Vishing for Info

Copyright 2006 Kit Lum. All rights in all media reserved.

By now, most of us have learnt to tell the difference between a legit email from those that are trying to phish for info. Took us a while but we got the hang of it.

According to an article from PCWorld that I came across, scammers are trying a different bag of tricks. Instead of asking you to click on a link in a cleverly disguised official email from a financial company, they're now asking you to call a phone number. Seems this was the same con they used before emails became 'the' medium of global communication, and now they've come full circle.

So be sure to keep your eyes open for attempts by scammers out 'vishing' (abbreviated from voice phishing) for your personal information. Three ways to avoid getting vished:

1. Communication from companies you're signed up with will always carry your full name. If you don't see your full name on the email, be suspicious, be very suspicious.

2. In the same way you've learnt not to click on links indiscriminately, do not call any phone numbers you receive in a phone call or an email regarding any security issues or whatever.

3. If anyone calls and asks for your credit card number for whatever reason, don't give them the time of day. Better safe than sorry, don't you think?
 

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About the author

Kit Lum brings over six years of online business experience into Go Get Global and its ezines - helping small/home businesses profit from growing globally. Quality business resources are only a click away at http://www.Go-GetGlobal.com. Get more FREE business tips like these at http://G3.Go-GetGlobal.com.

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