ESET warns that missed calls, fake job offers and convincing AI-generated voices are helping criminals build trust before seeking money or sensitive information.
ESET is warning that phone and messaging scams are becoming more varied and more convincing as criminals look for ways to exploit curiosity, trust and a sense of urgency. In a recent briefing tied to European Cybersecurity Month, the security company said attackers are increasingly using tactics designed to start a conversation first and ask for sensitive information later, rather than attempting an immediate theft.
One of the simplest tricks remains the missed call from an overseas number. According to ESET, the aim is often to persuade the recipient to ring back, potentially exposing them to premium-rate charges or other costly services. The company says the safest response is not to return the call on impulse, even if the number appears unusual or urgent.
Other frauds begin with what look like genuine job offers sent through messaging apps such as WhatsApp. ESET says these approaches often start with apparently harmless tasks and small rewards to build confidence before turning to requests for deposits or other financial transfers. The company also warned that vishing, or fraud carried out by voice call, is rising, with criminals posing as banks, businesses or public bodies to extract personal details, login credentials or authentication codes. In some cases, spoofing technology can make the caller ID appear legitimate, adding another layer of deception.
ESET said artificial intelligence is making these scams harder to spot because it can generate more believable text, voices, images and fake profiles. The company has also cited research showing that 28% of calls from unknown numbers are fraud or spam attempts and that 16% of people lose money as a result, underlining why caution matters. Its advice includes not sharing a phone number publicly, using two-factor authentication, checking whether a smartphone offers call-filtering tools and, where appropriate, relying on prepaid SIM cards or VoIP services for online transactions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
