How to Spot and Stop Voice Phishing(Phone) Scams

Information Security Team, Bank of Hope

Don’t Take the Bait: How to Spot and Stop Voice Phishing (Phone) Scams

Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Calls Pretending to Be Your Bank

You’ve probably heard the phrase “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” But what if the voice on the other end of the phone sounds serious, professional, and even… familiar?

In recent months, a few customers have reported receiving phone calls that appear to come from Bank of Hope, asking for personal or account information. These calls are not just annoying, they’re dangerous. They’re part of a rising trend known as voice phishing, or “vishing,” and they’re designed to trick you into giving away your sensitive financial data.

At Bank of Hope, your security is our top priority. That’s why we’re here to help you understand how these scams work, how to recognize them, and what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Is Voice Phishing (Vishing)?

Voice phishing is a type of scam where fraudsters impersonate trusted organizations—like your bank—to manipulate you into revealing personal information over the phone. The caller might say there’s a problem with your account, suspicious activity on your card, or that they need to “verify your identity.”

These scammers often:

• Spoof the bank’s phone number, so it appears legitimate on your caller ID.
• Use urgent or threatening language to pressure you into acting quickly.
• Ask for sensitive details like your account number, debit card number, PIN, online banking login, or Social Security Number.

Important: Bank of Hope will never call and ask you for this information over the phone.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

Recognizing the signs of a vishing scam is the first step to protecting yourself. Here are some of the most common red flags:

• The caller claims to be from Bank of Hope and says there’s an “urgent issue” with your account.
• They ask you to verify personal information, such as your account number, username, password, or PIN.
• The call comes from a number that looks familiar or official (even with the Bank of Hope name).
• They instruct you to transfer money, click a link in a text message, or download a third-party app.
• The tone is urgent, threatening, or emotional, pressuring you to act immediately.
• The call comes in outside of normal banking hours, such as late at night, early morning, or weekends is a strong red flag, since most banks do not initiate customer service calls during those times.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Hang up and call the bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or on our official website.

How to Protect Yourself from Vishing

Here’s how you can keep your personal and financial information safe.

1. Never share sensitive information over the phone: Bank of Hope will never call you to ask for your PIN, password, or full account number. If someone does, it's a scam. Hang up immediately.

2. Verify before you trust: If a call seems suspicious, don’t engage. Instead, hang up and call Bank of Hope directly at 1-855-325-2226 to confirm if the call was legitimate.

3. Enable account alerts: Use Bank of Hope’s online and mobile banking tools to set up account alerts for transactions. That way, you can monitor any unusual activity in real time.

4. Keep your contact information up to date: Make sure the bank has your current phone number and email address. This helps ensure you receive legitimate communications and can be alerted to any fraud attempts.

5. Educate your family and friends: Scammers often target seniors and non-native English speakers. Share what you know with your loved ones so they can protect themselves too.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you’ve received a suspicious call or believe you may have given information to a scammer:

1. Contact Bank of Hope immediately at 1-855-325-2226.
2. Monitor your account closely for unauthorized transactions.
3. Change your passwords and secure your online banking login credentials.
4. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Bank of Hope Is Here for You

We understand how convincing scammers can sound, and how unsettling it is to be targeted. But you’re not alone. Bank of Hope has fraud detection tools, security protocols, and a dedicated team working around the clock to help protect your accounts.

We also encourage you to visit our website regularly for updates on the latest fraud trends and tips to keep your financial information safe.

Your Best Defense Is Awareness

Voice phishing scams are evolving, but so are your defenses. By staying alert, asking questions, and refusing to share sensitive information over the phone, you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters.

Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Hang up and verify.

Your security is our priority, because your trust is what we value most.