What It Is
Phishing is when scammers send fake emails that look like they are from real companies, banks, or government agencies. Their goal is to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing personal information such as passwords or account numbers.
Warning Signs
- The email creates strong urgency (“your account will be closed today”).
- The sender address looks strange or slightly misspelled.
- Links do not match the official website address.
- The message asks you to confirm personal or financial information.
- Unexpected attachments, especially ZIP or document files.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be cautious with any unexpected email asking you to click a link or log in.
- Hover your mouse over links to see the real web address before clicking.
- Go directly to the company’s official website instead of using email links.
- Use spam filters and keep your email app updated.
- Never send passwords or account numbers by email.
What to Do If It Happens
- If you clicked a link, close the browser tab immediately.
- If you entered a password, change it right away and enable two-factor authentication.
- If you shared financial information, contact your bank or card issuer and watch for unusual activity.
- Delete the phishing email and empty your trash folder.