Threat Alert: What to Watch For

• The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) issued a consumer alert warning of voice phishing (vishing) calls impersonating the financial institution. 
• The calls appear to come from a toll-free number, and a recorded message informs the user that RBC has detected a potential fraud issue. 
• These calls do not provide a name or information about who the fraud may impact. The calls then direct the user to a voice message box, where the user is instructed to leave their contact information. 
• After leaving contact information, a human attacker calls the potential victim back while pretending to be a member of the Visa credit card security team. 

Tips to Remember (at Work and at Home)

• Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. In general, this is the easiest way to avoid vishing attacks. It also prevents scammers from identifying your number as a “working number.”  
• If you wish to confirm the call, do so via a trusted number. If you receive a call requesting urgent financial action, disconnect and call back using a known, trusted number. Never use a number stated during a call, in a voicemail message, or the number used to call you.   
• Remember cybercriminals take advantage of strong emotions. Warnings of fraud on an account can be stressful. Keep in mind cybercriminals seek to capitalize on moments of anxiety and the difficulty in thinking clearly in such situations.