People, culture & awareness
Inventing a believable cover story and role, such as a new colleague or an auditor, to get someone to share information.
Formal
A form of social engineering built around a made-up situation and identity, usually prepared with research about the target; the story gives the victim a reason to help, so the request feels normal rather than suspicious.
In plain English
Like an actor who turns up in a delivery uniform with a clipboard - nobody asks questions, because the costume and the story fit.
In practice
Someone calls the payroll office of a municipality, says she is from the auditors, names the finance manager and asks for a list of staff salaries “for this year's audit”.
Why it matters
A good story beats most of the warning signs people are taught to look for, so staff need clear permission to check who is asking before they help.