Understanding Pretexting: Techniques, Examples, and Prevention

What Is Pretexting?

Pretexting is a social engineering attack where the attacker fabricates a scenario (or pretext) to manipulate the target into divulging personal information. Unlike phishing, which tends to be broader in scope, pretexting is often tailored to the individual or organization. Attackers assume a trusted identity or role to gain access to sensitive data such as passwords, bank account details, or confidential business information.

Attackers using pretexting may carefully research their target to create a believable story. This might involve impersonating a co-worker, a company executive, or a representative from a service provider. The goal is to gain the target’s trust, making them more likely to reveal the requested information. By exploiting the inherent trust individuals have in authority figures or familiar roles, attackers can bypass traditional security measures without triggering suspicion.

Common Pretexting Techniques

Here are some of the main ways in which attackers implement pretexting.

Impersonation and Identity Theft

Impersonation and identity theft are tactics where attackers masquerade as known individuals to deceive targets. By adopting a credible identity, attackers can request sensitive information under the guise of official business or urgent need. This approach exploits the target's tendency to trust known contacts or authority figures over strangers.

Attackers may combine impersonation with stolen personal details to reinforce their credibility. For example, knowing confidential work-related information can make an attacker’s claim more plausible. Victims might unknowingly enable unauthorized access to company systems, financial records, or protected data.

Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing

Phishing, vishing, and smishing are variants of pretexting executed across different communication platforms. Phishing employs emails that mimic legitimate entities to coax users into revealing sensitive information. Tactics often include urgent messages, such as account security alerts, that prompt victims to click malicious links.

Vishing and smishing adapt this technique to voice calls and SMS, respectively. Attackers might pretend to be customer service representatives, urging targets to verify their identity immediately. By creating a false sense of urgency, these tactics pressure individuals into making hasty decisions without verifying the request's authenticity.

Tailgating and Piggybacking

Tailgating and piggybacking involve unauthorized individuals following employees into secure areas. Tailgating occurs when an attacker slips into a facility by closely following someone with access, betting on the target’s reluctance to face confrontation. This method exploits human courtesy, especially in environments prioritizing openness and cooperation.

Piggybacking is similar but involves the attacker gaining entry with the target’s knowledge, often by directly requesting access. Attackers depend on the target’s goodwill or social obligation to grant entry, sidestepping any formal verification process. Both tactics pose substantial risks to physical security, often leading to unauthorized data access.

Baiting and Scareware

Baiting entices targets with the promise of a reward, tricking them into exposing their data. Commonly seen in online advertising, baiting might involve "free downloads" or promotional offers requiring personal information submission. Unlike pretexting, which pretends at legitimacy, baiting leverages curiosity or greed.

Scareware utilizes fear, convincing targets their system is compromised and urging them to install fake antivirus software. This pretense of offering a solution not only masks the actual threat but also pressures users into unnecessary purchases. These actions exploit fear, coercing individuals into providing financial or personal information.

Related content: Read our guide to social engineering attack

Pretexting and the Law

Pretexting is illegal in many jurisdictions, with laws designed to protect individuals and organizations from such deceptive practices. In the United States, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) prohibits obtaining customer information from financial institutions under false pretenses. This law explicitly targets pretexting practices, penalizing individuals and organizations that engage in such fraudulent activities.

Similarly, data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union impose strict penalties for unauthorized access to personal data. These laws hold organizations accountable for safeguarding customer information and penalize those who exploit pretexting to gain access to private data.

Beyond these laws, pretexting may also violate broader statutes on fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to computer systems. Victims of pretexting may pursue civil lawsuits for damages, while government authorities can impose criminal penalties.

Tips From Our Experts

Mike Belton - Head of Service Delivery

With 25+ years in infosec, Michael excels in security, teaching, and leadership, with roles at Optiv, Rapid7, Pentera, and Madison College.

Use "out-of-band" verification for sensitive requests

Always verify sensitive requests, such as password resets or financial transactions, through a secondary communication channel. For example, if a request comes via email, confirm it using a phone call or a secure messaging app to ensure authenticity.

Deploy real-time identity verification tools

Leverage tools that validate user identity dynamically during critical interactions. For example, tools that analyze keystroke dynamics, typing speed, or behavioral biometrics can detect anomalies and raise alerts when pretexting attempts occur.

Analyze conversational context with AI

Integrate AI-based tools that analyze the tone, context, and language patterns of communication. Such tools can flag inconsistencies, such as overly urgent or uncharacteristic requests, which are common in pretexting attempts.

Monitor for changes in employee behavior patterns

Pretexting often involves attackers influencing employees into uncharacteristic actions. Use behavior analytics to detect deviations, such as employees accessing systems they don’t normally use or sending unusual communications.

