What are ‘vishing scams’ that start with a Namaste and end with monetary losses

• Vishing is a type of phone scam where the fraudster takes advantage of human error by calling and attempting to deceive victims into revealing their personal information.
• Aadhaar card and Prize scams are common types of vishing attacks in India.
• Below, check out simple tips to identify vishing scams in India.

“Namaste, this is ‘X’ calling from your bank. Due to a security breach, we need to verify your account details. Please share your Aadhaar number and bank account information followed by OTP to secure your account.”

In this instance, a scammer adopts a deceptive approach by posing as a representative from the victim's bank in India, using the familiar greeting "Namaste" to create a false sense of familiarity and trust. The scammer then fabricates a story about a security breach and requests the victim's Aadhaar number and OTP (One-Time Password). This is a common vishing technique employed by scammers to carry out fraudulent activities.

Simply put, vishing is a type of phone scam where the fraudster takes advantage of human error by calling and attempting to deceive victims into revealing their personal information or money. The term "vishing" combines "voice" and "phishing," signifying that the scammer uses a hook or a lure to trick unsuspecting individuals into disclosing usernames, passwords, and credit card details or downloading malware onto their devices.

Common vishing scams in India 2023

Bank or Financial Institution Scams: Scammers may pretend to be calling from a victim's bank or financial institution, claiming an issue with their account, such as unauthorized transactions or pending dues. They may request personal information, such as bank account numbers, ATM PINs, or OTPs (One-Time Passwords), under the guise of resolving the issue.

Aadhaar Card Scams: Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Indian government, and scammers may pose as Aadhaar officials, claiming there is an issue with the victim's Aadhaar card, such as verification or update requirements. They may request personal information, such as Aadhaar numbers, biometric data, or OTPs, to resolve the supposed issue.

Prize Scams: Scammers may inform victims that they have won a prize and ask for personal information, such as bank account numbers, to process the winnings. They may use tactics such as urgency, excitement, or promises of large sums of money to lure victims into providing their information.

Job or Employment Scams: Scammers may pose as recruitment agencies or employers, offering fake job opportunities and requesting personal information, such as Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, or copies of identity documents, as part of the application process.

Tech Support Scams: Scammers may pretend to be calling from a reputable tech support company, claiming that the victim's computer or device has a virus or technical issue. They may request remote access to the victim's device or payment for services and in the process, may obtain personal information or money.

How to spot vishing scams in India

Verify the caller's identity

Always verify the identity of the caller, especially if they claim to be from a bank, financial institution, Aadhaar office, or any other organization. Ask for their name, designation, and contact number, and cross-check this information with official sources or the organization's official website.

Be cautious of urgency or high-pressure tactics

Scammers often use urgency or high-pressure tactics to create a sense of panic or urgency to get you to act quickly without thinking rationally. Be cautious of such tactics and avoid making impulsive decisions or sharing personal information.

Do not share sensitive information

Be wary of providing personal information over the phone, such as bank account numbers, Aadhaar numbers, OTPs, PINs, or other sensitive details, unless you know the call's legitimacy.

Beware of unsolicited calls

Vishing scammers often make unsolicited calls to potential victims. Be cautious of calls you did not initiate or expect, especially if they request personal information or financial details.

Watch for caller ID spoofing

Scammers may use caller ID spoofing to make it appear that the call is from a legitimate organization. However, the caller ID can be manipulated. Do not solely rely on caller ID as a proof of authenticity.

Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers

Scammers may lure victims with promises of large sums of money, lottery winnings, or other lucrative offers. Be skeptical of such offers that seem too good to be true, and always exercise caution.

Seek official confirmation

If you receive a call claiming to be from a bank, financial institution, or any other organization, ask for an official reference number or a confirmation email to verify the call's authenticity.

Report suspicious calls

If you suspect you have received a vishing call in India or any other location, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the police, the bank or financial institution, or the Aadhaar office, for further investigation.

How to recover after a vishing attack

If you have fallen victim to a vishing scam, taking immediate steps to minimize potential damages is crucial. First, change your passwords for all your accounts to prevent further unauthorized access. Notify your bank or financial institution about the incident, and follow their guidance on securing your accounts.

Contact the Aadhaar office if you have shared any Aadhaar-related information. Additionally, report the vishing attack to the local authorities, such as the police or cyber crime cell, to initiate an investigation.

Record all relevant details, including the date, time, phone number, and any other information about the vishing call. It's also essential to educate yourself about vishing attacks and adopt preventive measures, such as being cautious of unsolicited calls, verifying the caller's identity, and not sharing personal information over the phone without proper authentication.

Recovering from a vishing attack may require time and effort, but taking prompt and proactive measures can help you mitigate potential damages and protect yourself from future incidents.