Vishing (voice phishing)
Vishing is phishing that works through the voice, usually a phone call, sometimes a voicemail nudging you to call back. The caller poses as your bank, a tech company, a government agency, or a utility, then leans on conversation and pressure to draw sensitive information out of you or to steer you into moving money. Being persuaded live makes it especially hard to resist in the moment.
How we check this: Written and reviewed by the Hunch team; recognition signs reflect how the FTC/FBI describe this scam. · Last reviewed: 2026-08
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Example
Someone calls claiming to be your bank's fraud department. They say suspicious charges were detected and, to 'secure' your account, they need you to read back the one-time code just sent to your phone, which actually authorizes the scammer's own transfer.
How to recognize it
- An unexpected call claiming an urgent problem with your account or money
- A caller asking you to read out a verification code, PIN, or password
- Pressure to stay on the line and act before hanging up to check
- A request to move money to a 'safe account' or install remote-access software
How Hunch flags it
Because calls aren't text, Hunch centers on the signal categories these calls push you toward, sharing a verification code, making a payment, or acting under urgency, and on the fake alerts and callback numbers that often set them up.
FAQ
What is vishing?
Voice phishing, a scam phone call in which the caller impersonates a trusted organization to extract information or money from you.
Will my real bank ever ask for a code over the phone?
No. Banks generally don't ask you to read back a one-time code or your full PIN.
How can I verify a suspicious call?
Hang up and call the number printed on your card or official statement yourself, rather than trusting caller ID or a number the caller gives you.