Phishing is when criminals pretend to be a trusted company or person to trick you into sharing passwords or clicking harmful links. These messages are getting more convincing, but they usually share the same warning signs.
Check the Sender Carefully
Look at the full email address, not just the display name. Small misspellings or unusual domains, such as extra letters or numbers, are a red flag.
Beware of Urgency and Threats
Messages saying your account will be closed in 24 hours or that you must act immediately are designed to make you panic. Real companies rarely work this way.
Hover Before You Click
On a computer, hover over a link to see the real address. On a phone, press and hold the link. If it does not match the company’s official website, do not click.
Watch for Poor Language and Odd Requests
Spelling mistakes, generic greetings such as “Dear customer” and requests for passwords, one-time codes or payments by gift card are common signs of a scam.
Be Careful With Attachments
Do not open unexpected attachments, especially files such as .zip or .exe, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
What to Do If You Suspect Phishing
Do not reply or click. Go directly to the official website or app by typing the address yourself. Report the message as phishing in your email app and delete it. If you entered a password, change it immediately and turn on two-factor authentication.
Final Thoughts
Slow down, check the sender and links, and never share codes or passwords because of an unexpected message. A few seconds of caution can save you from serious trouble.
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