What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of scam where attackers try to trick you into giving away personal information, like your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive details.

Protect yourself from phishing ( From Microsoft.com ) (youtube.com)

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into giving away personal information. Here’s how to spot them:

1. Check the Sender’s Email Address

   • Look Closely: Phishing emails often come from addresses that look similar but have slight differences from the real ones. For example, a phishing email might come from "[email protected]" instead of "[email protected]" or "[email protected]."

2. Watch for Unusual Requests

   • Be Skeptical: Be cautious if the email asks for sensitive information like passwords or financial details. Legitimate companies usually don’t ask for such information via email.

3. Look for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

   • Spot Errors: Many phishing emails contain spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or awkward phrasing. These are red flags that the email may not be genuine.

4. Examine the Links

   • Hover Before You Click: Move your mouse over any links in the email without clicking. Check if the URL matches the official website of the company. Be cautious if the link looks strange or doesn’t match the sender’s claims.

5. Be Wary of Urgent or Threatening Language

   • Think Twice: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or use threatening language to pressure you into acting quickly. For example, they might claim your account will be locked if you don’t act now.

6. Check for Personalization

   • Expect Personal Touches: Legitimate companies often address you by your full name. Phishing emails might use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.”

7. Look for Unusual Attachments

   • Be Cautious: Avoid opening attachments from unknown or unexpected emails. These can contain malware or other harmful software.

8. Verify Suspicious Emails

   • Double-Check: If you receive an email that seems suspicious, contact the company directly using contact information from their official website—not the contact details in the email.

By being vigilant and using these tips, you can protect yourself from phishing scams and keep your personal information safe.