UK at risk of ‘Vishing’

Published 17 September 2013

‘Vishing’ involves a fraudster making a phone call to a potential victim, posing as someone from a bank or building society fraud investigation team, the police or another legitimate organisation such as a telephone or internet provider. They attempt to obtain financial information which often includes credit/debit card details (including PIN), bank account details and personal information such as full name, date of birth or address. This information is then used by the fraudster to gain access to their victim’s finances.

Trading Standards is warning people to not be afraid of putting the phone down to fraudsters but be wary of those cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back. Fraudsters will keep your phone line open by not putting down the receiver at their end. Remember that it takes two people to terminate a call so try and use a different phone line if you are asked to ring back.

If you think you may have been a victim of this type of scam, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud

Produced: 2nd September 2013 by Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards

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