Vishing Impersonation Types
The specific personas used in voice phishing calls — including bank fraud teams, government agencies, tech support, police officers, and utility companies — each designed to trigger compliance through authority or fear.
Also known as: impersonation call types, vishing persona
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
While vishing refers to voice-call phishing generally, the choice of persona is the primary determinant of success. Bank fraud-team impersonators exploit fear of financial loss; HMRC or IRS impersonators leverage fear of legal consequences; police impersonators use authority to request cash or gift cards; tech-support impersonators exploit fear of device compromise; utility cut-off callers exploit fear of losing essential services.
Each persona is chosen based on the target demographic. Elderly victims are disproportionately targeted with police and bank impersonations. Businesses are targeted with HMRC and supplier impersonations. Understanding which personas are commonly deployed helps individuals recognise the pattern before compliance.
Legitimate banks, government agencies, police forces, and utility companies will never call and demand immediate payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash courier drops. End the call and use a number from the official website to verify.
Examples
- A caller claiming to be a police detective says the victim's account has been used in a crime and instructs them to withdraw cash for 'safekeeping' with officers.
- A 'utility company' caller threatens service cut-off in two hours unless a prepaid card payment is made immediately.