Vishing (voice phishing)

Phishing carried out over a phone call, often using spoofed caller ID and urgency tactics.

Vishing is phishing over voice — a phone call, a voicemail, or sometimes a fake "call us back" prompt embedded in another message. With cheap VoIP and easy caller-ID spoofing, attackers can show any number on your screen.

Common vishing scripts: tech-support ("we've detected a virus on your computer"), banking ("unusual activity, please confirm your card number"), and government ("this is the IRS").

Defense: real banks and real government agencies don't call demanding immediate action. If you're unsure, hang up and call back on a number you find independently.

Example

A call appearing to be from your bank's fraud line asking you to "verify" your card number and CVV.

Related terms

Smishing (SMS phishing)

Phishing delivered via SMS text message. Mobile-targeted attacks that exploit the trust placed in text messages.

Phishing

Fraudulent attempt to steal credentials or money by impersonating a trusted entity, usually via email or a fake website.

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