--- title: "What is a quid pro quo attack? | DuoCircle" description: "A quid pro quo attack uses the Latin idea of "this for that" to trick victims into trading something valuable for an offered favor." image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/data-privacy/what-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack/" --- Quick Answer A quid pro quo attack is a social engineering scam where the attacker offers a service or favor in exchange for credentials or system access. Latin for 'this for that,' it typically takes the form of a fake IT support call: the attacker offers to fix a non-existent issue, then asks the victim to disclose passwords, install remote access software, or share MFA codes. It is a baiting variant; the difference is that baiting offers something tangible (gift cards, free downloads), while quid pro quo offers a service. A 2023 raid in India exposed call centers running quid pro quo tech support scams against Western consumers for at least five years, charging hundreds of dollars per fake fix. Mid-size and large organizations are common targets because help desk impersonation succeeds against distracted employees. What is a quid pro quo attack? Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/What-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%5F.mp3) Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fwhat-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20is%20a%20quid%20pro%20quo%20attack%3F&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fwhat-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fwhat-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fwhat-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%2F&title=What%20is%20a%20quid%20pro%20quo%20attack%3F "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20a%20quid%20pro%20quo%20attack%3F&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fwhat-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack%2F "Share via Email") ![quid pro quo attack](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/spf-record.jpg) ‘Quid pro quo’ is the Latin term that literally means ‘this for that,’ meaning a **mutual exchange**. Although the term itself doesn’t indicate an illegal act, [threat actors](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/threat-actors-launch-financially-motivated-attacks-abusing-oauth-applications) leverage this social engineering tactic to offer something valuable or helpful in exchange for information or access to a system. For example, the attacker might pretend to be an IT support person offering to fix a computer problem, but in return, they ask the victim for login credentials or other [sensitive information](/email-security/9-best-practices-to-manage-sensitive-data-carefully/). The victim thinks they’re getting help, but in reality, they’re giving away **valuable data or access** to the attacker. Let us walk you through this topic in detail. ## What is a quid pro quo attack? _A quid pro quo attack is a social engineering cyberattack in which victims are tricked into giving up confidential information or access to a system_. It’s a type of baiting method in which both parties get something in return. The method is built upon exploiting the core **elements of human interaction** to achieve an objective. In 2023, [Indian authorities raided fake IT support teams](https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/20/india%5Ftech%5Fsupoprt%5Fscam%5Fraids/) that were running in collaboration with **national and international agencies** alongside private sector giants. The alleged cybercriminals operated call centers in five regions of India and were duping people for at least 5 years. The scammers sent users **pop-up messages** that looked like they were from well-known multinational companies, warning them about issues with their PCs. The pop-up included a toll-free number for assistance. When victims called the fake support line, the [scammers](https://apnews.com/article/scams-phishing-robocalls-facebook-marketplace-291255fc54f4bef161cb6155af562d96) took control of their computers and charged them hundreds of dollars for a supposed fix. ## Who are the targets of quid pro quo attacks? [![data breaches](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/spf-record-tester-6723.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/spf-record-tester-6723.jpg) There is no specific criteria or group of people that threat actors leveraging the quid pro quo technique target. However, **mid-and-large-scale companies** are more prone to being victims. The repercussions include financial losses, [data breaches](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck7l9j8k8g1o), identity theft, impersonation, fraud, etc. ## Difference between quid pro quo and baiting Both baiting and quid pro quo are [social engineering](/phishing-protection/social-engineering-is-a-growing-threat/) tactics as they work on psychological manipulation and trust building to get sensitive information or gain access to a device. _However, there is a difference between these techniques- in quid pro quo, the cyberactor provides some service in exchange for information or access_. But, when it comes to baiting, the threat actor offers irresistible baits to the victim, such as [discount coupons](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/virginia-woman-gets-12-years-prison-one-biggest-coupon-scams-n1279437), cash, gift