<ul><li>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.</li><li>Aadhaar card and Prize scams are common types of vishing attacks in India.</li><li>Below, check out simple tips to identify vishing scams in India.</li></ul>“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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Common vishing scams in India 2023" comment="subhead" text="Common vishing scams in India 2023"><span data-til="noop"><keyword id="17245068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="common-vishing-scams" source="Orion">Common vishing scams</keyword> in India 2023</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to spot vishing scams in India" comment="subhead" text="How to spot vishing scams in India"><span data-til="noop"><keyword id="17245070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="how-to-spot-vishing-scams" source="Orion">How to spot vishing scams</keyword> in India</span></cmsannotation><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Verify the caller's identity" comment="subhead" text="Verify the caller's identity"><span data-til="noop">Verify the caller's identity</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Be cautious of urgency or high-pressure tactics" comment="subhead" text="Be cautious of urgency or high-pressure tactics"><span data-til="noop">Be cautious of urgency or high-pressure tactics</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Do not share sensitive information" comment="subhead" text="Do not share sensitive information"><span data-til="noop">Do not share sensitive information</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Beware of unsolicited calls" comment="subhead" text="Beware of unsolicited calls"><span data-til="noop">Beware of unsolicited calls</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Watch for caller ID spoofing" comment="subhead" text="Watch for caller ID spoofing"><span data-til="noop">Watch for caller ID spoofing</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers" comment="subhead" text="Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers"><span data-til="noop">Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Seek official confirmation" comment="subhead" text="Seek official confirmation"><span data-til="noop">Seek official confirmation</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Report suspicious calls" comment="subhead" text="Report suspicious calls"><span data-til="noop">Report suspicious calls</span></cmsannotation><br />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.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to recover after a vishing attack" comment="subhead" text="How to recover after a vishing attack"><span data-til="noop">How to recover after a vishing attack</span></cmsannotation><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br />

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

<ul><li>69% of Indians cannot distinguish between fake and real voices.</li><li>Fake voice messages of friends and family members are sent by scammers who pretend to be distressed.</li><li>Below, read about some tips for identifying AI voice calls and how to protect yourself from AI voice call scams.</li></ul><keyword id="127849" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="mcafee" source="Orion">McAfee</keyword> has released a report called ‘The <keyword id="17300707" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-imposter" source="Orion">Artificial Imposter</keyword>,’ highlighting how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is facilitating an increase in online voice scams. The study was conducted in seven countries, including India, and involved 7,054 participants.<br /><br />The survey shows that a majority of Indians, more than half (69%), cannot distinguish between an AI voice and a real voice. Nearly half (47%) of Indian adults have either experienced or know someone who has experienced some sort of <keyword id="17300703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-voice-scam" source="Orion">AI voice scam</keyword>, which is almost twice the global average of 25%. Additionally, 83% of Indian victims reported a monetary loss, with 48% losing over ₹50,000.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Voice cloning scams on the rise in India" comment="subhead" text="Voice cloning scams on the rise in India"><span data-til="noop">Voice cloning scams on the rise in India</span></cmsannotation><br />According to McAfee, voice cloning scams are rising in India, with cybercriminals using AI technology to manipulate the voices of friends and family members. The report states that 86% of Indian adults share their voice data online at least once a week, making voice cloning an increasingly powerful tool in the hands of scammers. The study found that 69% of Indian adults cannot distinguish between a cloned voice and the real one, making it easier for scammers to trick people into falling for their schemes.<br /><br />The most common type of voice cloning scam involves scammers sending fake voicemails or voice notes pretending to be someone in distress or even calling victims' contacts directly. According to the report, more than half (66%) of Indian respondents said they would reply to a voicemail or voice note purporting to be from a friend or loved one in need of money, particularly if they believed it came from a parent (46%), partner or spouse (34%), or child (12%). Messages claiming that the sender had been robbed, involved in a car incident, lost their phone or wallet, or needed help while traveling abroad were most likely to elicit a response.<br /><br /><strong>AI voice scams can be difficult to detect, but there are some signs to look out for:</strong><br /><ol><li>Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming they need help immediately.</li><li>Request for money: Scammers may ask for money or request that you transfer funds to a particular account.</li><li>Unusual behavior: The scammer may claim to be in distress or in an unusual situation.</li><li>Changes in the tone of voice: The voice may sound different from the person you know, or the tone may be inconsistent with the situation.</li><li>Unusual requests: The scammer may ask for personal information or login credentials.</li></ol>It is important to stay alert and cautious when receiving unexpected calls or messages, especially if they involve requests for money or personal information. If in doubt, verifying the person's identity by calling them back on a trusted phone number is always a good idea.<br /><br /><strong>Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from AI voice cloning scams:</strong><br /><ul><li>Be wary of unexpected calls or messages from friends or family members. If you receive a request for money or personal information, take a moment to confirm your identity through another channel of communication, such as texting or video calling.</li><li>Keep your personal information private. Avoid sharing sensitive details about your life on social media or other public forums that cybercriminals could use to clone your voice.</li><li>Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, including social media and email. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.</li><li>Regularly update your antivirus software and update your operating system with the latest security patches.</li><li>Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could contain malware that could give cybercriminals access to your device and personal information.</li><li>Educate yourself on the latest cyber threats and stay up-to-date on recognizing and avoiding them.</li></ul>SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/what-are-vishing-scams-that-start-with-a-namaste-and-end-with-monetary-losses/articleshow/99762900.cms">What are ‘vishing scams’ that start with a Namaste and end with monetary losses</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/sony-wh-ch720n-headphones-review-featherweight-comfort-and-impressive-sound/articleshow/99911412.cms">Sony WH-CH720N headphones review: Featherweight comfort and impressive sound</a><br />

