Vishingut

Vishingut is a term that describes a specific type of online scam. It is a portmanteau of "vishing," which refers to voice phishing, and "phishing," the general practice of attempting to acquire sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Vishingut combines elements of both, often involving fraudulent calls that aim to lead the victim to a fake website or prompt them to download malicious software.

The typical vishingut scam begins with a phone call. The caller may impersonate a representative from a well-known company, such as a bank, a technology support firm, or a government agency. They might claim there is an urgent issue with the victim's account, a security breach, or an outstanding debt. The caller will then try to instill a sense of panic or urgency, encouraging the victim to act quickly without much thought.

To resolve the supposed problem, the scammer will often direct the victim to a specific website. This website is designed to look identical to the legitimate site of the company being impersonated. The victim is then prompted to enter their login credentials, personal information, or financial details. In some cases, the scammer might guide the victim through a process that involves downloading software, which could be malware, spyware, or ransomware. The ultimate goal is to steal personal or financial information for fraudulent purposes.