You get a call from unknown person. The Person on the line says, "HI, it is Ali from you bank's security department. Can you here me?" You say "Yes".
Welcome to the Threat Thursday Post, where we uncover digital threats, so that you get a awareness to how to deal with these threats.
The purpose of such calls is to record "Yes" from your side. After that, these recording are edited and used as verbal verification to authorize fraudulent charges or changes to you accounts.
Why it works, it preys on our natural politeness and desire to be helpful in such situations. The caller often sounds official as they are trained to do that and create a sense of urgency to get desired information. It happens quickly before we have time to think.
Your simple defense is to hang up. If you do not recognize the number and the caller immediately asks a vague question, just end up the call. Never confirm "Yes" to an unsolicited caller. As it is recording and it will be used against you. If it is real person, they will understand that you are cautious. If you are worried whether it is legitimate. Find the official customer service number on the company's website and call them back yourself to complete the necessary actions required by your bank or other office.
The bottom line is YOUR voice is a key to your accounts. Please do not hand over your voice to a stranger on the phone who can exploit it later.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe