I have already informed here how cheap VoIP calls widen the scope for data-thieving frauds. The new version of phishing is referred as Vishing. It is now one of the retarding factors for the growth of VoIP service.



Before the phone frauds engulf the mainstream, the consumers and market leaders should take some judicious steps to wipe it out. Here are few recommendations for them.



How Vishing takes place



1. The Vishers first dial to call phone numbers in a specified region.



2.When the consumer receives the call, an alert that his/her credit card has had fraudulent activity will be sounded. Then it would insist the consumer to call a following phone number, which is pre-designed. Generally, the vishers pretend to be the representative of financial company and offer the numbers of the financial company.



3.When the consumer dials the number, a computer-generated voice would tell them the company has verified their account and insist the customers to type their credit card number (usually 16-digit) on the key pad.



4.Once the consumer enters the number, the crooks access all the confidential information such as telephone number, full name and address, credit card number and also PIN, bank account etc.





Steps to avoid Vishing



1. The customers should know that the credit card company generally refers them by first and last name in the communication process, it may be telephonic or e-mailing. If they get a calls referring full name, they should suspect it as a vishing call.



2.It is better not to follow the telephone number provided in a phone call or an e-mail about security issues connected with bank account or credit card. If they have had any banking problem, it is advisable to call the numbers given in the back of the credit card.



3. The customers should hang up calls pretending to be a credit card provider asking for their card number. They should immediately call the phone number available in the back of credit card. If the call was legitimate, the credit card provider will have knowledge of it.



4. Suppose, the frauds got accomplished in their efforts, the customers should contact the financial company immediately and inform that the card as possible stolen.



Consumers should be always vigilant of this new VoIP threat. They should apply their intelligent while responding a strange calls.









Read