I cannot tell you how many phone calls and voicemails I’ve received lately from people claiming to be from the police department, insurance agency, law agencies, etc. Each of them telling some convincing story about how I need to pay this or that or someone is coming to get me. I’m then asked to verify my identity starting with my social security number.
In social engineering an individual is tricked into giving up their personal information. The example provided above is known as vishing (voice phishing). We talked about phishing before in terms of emails designed to trick you into clicking links that may be malicious. Vishing is something to be concerned about as well.
These master manipulators will say whatever they need to get your confidential information. Put them in the hot seat and start asking questions like “What is the name of the company you work for? What’s the company’s address? What’s your company’s website? Shouldn’t you already know that information?” Don’t fall victim to their attacks.