Did you receive an email that looks suspicious? Think you might be the target of a phishing attack?
This article walks you through how to recognize and avoid online scams.
What is phishing?
Phishing is an online scam where someone impersonates a trusted organization — such as a bank or government agency — to trick you into handing over sensitive personal information. These attempts typically arrive as emails with an urgent or alarming tone.
Learn more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
How to recognize phishing?
Here are some tips to help you spot phishing attempts:
- Spelling and grammar mistakes: Phishing messages often contain grammar and spelling errors. Keep an eye out for these red flags.
- Suspicious links: Hover over any links (without clicking) to check where they actually lead. Make sure they point to legitimate, secure websites.
- Requests for sensitive information: Be skeptical of any email asking for personal or financial details. Legitimate organizations typically don't request this kind of information by email — either because they already have it, or because they'll direct you to a secure page.
- Threats or urgency: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency by claiming your account is at risk. Don't let these pressure tactics catch you off guard.
- Suspicious sender addresses: Look closely at the sender's email address. Scammers often use addresses that closely mimic those of legitimate organizations, with subtle differences.
- Go directly to the source: If you receive a suspicious message, don't click any links in it. Instead, navigate directly to the organization's official website through your browser.
- Reach out directly: If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the organization directly through official channels rather than replying to the suspicious email.
Following these tips can significantly reduce your risk of falling for an online phishing scam.
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