7 out of 10 Indians are unable to identify AI voice call scams, and half fall for scams with monetary losses

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6359049" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="phishing">Phishing</keyword> is a form of <keyword id="6375096" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cybercrime">cybercrime</keyword> wherein you receive an email from a fake sender pretending to be someone else. </li><li>The goal of phishing emails is usually to get you to give up personal or sensitive information.</li><li>Phishing is easy to detect if you keep an eye out for bad spelling and grammar, email addresses that don't match the alleged sender, and requests for information you shouldn't provide over email. </li><li>You should never respond to a phishing email and, instead, delete the message or follow your company's policy for reporting it.</li></ul><p>Phishing is a cybercrime in which criminals masquerade as someone else, like a legitimate business, to get victims to surrender personal and sensitive information voluntarily. </p><p>A common kind of phishing email is when you receive a message in your inbox that appears to come from your bank. As part of some alleged security check, the message requests that you reply with your login information. That can include info like your username and password. </p><p>If you respond to this email with the requested information, you may have just given criminals unrestricted access to your bank account. </p><h2>What is phishing?</h2><p>The term "phishing" is a variation of the word "fishing." It is meant to symbolize that in most cases, cybercriminals cast a wide net, attacking a vast number of users at once, hoping that a few will take the bait. </p><div type="image" title="What is phishing 1" height="1027" width="1501" msid="79197460" hostid="261"></div><p>There are several common variations of the basic phishing attack. A "spear-phishing" attack, for example, is one that's more targeted. In some cases, spear-phishing targets users known to use a specific bank, website, or online service. </p><p>Criminals conducting a generic phishing attack may know nothing about you, which is why you may occasionally get an email asking you to reset your password for a bank or online service you don't even use. But in spear phishing, criminals might have hacked a list of users for a common website and email those users asking them to give up sensitive information. </p><p>Likewise, spear phishing can be ultra-targeted at specific individuals, with custom emails that appear to come from co-workers, clients, or vendors to persuade you to give up passwords, account credentials, or other sensitive information. </p><p>You may also see other phishing-related terms, such as smishing (phishing that uses SMS text messages) and vishing (phishing that relies at least in part on voice phone calls). They all have the same goal: to persuade you that the communication is a routine request for sensitive information. </p><h2>Common phishing ploys </h2><p>There are countless common phishing attacks. Criminals are always trying new variations, so there is no single shortlist of phishing ploys to be on the lookout for. Even so, these are the kinds of phishing emails you will commonly see. </p><h3><strong>Winning a lottery or sweepstakes</strong></h3><p>You receive an email advising you that you've won a large cash award, usually in the form of sweepstakes. If you respond, you'll often find you need to give your bank account information to receive the deposit. </p><h3><strong>Assist someone dispensing a large bounty of money </strong></h3><p>This is the classic "Nigerian prince" scam, and there are a thousand variations in circulation today. The premise: Someone has a large sum of money that they will share with you if you can help transfer it to the United States or disperse it to charity. There is no money, but the criminals will take your money if you give them the requested information. </p><h3><strong>Security check for your bank account</strong></h3><p>You receive an email purporting to come from your bank requesting that you respond with your login information, account number, passwords, or other sensitive information. </p><h3><strong>You need to check on a charge or shipment or reset your password </strong></h3><p>In many cases, you won't be asked to reply with your account information. Instead, you might need to click a link in the email to open the website in question, where you need to log in and check on something. </p><p>The scam here is that the link takes you to an illegitimate clone of the website. If you enter your credentials, the criminals have captured your information. </p><h2>How to detect a phishing attack</h2><p>With a little diligence, it's easy to detect and avoid virtually all phishing attacks. Most phishing emails are relatively unsophisticated, aimed at ensnaring naive users who are new to the internet or who aren't aware of the risk of phishing attacks – or just very busy people who don't carefully review all their email. Here are the main things to look for.