Stay ahead of the herd, and learn to spot phishing!
Step 1: Recognize Suspicious Messages
If a message looks off or too good to be true, it’s likely a phishing attempt. Be wary of:
1. Urgent or emotional language
2. Requests for personal or financial info
3. Untrusted links or URLs
4. Incorrect email addresses or domains. Knowing how phishing emails can be identified can save you from potential threats.
Step 2: Don’t Click, Verify
If you’re unsure if a message is genuine, don’t click on any links or call numbers provided. Instead:
1. Go to the company’s website directly to find their contact info
2. Search for the site in your browser or type the address manually
3. Use a separate method to contact the person or company, such as their phone number or social media. These steps will help you avoid phishing emails.
Phishing isn’t limited to email! What if you get a suspicious Facebook message?
You receive a message from a Facebook friend claiming a great job offer. The link looks suspicious, but you’re unsure if it’s real.
1. Don’t click the link in the message
2. Look up your friend’s contact info on your phone or another social media platform
3. Text or call them to ask if they sent the message. This scenario shows practical ways of identifying phishing emails.
Step 3: Delete or Report
If you confirm a message is a phishing attempt, it’s crucial to delete it immediately to protect your personal information and digital security. Phishing scams often trick you into revealing sensitive data, such as passwords or financial information, so being proactive about identifying phishing emails is vital. If you’re uncertain whether the message is legitimate, it’s advisable to report it to your email provider. Many email services have mechanisms to handle suspected phishing attempts, and reporting them can help prevent others from becoming victims. Alternatively, you can move the message to your spam folder to keep your inbox uncluttered and minimize the risk of accidental clicks on harmful links.
These steps will help you identify phishing emails effectively and protect yourself from phishing scams. Remember, being cautious about your personal information online is always better.
Stay safe and secure!