cards, etc. [Quid pro quo attacks](https://www.paubox.com/blog/what-is-a-quid-pro-quo-attack) are simpler to attempt and don’t require much **preparation or high-end tools**. ## Difference between quid pro quo and pretexting Pretexting requires an **elaborate and well-planned scenario** to fool the victim into giving information. The common pretext scenarios are the intervention of people with authorities like the police, tax department, legal aid, etc. In most cases, the [malicious actor](https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-07-20/8-5-million-computers-running-windows-affected-by-faulty-update-from-crowdstrike) creates a sense of urgency to trigger victims to take quick action without giving them the chance to come across red flags or question anything. Unlike the quid pro quo attack, pretexting doesn’t need an ‘exchange’ to happen. ## Possibilities after becoming a victim of a quid pro quo attack With **sophisticated tools** and [artificial intelligence](/email-security/how-artificial-intelligence-approaches-are-changing-the-email-security-landscape/), tricking people has become easier. A quid pro quo attack is generally not the main attack but an element in the chain of steps to attempt a bigger mess. Here are the possibilities of all that can happen after you are attacked- ### Phishing A quid pro quo attack might not always feel like you’re giving up something valuable. For example, you might think your **email address** is harmless to share, but that could be exactly what the attacker is after. Once they have it, you could be flooded with [malicious emails](https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/100687-the-last-six-months-shows-a-341-increase-in-malicious-emails), scams, and [spam messages](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67949521). ### Ransomware attacks [Ransomware](/resources/locky-ransomware) is short for ransom malware, which is malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or **gain unauthorized access** to a system or its files. Using ransomware, threat actors can steal or encrypt data and demand ransom in exchange for the [decryption key](https://thehackernews.com/2024/06/fbi-distributes-7000-lockbit-ransomware.html) or for not making the i**nformation go public**. Sometimes, they even sell the data on dark websites, which are then further exploited by other threat actors. ### BEC attacks _With the obtained access, the attacker can impersonate the compromised employee to send fraudulent emails to other employees, business partners, or clients_. These emails might request payments, sensitive data, or further access to the company’s systems. Since the email comes from a [legitimate account](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-hackers-exploiting-legitimate-user-accounts-david-sehyeon-baek--mfiwc?trk=public%5Fpost%5Fmain-feed-card%5Ffeed-article-content), the recipients are more likely to trust it. The attacker can trick them into transferring funds, sharing **confidential information**, or [installing malware](https://www.verdict.co.uk/over-300000-users-impacted-by-browser-extension-malware-attack/). What’s even scarier is that threat actors can continue exploiting your data once they have it, **gaining even deeper access** and furthering the impact of a quid pro quo attack. ### Other scams; employment, charity, investment, tech support, and healthcare #### Employment scam: When inflation sweeps in and recession fears grow, any job opportunity looks worth a try. Threat actors leverage this desperation of unemployed people and launch [job scams](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/07/job-scams-surged-118percent-in-2023-aided-by-ai-heres-how-to-stop-them.html). In a quid pro quo job scam, malicious actors impersonate recruiters of **reputed organizations** and reach out to potential job seekers, asking for personal information. Sometimes, they even ask for payments in the name of providing ‘work supplies.’ #### Charity scam _Threat actors offer small tokens in exchange for donations, which ultimately go into the pockets of scammers_. These scams often exploit current disasters or health crises to tug at heartstrings. So, before going ahead and [making donations](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/charity-scams-warnings-giving/story?id=8738002), **verify the legitimacy** of fundraisers or donation collectors. #### Investment scam [Investment scams](https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/news/us-seniors-lost-a-reported-1-2b-to-investment-fraud-in-2023-254513) promise big returns in exchange for your money. Scammers might offer fake investments in things like **cryptocurrency or claim celebrity endorsements**. These scams are hard to spot, especially when they involve new or digital assets. #### Healthcare [Healthcare scams](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steward-health-care-federal-investigation-fraud-corruption-hospitals/) target people looking for cures or treatments for **chronic conditions**. Scammers sell fake or harmful products, claiming miraculous results. Victims may lose money or endanger their health, believing in these false promises. ## Spotting and preventing quid pro quo attacks The Internet is as much a bane as it’s a boon. _You must