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Pretexting Attack Examples

Real-world pretexting attack examples that illustrate how threat actors impersonate trusted figures, craft convincing narratives, and exploit human trust. Each case study highlights warning signs and lessons organizations can apply immediately.

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Pretexting Attacks

Pretexting Attack Examples: Real Scams That Bypass Security

In 2020, a teenager and two accomplices convinced a Twitter employee they were from the company's IT department. That single phone call gave them access to internal tools, which they used to hijack 130 high-profile accounts — including those of Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Apple — netting over $100,

Carl B. Johnson Apr 12, 2021 7 min read
Pretexting Attacks

Pretexting Attack Examples: Real Scams Costing Millions

In 2023, MGM Resorts lost an estimated $100 million after a threat actor called the company's IT help desk, impersonated an employee found on LinkedIn, and convinced a technician to reset credentials. The entire breach started with a phone call and a convincing story. That story — the fabricated

Carl B. Johnson Jan 09, 2020 7 min read