How do scammers misuse fake customer service hotlines?

Scammers misuse fake customer service hotlines to steal financial or personal data by tricking individuals into believing they are contacting a legitimate customer service department. They may advertise these fake hotlines through phishing emails, fake pop-up messages, or search engine ads. When individuals call the fake hotline, scammers may request sensitive information such as account details, passwords, or credit card information under the guise of helping to resolve a non-existent issue. This information is then used for fraudulent activities such as identity theft or financial fraud. It’s important to always verify the legitimacy of customer service contact information before sharing any personal or financial information.