Are VoIP calls scams? You may have different reasons for thinking about this question. To put it briefly, it is only possible to qualify some VoIP calls as scams. However, the scam threat level is relatively high.
It is not surprising that companies are starting to use VoIP phones day by day. There are technical differences between VoIP calls and regular calls. Standards change, especially in terms of security and operation costs.
What is meant by VoIP calls scams?
VoIP scam calls (vishing scams) are one of the most modern scams. The attacker tries to
get the bank account or other sensitive information of the person they are trying to scam. For this purpose, the fraudster tries to imitate a reputable organization.
Gaining the other person's trust is essential in all VoIP scam calls. Information about the
person selected as the target can be obtained in advance. In addition, attackers have the opportunity to hide their identity and location.
The most crucial strength behind VoIP scam calls is easy accessibility. Since the attackers using VoIP technology can hide their identity, it becomes almost impossible for security forces to track them.
What are the types of VoIP calls scams?
Different fraud methods are sued for different targets and scenarios. Attackers often obtain information about the target by resorting to social engineering methods. They then put their scam plans into action.
1. Tech support scams
In this scam, you receive a call and have to act immediately. For example, during the call, you will be informed that your device is infected with a virus. Your consent is requested to get everything in order.
If you approve, the person posing as a technician can gain access to your device or sell you security software that costs you a very high price. So you get scammed.
2. Fake charity requests
False charity requests exist all over the world. It's not just something done over VoIP. Also, VoIP has only facilitated the delivery of fraudulent requests. The charity requests use people's sensitivities.
Attackers first gain the trust of the other person. They then use the information they collect through social engineering. It becomes much easier to deceive the target and obtain his/her credit card information.
3. One way scam
This method is quite popular and has worked with many people. Attackers call the person they target. They do not expect to get an answer when they call. Often they end the call after a ring or two.
If the target calls the phone number that appears in the missed calls section, the attackers immediately answer the phone. The call is a hidden trap. If the victim calls the number, then he/she will pay international charges.
How to facilitate VoIP calls for scams?
Phone scams have existed for a long time. VoIP services have however made scam methods less costly and more accessible.
1. Caller ID can be easily manipulated
In VoIP systems, caller ID is something that can be easily manipulated. As a result of manipulation, the attackers hide their traces.
The working principles of VoIP fraud methods are as follows. Attackers make the phone calls look like they are from a large company. For example, they may say they make the call from Microsoft or Google.
2. VoIP lowers the cost of scam methods
Classic phones can be used for fraudulent transactions. Not much has changed from the past to the present. However, VoIP systems deliver fraud from the local to the global more rapidly.
International calls are much cheaper on VoIP systems. Thanks to VoIP, the cost efficiency of fraud methods has increased considerably. Scammers try all kinds of techniques.
3. Communication over VoIP is challenging to track
Communications over VoIP take time to track. Cyber criminals can quickly disappear after committing fraud. All fake numbers created can be deleted in a short time. Naturally, it becomes difficult to track and locate them. Scammers can use voice-changing software to deceive their targets more easily.
4. VoIP makes it easy to create fake numbers
The most important reason for the increased scam VoIP calls is that scammers can hide. They can generate fake numbers in seconds. Thus, they can act as representatives of an organization.
They use the information they collect from public domains to fool people they reach through VoIP calls. They then make an effort to access critical information. Also, they can make global calls thanks to fake numbers.
It is a fact that VoIP phones make communication easier. However, as with all other technological devices, innovative methods brought some undesirable situations. Voice phishing scams has escalated into a significant threat.
Comments