Pretext calling, sometimes called “pretexting,” is one of the most deceptive forms of social engineering. It relies not on technology, but on human interaction. Attackers use fabricated scenarios to convince someone to share information they normally would not. The goal is to exploit trust, create urgency, and collect enough details to access systems, accounts, or sensitive data.
Unlike mass phishing attempts that target large groups, pretext calling is highly personal. Attackers research their targets, learning from public information, social media, or even past data breaches. They build convincing stories and often impersonate trusted figures such as IT support staff, executives, or bank employees. Once they sound legitimate, they begin to ask questions that slowly extract private information.
A typical pretext call starts with credibility. The caller might sound professional, use familiar terms, and reference accurate details. They establish rapport, ask small personal questions, and use urgency to lower defenses. Before long, they might ask for verification details, account credentials, or internal information.
An example could be a caller claiming to be from a company’s IT department, requesting password confirmation to “resolve a technical issue.” Or they might pose as a customer, asking for account details to complete a transaction. Each step seems reasonable in the moment, which is what makes this type of attack so effective.
1. Slow down the conversation.
Attackers thrive on urgency. Take a moment to think before responding. If something feels rushed or pressured, it likely is.
2. Verify the source independently.
If someone calls claiming to represent your company, a vendor, or a customer, call them back using a verified number on file. Never rely on the number provided by the caller.
3. Limit personal information shared publicly.
Review your digital footprint. Remove unnecessary personal details from websites and social media that could be used to build a false identity or guessed password.
4. Strengthen internal protocols.
Establish clear verification procedures. Employees should know how to authenticate callers and what questions can never be answered over the phone.
5. Encourage a culture of awareness.
Employees should feel comfortable questioning suspicious calls and reporting them without fear. Collaboration between departments, especially IT and customer-facing teams, is critical to identifying patterns and preventing future attempts.
In industries such as banking and financial services, trust is the foundation of every client relationship. Customers share sensitive information and expect their data to be handled with care. A single breach of that trust can be devastating to both reputation and relationships.
As Matt Hildebrandt, President and CEO of StrataDefense, explains: “When trust is broken, the damage extends far beyond data loss. Rebuilding that relationship takes time, care, and transparency. Prevention is always the stronger investment.”
Pretext calling highlights an essential truth about cybersecurity: the human element remains both the greatest strength and the most common vulnerability. Technology alone cannot prevent social engineering. It requires awareness, process, and communication.
At StrataDefense, we help organizations align their cybersecurity practices with operational goals. Our approach combines advanced defense tools with training that empowers teams to recognize, question, and respond to threats confidently. Together, we build systems and cultures designed to protect both data and trust.
Let’s align your cybersecurity strategy with your organization’s goals.
Contact StrataDefense to start a conversation with our team.