be cautious while browsing, clicking, and giving away your information_. You will be safer if you are vigilant enough to **read the common red flags**. ### Unsolicited offers of help Be wary of unexpected offers of assistance, especially from unknown sources. For example, if someone contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from **IT support**, asking if you need help with your computer, be cautious. ### Requests for information or access to a system Keep in mind that legitimate service providers don’t ask for sensitive information or access to a system. If the person is asking for these, then question why they need it; get into the details and proceed only if you feel it’s safe. We recommend declining such requests outright for the sake of your **security and reputation**. ### Urgency Attackers might create a sense of urgency, saying that something needs to be **fixed immediately**, pressuring you to comply without thinking it through. This is often a tactic to catch you off guard. ### Unusual communication channels **Random pop-ups**, [unsolicited calls and emails](https://thehackernews.com/2024/05/ongoing-campaign-bombarded-enterprises.html), and [social media](/email-security/simple-social-media-security-practices-your-business-should-adopt/) platforms are all examples of suspicious communication channels. If someone is connecting through these, refrain from replying or giving in to their requests. _Legitimate support providers use established communication channels like emailing or calling after you submit a form available on their official website_. ### Lack of verification If the person contacting you cannot be easily **verified as a legitimate employee** of a company or service provider, or if they refuse to provide proof of identity, it’s likely a scam. ### To good to be true offers Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, such as free software, [gift cards](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/12/12/gift-card-scams-warning-2023/71891789007/), or other perks in exchange for something seemingly minor, like your [email address](/email-hosting/finding-email-addresses-for-business-professionals/) or **account information**. [![social engineering](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/spf-validator-3.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/08/spf-validator-3.jpg) ### Misspellings or poor grammar _Phishing and social engineering messages often contain spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or poor grammar. While this isn’t always the case, it can be a clue that something is off_. Also, note the graphics quality used; malicious actors rarely **hire professional graphic designers**. So, if the image is of low quality, take it as a sign. ## What to do if you have already become a quid pro quo attack target? _If you believe you are already under the radar of threat actors and have shared some information or given access to your system, then cease the interaction right away and don’t give any further information_. If you have given work-related information or access, notify your **IT department** or the security team. Additionally, report the incident to the relevant authorities, such as the [Federal Trade Commission (FTC)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/ftc.asp) in the U.S. or your country’s equivalent, to ensure a thorough response to the [email security](/) breach. Most importantly, all passwords must be changed and [two-factor authentication](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/twofactor-authentication-2fa.asp) enabled, followed by stopping access permissions. If you suspect or anticipate [financial fraud](https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/esim-vulnerabilities-exploited-by-sim-swappers-financial-frauds-report-5244060), notify your bank and request that they don’t **pass transactions** without checking in with you personally over the phone or calling you to the bank. You can mitigate the disruptions by being cautious and taking suitable measures, cushioning your **personal and professional reputation**. ## Topics SecurityUpdates ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) Brad Slavin General Manager General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio. ## Secure your email infrastructure Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution. [Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) ## Related Articles [ Privacy 6m AI Models Are Stealing Your Passwords By Listening To Your Keyboard Oct 20, 2023 ](/blog/data-privacy/ai-models-are-stealing-your-passwords-by-listening-to-your-keyboard/)[ Privacy 5m Are MortalKombat Ransomware and Tengyun Snake Attacks Emerging Email Threats? Jul 20, 2023 ](/blog/data-privacy/are-mortalkombat-ransomware-and-tengyun-snake-attacks-emerging-email-threats/)[ Privacy 3m Check Point Research Q1 2024 Results- Microsoft, Google, and Linkedin Topped the List; Airbnb is a New Entry Apr 18, 2024 ](/blog/data-privacy/check-point-research-q1-2024-microsoft-google-linkedin-lead-airbnb-joins/)[ Privacy 6m Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking: What’s the Difference? Apr 10, 2024 ](/blog/data-privacy/cyber-security-vs-ethical-hacking-whats-the-difference/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. 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