Callback phishing
An email, text or voicemail supplies a phone number to call, so the scammer takes the call instead of sending a link.
How to spot it
- A number to call that appears only in the message
- A surprise charge or transfer that you must stop now
- Insistence that help is only available by phone
What to do
Call back only on a number you already have: the back of your card, your statement or your bill.
What the real thing looks like
- A bank call or voicemail that asks you to call the number on your card
Try an example
A practice example with fictional companies. Answer it, then see the tells.
Is this call a scam or legit?
Caller ID: UnknownNumber: 555-0188
- CallerThis is the Acme Bank security team. Your online banking has been suspended because of suspicious sign-ins.
- CallerCall us back right away at 555-0188 and have your card and online banking password ready.
Sure and right: +15. Sure and wrong: -5. Calling a legitimate item a scam counts as a miss.
Test yourself on eight more
The free quiz mixes scams with legitimate messages, like real life. No sign-up.