Build "trust but verify" protocols into workflows

Train employees to maintain a "trust but verify" mindset, even when dealing with familiar colleagues or authoritative figures. Reinforce policies that require independent validation for critical actions, regardless of who makes the request.

Examples of Pretexting Attacks

Pretexting techniques can be used in various types of attacks. Here are some prominent examples.

Account Update Scams

An employee at a mid-sized company receives an email from what appears to be their bank, stating that their account details need urgent verification to avoid suspension. The email includes a link to a convincing login page where the employee unknowingly submits their credentials. The attacker uses this information to gain access to the victim’s financial data and initiate unauthorized transactions.

In another scenario, a cybercriminal impersonates an HR manager and calls a new hire, requesting their login credentials to “update” benefits information. Believing the call to be legitimate, the employee provides their details, granting the attacker access to payroll and sensitive HR systems.

Business Email Compromise Scams

A financial controller at a large corporation receives an urgent email from the CEO, requesting immediate payment to a new vendor account to finalize a high-priority deal. The email seems legitimate, containing previous conversation references, but the account number belongs to the attacker. By the time the discrepancy is detected, the money has been siphoned off.

Another example involves an attacker impersonating a trusted supplier, sending fake invoices with updated bank details. The accounts payable department, believing the changes are authentic, processes the payment. The funds are routed to the attacker’s account, while the real vendor remains unpaid.

Cryptocurrency Scams

A cryptocurrency investor receives a message from a popular trading platform’s “security team,” warning them of a potential hack. The message urges them to transfer their holdings to a “safe” wallet provided by the platform. The victim complies, only to discover that the wallet belongs to the attacker, and their funds are gone.

In another instance, attackers create fake social media profiles impersonating cryptocurrency influencers. They advertise investment opportunities, claiming to double any contributions. Victims send funds to the provided addresses, but no returns are ever received.

Invoice Scams

An attacker impersonates a construction company’s subcontractor and submits a fraudulent invoice for completed work. The company’s finance team, seeing the correct project details in the request, processes the payment without additional verification. The payment goes directly to the attacker’s account.

In a similar attack, a small business receives a fake invoice from an attacker pretending to be a legitimate software vendor. The invoice requests payment for a software license renewal, but the listed payment details lead to the attacker’s account instead of the vendor’s.

Best Practices to Prevent Pretexting Attacks

Organizations can protect themselves against pretexting by following these best practices.

1. Implement Strong Verification Protocols

Strong verification protocols establish identity authentication before sensitive information exchange. Implementing multi-factor authentication and securing communication channels fortifies defenses against unauthorized data access. This means using a combination of passwords, tokens, or biometric verification layers.

Continuous system monitoring aids in identifying and rectifying potential breaches. Implementing secure communication protocols ensures data integrity during transfers.

2. Conduct Regular Security Awareness Training

Security awareness training empowers employees to recognize and respond to pretexting attempts. By highlighting the social engineering techniques attackers use, organizations can strengthen their human defenses. This training instills skepticism towards unsolicited information requests or updates.

Role-playing exercises simulate real-world pretexting scenarios, allowing employees to practice response strategies in controlled environments. Routine training updates and quizzes ensure sustained awareness, adapting to evolving threats.

3. AI-Based Email Analysis

AI-based email analysis leverages machine learning to detect potential pretexting attempts. Automated systems analyze email metadata and content patterns, identifying anomalies indicative of phishing or impostor emails. This anticipatory analysis improves security without relying on end-user action.

AI tools adapt continuously, learning from historical data while incorporating emerging threat indicators. Implementing AI-driven solutions broadens the scope of threat detection, minimizing risks associated with human error or oversight.

4. Perform Regular Security Audits and Assessments

Regular security audits and assessments evaluate the effectiveness of existing security protocols and identify potential weaknesses. These assessments involve testing security policies, procedures, and controls under controlled scenarios to ensure they address current threats adequately.

Audits provide opportunities for organizations to update security measures based on the latest cybersecurity trends and threat landscapes. By systematically reviewing and refining security policies, organizations can proactively address vulnerabilities, improving their resilience against pretexting.

5. Foster a Culture of Security Vigilance

Establishing a culture of security vigilance involves integrating security awareness into the organizational ethos. Encouraging employees to report suspicious activities without fear of repercussions contributes to a proactive defense posture. Encouraging regular dialogue about cybersecurity trends keeps the focus sharp.

Organizations can implement reward systems for security diligence, motivating employees to remain alert. Team and department leaders must demonstrate commitment to security principles to reinforce their importance across organizational levels.