Phishing scams are among the most widespread and effective cyber threats. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, text messages, and phone calls to trick victims into revealing sensitive personal and financial information. Knowing how to recognize and avoid phishing attacks can help you protect yourself and your accounts.
Types of Phishing Scams
- Email Phishing: Scammers send emails that appear to come from legitimate sources like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. These emails often contain links to fake login pages designed to steal credentials. Always hover over links before clicking and check for misspellings in the sender’s address.
- Smishing (SMS Phishing): Fraudulent text messages claim urgent action is needed, such as updating payment details or verifying a suspicious transaction. These messages include links that lead to phishing websites. Never click links in unsolicited text messages—verify directly with the company.
- Vishing (Voice Phishing): Scammers impersonate financial institutions, government agencies, or customer support representatives over the phone. They often pressure victims into revealing account details, PINs, or personal information. If a caller asks for sensitive information, hang up and call the company back using an official number.
How to Stay Safe from Phishing Attacks
- Verify Before Clicking: Hover over links to check their actual destination before clicking.
- Use Strong Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts and update them regularly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security to online accounts.
- Stay Skeptical: If an email or text seems suspicious, delete it or verify through an official source.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam, contact us for support and next steps.
