Fake Call Centers with Real Actors

Have you heard about the latest trend in cybercrime? The use of cybercriminal-controlled call centers to trick people into providing bank or credit card information is on the rise. The tactic of trying to use real people in fake call centers is a way of convincing the unsuspected that a scam is legitimate.

For example, one recent call center scam begins with an email that appears to be for a large-purchase invoice. Without saying what company the invoice is coming from, or what was purchased, the payment amount is listed six times. The email opens and closes with a message noting that if you did not authorize this transaction, to call their number. When you call, they ask for your bank or credit card information. Don’t fall for their tricks. This so-called representative is really a cybercriminal planning on using your payment info for their own schemes.

Here’s what to watch out for:

The invoice in this attack is specifically designed to cause alarm and frustration. Cybercriminals target emotions in hopes of tricking victims into acting on impulses. So, think before you click.

A valid phone number does not mean that an email is legit. Some cybercriminals are real people who just lie to you over the phone, just as they lie in phishing emails.

Don’t call the provided number. Instead, you should reach out to your bank or credit card company to verify the details of the transaction in question. If by chance there has been unauthorized usage, your bank or credit card company can help correct this issue.

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