</p><h3><strong>Poor spelling and grammar</strong></h3><p>This might seem obvious, but it's the number one way to spot illegitimate emails. Many phishing emails are created by non-English speakers who miss nuances in English grammar. If an email claims to come from a major bank or retailer and includes obvious errors, beware. </p><h3><strong>The email address doesn't match the name</strong></h3><p>If your email claims to come from Netflix, but the actual email address does not end in "Netflix.com," it's almost certainly a phishing attack. Look in the "From" line of the email client. It should say, "Netflix &lt;info@mailer.netflix.com&gt;," not Netflix gdgeert@criminal_organization.remailer.com&gt;.</p><div type="image" title="What is phishing 2" height="779" width="1253" msid="79197461" hostid="261"></div><h3><strong>Make sure the link goes where it claims — without clicking it</strong></h3><p>If you are preparing to click a link in an email, keep in mind that the link might take you somewhere different than the text in the link implies. Hover over the link without clicking it and see where it's going. If the domain is different than you expect, it's probably taking you to an illegitimate site. </p><p><strong>Even better advice:</strong> Avoid clicking links in emails entirely. If your bank sends you an email claiming you have an important message waiting, open a web browser, and navigate there yourself. That way, you can safely find out if the message is real. </p><div type="image" title="What is phishing 3" height="1251" width="1982" msid="79197463" hostid="261"></div><h3><strong>Be wary of any request for sensitive information</strong></h3><p>Banks and retailers will never ask you for your password or other personal information via email. If you get an email that seems weird, it probably is weird. </p><h2>What you should do about a phishing attack</h2><p>In general, nothing. Never reply to a phishing email, ever. Responding lets the sender know it has reached a real person, making you particularly vulnerable to additional attacks. If you get a phishing email, mark it as spam, which helps your email program know that it's not legitimate. Or send it to your trash folder. </p><p>If you are getting phishing emails at work using your corporate email, though, you should follow the procedures established by your company's IT department. Usually, IT will want you to forward these emails to a specific email address. This can help the company filter these messages more effectively and prevent other employees from falling victim to an attack.</p><h2>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-pop-up-blocker">What is a pop-up blocker? How to enable your web browser's pop-up blocker or disable it to access necessary pop-ups</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-vpn">What is a VPN? How a Virtual Private Network can help protect your privacy online</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-wpa2-password">'What is a WPA2 password?': A guide to WPA2, the safest type of Wi-Fi password you can have</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-google-authenticator">'What is Google Authenticator?': How to set up Google's two-step verification software to secure all of your Google apps</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-my-ip">'What is my IP?': Here's what an IP address does, and how to find yours</a></h3></li></ul>

You Searched For "common vishing scams" and got 3 results

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

Rahul Verma

7 out of 10 Indians are unable to identify AI voice call scams, and half fall for scams with monetary losses

Rahul Verma

What is phishing? Here's what you should know about the virtual scamming technique and how to protect yourself from data theft

Dave Johnson