How to Detect Phishing Scams

Four Signs to Look for in a Phishing Scam

Spotting a phishing scam can be difficult, but there are some signs you can look for. If an email, website, or text message has any of the following four signs, it may be a phishing scam:

The message is unsolicited. Scammers will send you an email or message out of the blue. They may even address you by name to make it seem like they know you.

The message is urgent or asks you to take immediate action. Phishing scams often try to create a sense of urgency to get you to act without thinking. They may say there’s a problem with your account or that you need to confirm your information.

The message asks for personal information. A phishing scammer will try to get you to share personal information like your password, Social Security number, or bank account information. They may also include a link to a fake website that looks real.

The message contains typos or grammatical errors. While scammers are getting better at making their messages look legitimate, they often still make mistakes.

If you think you’ve received a phishing scam, don’t respond to it. Delete the email, text message, or website right away. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams

There are some steps you can take to protect yourself from phishing scams.

Don’t give out personal information. Be suspicious of any email, text message, or phone call that asks for your personal information. Never give out your password, Social Security number, or bank account information.

Keep your software up to date. Install security updates for your operating system and other software on your computer. These updates can help protect you from new types of phishing scams.

Use security software. Install antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer. These programs can help protect you from phishing scams and other types of malware.

Check your accounts regularly. Review your bank and credit card statements often to look for any unauthorized transactions. You should also check your credit report for any suspicious activity.

Report phishing scams. If you think you’ve received a phishing scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also report the scam to the company or organization that the scammer is impersonating.