After smishing, a new voice phishing technique is targeting the French. Vishing, a contraction of "voice" and "phishing," is based on a well-established mechanism. Scammers begin by sending fraudulent text messages alerting the victim of a supposed large payment made from their bank account. The message generally contains a phone number to call to dispute the transaction. This is when the trap closes. When the victim calls this number, they are connected to a fake bank advisor who, under the pretext of securing their account, will attempt to obtain their sensitive personal and banking information.
The effectiveness of this scam is based on several well-known psychological factors. First, the fraudsters will use spoofing software to spoof official phone numbers, making their calls appear legitimate. Then, they exploit the urgency of the situation by insisting on the need to act immediately to avoid significant financial losses, which will aim to precipitate the victim's decisions.
Increasingly sophisticated techniques
What makes vishing particularly dangerous is its ability to circumvent the usual defenses against online scams. Unlike traditional phishing emails, which may contain spelling mistakes or questionable formatting, phone calls allow scammers to adapt their message in real time and answer victims' questions convincingly. In addition, they deliver a perfectly rehearsed message, with a perfect understanding of banking jargon. Scammers also know the security measures implemented by banks by heart. They therefore know exactly what information to request to carry out fraudulent transactions.
Faced with the rise of these scams, a few precautions are in order: keep in mind that banking establishments never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Your PINs, full credit card numbers, or passwords should never be shared, no matter how urgent the situation. If in doubt, hang up, or always report suspicious numbers to 33700, the official service for combating SMS scams in France
What to do if you have been a victim?
If, despite all precautions, you believe you have been a victim of vishing, rapid action can limit the damage. Contact your bank immediately to report the incident and block any suspicious transactions. Banks generally have emergency procedures for this type of situation and can intervene quickly to secure your account.
Once your account is secured, it is strongly recommended that you file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie. This step is essential for investigations aimed at dismantling fraudster networks and may also be necessary in the context of possible reimbursement procedures. Be careful, for the past few days, this type of fraud could cost you more, with a more complex procedure in the event of a reimbursement. Caution is therefore still required.
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