A call from "the tax office"
Your phone rings. A stern voice says: "This is the tax office. You owe money. Give me your date of birth and bank card number now, or you will be arrested."
Your heart beats fast. That is exactly what the caller wants.
Not every trick arrives by email.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can name four tricks that use voice, text or eyes and give the signs of each.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Vishing | a fake phone call or voice message that tricks you into giving details |
| Smishing | a fake text message that tricks you into giving details |
| Shoulder surfing | watching somebody to see a PIN or password |
| Dumpster diving | searching thrown-away items for useful information |
| Multi-factor | a second check as well as a password, such as a code or a memorable word |
| Personal details | facts about you, such as your date of birth |
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Starter
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Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Vishing: the fake call
Vishing is a fake phone call or voice message. The caller pretends to be a firm you trust or an office of government.
Look for three signs. The caller asks for private details, such as your date of birth, card number or National Insurance number. The caller is pushy and demanding. The call is unexpected, for example from "HMRC" when you did not ask.
Never give a memorable word
Warning
Some firms ask for a memorable word as a second check when you call them. A caller who rushes you to read it out may be an attacker who wants to get past that check.
Check
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Check
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.