What Is Phishing? How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attacks
January 3, 2025
Phishing is a Common Type of Cyber Attack
Phishing is one type of online scam criminals use to try to trick you into giving away your personal information, like usernames, passwords, or financial details. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank, a company you shop with, or even a government agency.
The FBI says Indiana seniors lost $37,812,966 to fraud in 2023. Indiana ranked 25th out of 57 states and U.S. territories on the scam list.[1]
To avoid falling for these scams, you should understand how phishing works, know the common signs of phishing, and take steps to protect yourself. Here, learn what phishing is, how it works, and what you can do to stay safe online.
What Is Phishing?
A phishing attack is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your personal information by pretending to be someone else online. The scammer might send you a fake email or text message or even show a fraudulent pop-up on a website.
They may ask you to click a link or download something, which takes you to a fake page that looks real. Once there, you might be asked to enter your account details, and the scammer will use that information to steal from you.
The word “phishing” is like “fishing” because scammers cast a wide net in hopes that someone will bite. Once they get your information, they might steal your money or use your identity for fraud.
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How Does Phishing Work?
Phishing scams can happen in many ways, and they can seem very convincing. The attacker usually pretends to be a company or organization you know, which can make the scam look real. It is a type of social engineering attack.
For example, you might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank. It might notify you of a “problem” with your account, and you need to click a link to fix it. If you click the link, you’ll then be taken to a fake website (that looks like your bank’s website). If you enter your information there, the scammer can use it to steal from your account.
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Types of Phishing To Watch Out For
There are many ways that phishing attacks can happen. Here are a few common types of phishing to look out for and how to recognize them.
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Email Phishing
Email phishing is the most common form of phishing. Scammers send you fake emails that look like they’re from a trusted company or institution. A phishing email usually asks you to click on a link or open an attachment. The message might say there’s an urgent need to fix something with your account, verify a payment, or claim a reward.
Here’s how to spot it:
Look for mistakes in spelling or grammar.
Check the email address carefully — legitimate companies usually have an official domain (e.g., @bank.com).
Hover your mouse over links before clicking them to see if the link looks suspicious.
Pop-up Phishing
Pop-up phishing happens when a fake window or pop-up appears while you’re browsing online. The pop-up might claim that your computer has a virus or that you’ve won a prize. It may ask you to provide your personal information or download something which could harm your computer.
Here’s how to spot it:
Don’t click on pop-up windows — especially if they say you need to act quickly or download software.
Close pop-ups by clicking the "X" in the corner, not by clicking anything inside the pop-up.
How To Avoid Phishing Attacks
It’s important to be careful and protect yourself from phishing attacks. Phishing detection is the process to identify and prevent phishing attempts. You can do this by identifying fraudulent messages, links, or websites designed to steal personal information.
Many systems have some phishing detection features built-in, but you need to do your own due diligence as well. Here are some simple steps you can take.
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1. Be Careful with Emails and Messages
If you get an unexpected email or message that asks for your personal information, don’t respond right away. Instead, contact the company directly using a phone number or email address from their official website.
2. Check for Secure Websites
Before you enter any personal information online, make sure the website is secure. Look for “https” in the web address and a lock icon next to it. This signals that the site is secure and your information is protected.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, also referred to as 2FA, adds an extra layer of protection. It means you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email to log in to an account. This helps prevent someone from accessing your account even if they have your password. Don’t share the code with anyone. Only you need that code to log in — no one else.
4. Keep Your Software Updated
Always make sure your web browser, computer, and security software are up to date. Software updates often include security fixes that protect you from new types of phishing scams.
5. Be Careful with Links and Attachments
Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails unless you’re sure they’re from a trusted source. Scammers use these links and attachments to install malicious software or steal your information.
What To Do if You’ve Been a Victim of Phishing
If you think you’ve fallen for a phishing scam, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. Here are some steps to take:
As soon as possible, change the passwords on any accounts that you think may have been compromised. Use strong passwords and try to make each one unique.
If the scam involves your bank or credit card, contact them right away. They might be able to help you freeze your accounts or watch for suspicious activity.
You should report the phishing attack to the right authorities. In the U.S., you can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.[2],[3]
Keep an eye on your bank statements, credit card bills, and credit reports. If you notice anything strange, report it immediately.
To keep your accounts safe from phishing attacks, use multi-factor authentication (MFA), enable anti-phishing filters, and stay educated. Keep learning about new phishing tactics. The more you know, the better you can avoid scams.
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Stay Safe with Centier by Your Side
Phishing scams can lead to identity theft and financial loss. But, you can protect yourself by staying alert and being careful online. Know what phishing is, how it works, and the common scams to watch for.
For more tips on how to protect your financial information, explore Centier’s security and fraud prevention resources.
