Security Alert: Vishing

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Dear KAUST community, 

KAUST Community members are being socially engineered via phone, SMS, WhatsApp and other forms of Social Media into providing their bank account information. Reportedly, the fraudsters are calling generally to ask for personal information in attempt to steal money. Some have also reported that they were addressed by name.

Banks like SAMBA or others will NEVER ask you for your credentials over the phone.

These calls originate from random numbers, be advised that the scammer may skillfully demand any of the following:

  • Bank account number
  • Debit card number
  • Credit card number
  • Iqama Number / National ID
  • Secret Pin Code

If this happens to you, please hang up and do not proceed with the call. KAUST will NOT be responsible for your loss if you proceed with such calls.

Report scammers by sending a text message to 330330.

We urge you to be vigilant and cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers and advise you to report any incidents by sending an email to askinfosec@kaust.edu.sa

Thank you.


What is Social Engineering?

The art of manipulating someone to extract information that they would normally not share. Vishing is the fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voice messages purporting to be from reputable companies in-order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as bank details and credit card numbers. The term is a combination of ‘voice’ and ‘phishing’.

Always alert, always vigilant.

Be a Human Firewall!

Regards,
KAUST InfoSec

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