What is vishing?

Vishing is phishing carried out over a phone call, using a false identity or story to obtain information, money or access. The caller might pretend to be your bank, the police or technical support. A familiar number on your screen does not prove who is calling. 1234

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A caller claims a trusted role and describes a problem. 1234
  2. They push you to reveal details, move money or allow access. 1234
  3. The pressure discourages you from ending the call and checking. 1234

Real UK example

Report Fraud's October 2026 alert described calls impersonating police forces around the country. Criminals displayed police phone numbers and asked for personal or financial information.

The alert said some callers claimed the recipient was helping an investigation. The displayed number was part of the deception. 2

Warning signs

  • Someone tells you not to hang up. 1234
  • A caller asks you to move money to protect it. 12345
  • You are asked for a sign-in code or remote access. 1234
  • The caller wants secrecy or tells you to mislead bank staff. 12345

What to do now

  1. End the call. Use a different phone to call back if you can. 1234
  2. Find the bank’s number on your card, not in a message from the caller. 12345
  3. Report suspicious mobile calls by texting “Call” and the caller’s number to 7726. 123467

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 528
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 29
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 9

How to protect yourself

  • Keep trusted contact numbers where you can find them. 1234
  • Agree that checking a call is normal at home and work. 1234
  • Do not treat caller ID as proof of identity. 1234

Frequently asked questions

What does vishing mean?

It means voice phishing: deception over a phone call rather than an email or text. 1

Can scammers use real phone numbers?

They can make a call appear to come from a genuine organisation’s number. This is number spoofing. 2

Should I call the number the caller gives me?

No. Use contact details you found independently, such as the number on your bank card. 2

Read the longer guide

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

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Sources

  1. Ofcom, How to protect yourself from scam calls, texts and messages. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, More than £50 million lost to remote access tool scams last year - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Vishing - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Report Fraud, How to report suspicious messages, calls and websites - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  8. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  9. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).