The Weekly Breach Breakdown: Garcon, Credit Check, Please! – The Rise in Credit Card Phishing Attacks Targeting Restaurants

• OpenTable is warning customers of credit card phishing attacks targeting users of the reservation app. Criminals call people pretending to be from a restaurant they visited and ask for their credit card information.
• In the attacks, the identity criminals claim that there was an issue with the reservation. They then can turn around and use the personal information to commit a financial identity crime.
• To avoid a credit card phishing attack or any phishing attempt, ignore unsolicited calls or emails. Instead, reach out directly to the organization to verify the validity of the message. Another tip is to check the sender’s address to see if it looks legitimate.
• To learn about data compromises, consumers and businesses should visit the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC’s) improved data breach tracking tool, notified.
• If you believe you are the victim of an identity crime, contact the ITRC. Call toll-free at 888.400.5530 or live chat on the company website, idtheftcenter.org.

Garcon, Credit Check, Please!

Welcome to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) Weekly Breach Breakdown for June 16, 2023. Thanks to Sentilink for their support of the podcast and the ITRC. Each week, we look at the most recent events and trends related to data security and privacy. This week, we discuss the rise in credit card phishing attempts targeting a trendy set of businesses: restaurants and diners.

The Purpose of a Phishing Attack

Identity criminals are always looking for new ways to steal people’s personal information, and customers of the OpenTable reservation app are not immune to their tactics. One of the most common techniques used by these criminals is phishing. If you’re a frequent listener of the Weekly Breach Breakdown, you’ll know that phishing involves sending fraudulent emails, texts, or making phone calls to trick people into giving away their personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.

OpenTable Warns Customers of a New Credit Card Phishing Attack

In the case of OpenTable customers, the criminals call customers, pretending to be from a restaurant or diner they’ve visited. They will then request credit card information stating there was an issue with the reservation. If you are unsure if your credit card details are needed, consider calling the restaurant directly to confirm their identity and whether this information is required.

How You Can Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to credit card phishing attacks, it is important to be vigilant and aware of the tactics used by these criminals. Some tips to keep in mind include:

1. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails, especially if they ask for personal information.
2. Check the sender’s email address and the phone number they are calling from to ensure they are legitimate. Remember that Caller ID phone numbers can be easily spoofed. Don’t just rely on recognizing the number. Look up the restaurant’s number online and call them directly.
3. If in doubt, do not provide personal information and contact the company directly to verify the request. Never share your password or credit card number with anyone, especially over the phone, unless you initiated the call.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from identity theft and keep your personal information safe. The ITRC is an excellent resource for learning more about phishing and identity theft prevention. We offer tips and advice on creating strong passwords, securing your accounts and protecting your personal information online.

Contact the ITRC

If you want to know more about how to protect your business or personal information, or if you think you have been the victim of an identity crime, you can speak with an expert ITRC advisor on the phone, chat live on the web, or exchange emails during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. PST). Just visit www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.

Thanks again to Sentilink for their support of the ITRC and this podcast. Next week, we will have a special episode of our sister podcast, The Fraudian Slip, where we will speak with Intellectual Technology, Inc. (ITI) about equity and accessibility through biometrics and the abuse of driver’s license information. We will return in two weeks with another edition of the Weekly Breach Breakdown.