Phishing? Vishing?

You may already be familiar with phishing, the practice of directing unsuspecting victims, via email or text message, to enter personal information in what appears to be a valid website. But vishing, another identity theft technique, is not as well known.

Criminals use vishing to exploit consumer trust in landline telephone services. Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP--the same service that allows us to make cheap or free phone calls over the internet--also makes it possible for thieves to engage in Caller ID spoofing. Identity thieves use inexpensive, complex automated systems in conjunction with VoIP to mask their true identity and project a fake one.

The recipients of vishing calls hear a recording that directs them to call the phone number provided about their account. Vishing calls are sometimes conducted by a live person. When the victim calls the phone number provided in the recording or by the live person, they are asked for personal information that can be used in identity theft.

If you receive such a call, don't call the number you're given. Instead, use the phone number you usually call to reach your bank, credit card company, PayPal, etc. Verify the authenticity of the call before you do anything else.