get caught off guard. That is the biggest pit fall; being unaware of what you are actually DOING. You've gone and said something, it just popped right out of your mouth and you can' t take it back.

Don't EVER believe "account updates" or checking on this or that - no matter how official they may sound, you can ALWAYS call your financial institution yourself!

One that will get a LOT of people is "This is the fraud dept. of your XYZ Mastercard calling to check on some recent activities...."

It is easier than you *think* to get sucked in; that's why - because you aren't thinking!