Phishing (not fishing)

Phishing (not fishing)

Don't get confused!

Phishing is like fishing, but for personal information. Instead of using a fishing rod and bait, scammers use sneaky tricks on the internet to try and catch your private info, like passwords or credit card numbers. They might send you fake emails and messages that look real or create fake websites that seem legit. It's all a big trick to get you to hand over your sensitive info.

So it’s really important to always be skeptical and cautious, and never give away your personal info to anyone you don’t trust.

With the right level of attention, you can easily detect Phishing:

hook Check the sender: Take a close look at the email address. Phishing emails often use addresses that mimic legitimate organizations but contain slight variations or misspellings, sometimes using real names (as shown in the picture below). Examine the sender's email carefully to ensure it matches the legitimate domain. Be cautious of generic or suspicious email addresses.

hook Typos everywhere: Typos everywhere: Phishing emails are often written in a rush, without much attention to spelling. So, if you notice significant mistakes or awkward language, it’s a red flag. However, some phishing emails are crafted carefully, so use this rule in conjunction with the others. However, some phishing e-mails may be composed with no typos or grammar/spelling mistakes, so take this into account as well.

hook Chill out on the urgency: Phishers love to crank up the pressure and promise catastrophic consequences if you don't act quickly. They'll threaten you with account closures, missed opportunities, or even unleash the dreaded "Your computer is infected!" message. Take a deep breath, question their motives and double-check the information through other trusted channels.

hook Personal information required: Remember, legitimate companies won't ask for your sensitive info via email. So, if they're requesting your password, credit card details, or social security number, it's a big no-no.

hook Sneaky links: When scammers want you to visit their fake login pages, they often look almost identical to legitimate sites. So, before you go and click on any link in the email, hover your cursor over it (but don't click!). Look at the little preview box and see if it matches where it claims to take you. If it seems sketchy or doesn't match the website you expect, do not click!

hook Weird vibes from the tone: If the email starts with a generic 'Dear Customer' or is either too formal or too casual, it’s a sign something’s off. Legit organizations usually address you by name and use proper language.

hook Attachment alert: Be cautious with email attachments, especially if you weren’t expecting any. Phishers love hiding malware or viruses in attached files(.exe, .txt, .html, .zip are supersuspicious). If in doubt, don't open it and save yourself the trouble.

hook Double-check with the real deal: If you’re unsure about an email, contact the person directly or visit the company’s official website or customer support. Verify if the email is legit before doing anything it asks. Better safe than sorry!

If you see any of the indicators mentioned above, report it to IT/IS support. And always, everywhere: Stay Skeptical, Verify the Source and Think Before You Click!

P.S. To make it easier for you to check emails from us and make sure they're ok, we have a real one for you. Just take a look and use it as an example down arrow 

    • Related Articles

    • Digital hygiene

      Digital hygiene (which you may already know about, but just in case) refers to a set of rules and guidelines for keeping your digital devices and the information stored on them safe. These rules need to be followed as diligently as regular hygiene ...