Quick Answer
The answer is pretexting, the correct choice because this social engineering technique relies on a fabricated scenario—the pretext—to manipulate a target into granting access or information. In this case, the attacker built credibility by using the employee’s name and department, then posed as a new employee needing a password reset, which is a classic pretexting attack example. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish pretexting from other attacks like phishing or baiting; a common trap is confusing it with phishing, but remember that pretexting always involves a false story or role-play, not just a deceptive message. The key takeaway is that pretexting exploits trust in a constructed identity, so verifying callers through out-of-band methods is critical. A useful memory tip: think “pretext equals pretext” as in the script or excuse the attacker rehearses to gain your confidence.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of social engineering attacks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a security incident investigation, a technician finds that an attacker called the help desk, pretended to be a new employee who forgot their password, and successfully reset it. The attacker knew the employee's name and department. Which social engineering technique was used?
Phishing
Why wrong: Phishing involves digital communication, not a direct phone call with a fabricated story.
Pretexting
Pretexting is the correct term, as the attacker created a false identity and scenario to gain the help desk's trust.
Tailgating
Why wrong: Tailgating is physical access, not a phone-based social engineering attack.
Shoulder surfing
Why wrong: Shoulder surfing requires visual observation, not applicable here.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Pretexting
Pretexting is the creation of a fabricated scenario (the pretext) to obtain information or access. The attacker used the employee's details to build credibility and trick the help desk. This highlights the importance of identity verification procedures.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing involves digital communication, not a direct phone call with a fabricated story.
Pretexting
Why this is correct
Pretexting is the correct term, as the attacker created a false identity and scenario to gain the help desk's trust.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Tailgating
Why it's wrong here
Tailgating is physical access, not a phone-based social engineering attack.
Shoulder surfing
Why it's wrong here
Shoulder surfing requires visual observation, not applicable here.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Social Engineering Attacks — This question tests Social Engineering Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Pretexting — Pretexting is the creation of a fabricated scenario (the pretext) to obtain information or access. The attacker used the employee's details to build credibility and trick the help desk. This highlights the importance of identity verification procedures.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security audit, a technician discovers that an unauthorized person accessed a restricted server room by pretending to be a fire inspector. The person had a fake ID and clipboard. Which social engineering technique was used, and what is the best mitigation?
hardWhy C: This is pretexting, where the attacker created a false identity (fire inspector) to gain trust and access. The best mitigation is implementing strict verification procedures for all visitors, including calling the agency they claim to represent.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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