Phishing scams are a constant threat, using deceptive emails, text messages, and websites to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial to recognize the warning signs.

Here are some of the most common phishing scams and how you can spot them.

1. The “Suspicious Activity” or “Security Alert” Scam

This is one of the most common tactics. You receive an email, often appearing to be from a well-known company like Apple, Google, or your bank, warning you about a “suspicious login” or a security issue with your account.

• How to Spot It: The email will urge you to click a link to verify your account or change your password immediately. Hover your mouse over the link (without clicking!) to see the actual URL. It will likely lead to a misspelled or completely unrelated website. Legitimate companies will rarely ask you to provide login credentials directly from an email link.

2. The “Fake Invoice” Scam

Scammers send an email with an attachment, claiming it’s an invoice for a recent purchase. The email might be from a popular online store or a service you use, like Netflix or Amazon. The goal is to get you to open the attachment, which often contains malware.

• How to Spot It: Be wary of unexpected invoices for items you didn’t buy. Check the sender’s email address for inconsistencies. If you’re unsure, go directly to the company’s official website to check your order history instead of clicking any links or opening attachments in the email.

3. The “CEO Fraud” or “Business Email Compromise” Scam

This scam targets employees. A scammer impersonates a high-level executive (like the CEO) and sends an urgent email to an employee, often in finance or HR. The email requests an immediate wire transfer or asks for sensitive employee data, like tax forms.

• How to Spot It: The scam relies on a sense of urgency and the employee’s reluctance to question a superior. Always verify such requests through a different communication channel, like a phone call or in-person conversation, using contact information you know to be legitimate.

4. The “You’ve Won a Prize” Scam

This classic scam informs you that you’ve won a lottery, a new phone, or another valuable prize. To claim it, you just need to click a link and enter your personal information or pay a small “shipping” or “processing” fee.

• How to Spot It: Remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unsolicited prize notifications are almost always scams designed to steal your financial information.

Protecting yourself starts with a healthy dose of skepticism. Always think before you click. If you’re ever in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, it’s best to delete it. For comprehensive protection and training, consider our Phishing Scam Prevention services.