Callback phishing: What it is and how to stay safe
Phishing Bait Alert Image

Callback phishing: What it is and how to stay safe

Callback phishing is a type of phishing scam where cybercriminals send you an email with a phone number to call, often claiming that an urgent issue needs your attention. When you call the number, you are greeted by an automated voice message or a live person who will try to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as your credit card number, social security number, or login credentials.

Callback phishing scams are particularly effective because they prey on people’s trust in phone calls. After all, it is safer to call a company than to click on a link in an email. Wrong. Cybercriminals can easily spoof phone numbers to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate company.

Here are some tips on how to stay safe from callback phishing scams:

  • Never call a phone number that is included in an email. Instead, navigate to the company’s official website and find the contact information there.
  • Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency. Phishing emails often try to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. If an email says that you need to call immediately, or else your account will be suspended, it’s probably a scam.
  • If you do call the number in an email, be careful about what information you share. Never give out sensitive information, such as your credit card number or social security number, over the phone unless you are sure you are speaking to a legitimate company representative.

If you think you may have been the victim of a callback phishing scam, immediately contact the company that the scammers were impersonating. You should also change your passwords and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.

Here are some additional tips to help you protect yourself from phishing attacks in general:

  • Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, even if they appear from a legitimate company.
  • Hover over links before clicking on them to see the actual URL. If the URL doesn’t match the company’s website address, don’t click on it.
  • Keep your software updated, including your web browser, operating system, and antivirus software.
  • Use a strong password manager to create and store unique passwords for your online accounts.

Following these tips can help protect yourself from callback phishing scams and other phishing attacks.

Your employees are your first line of cybersecurity. Provide them with the best security awareness training program, KnowBe4. Contact Citynet today for a free demo of this dynamic platform and give your staff critical, ongoing security training to protect both them and your network. Call Citynet at 1.844.CITYNET (844.248.9638) to learn more.

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

More Posts

Hacked Emails Phishing Cyber Image
The Latest Scams

Beware of Dropbox Phishing Scams

Protect Your Microsoft Credentials Dropbox is a widely used file-sharing service that many rely on to share photos, files, and documents. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are leveraging

Hologram Airplane Image
Cybersecurity

Beware of Fake TSA PreCheck Emails

Travelers rely on TSA PreCheck to breeze through airport security. This U.S. airport screening program streamlines the security process, allowing members to avoid long lines

Man Face Digital Disasters Image
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

Prepare for Digital Disasters

Why Digitize Your Important Documents and Photos?Losing treasured family photos, tax records, or legal documents in a flood or fire is heartbreaking. Luckily, we live

SuperPod with WiFi 6E

Plume SuperPod WiFi 6E Specs

SuperPod with WiFi 6

Plume SuperPod WiFi 6 Specs

SuperPod

Plume SuperPod Secs