What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of online scam that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites to trick people into giving away sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. The scammers create fake messages that look legitimate and often try to create a sense of urgency or fear to get victims to respond.

How does Phishing work?

Phishing works by using social engineering techniques to manipulate people into clicking on a link, opening an attachment, or entering personal information on a fake website. The scammer will often pose as a trustworthy entity, such as a bank, government agency, or well-known company, and create a sense of urgency or fear to pressure the victim into taking action. For example, the scammer might claim that there is a security issue with the victim's account and they need to update their password immediately.

Once the victim clicks on the link or enters their information on the fake website, the scammer can steal their data and use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or other criminal activities.

What can you do to protect yourself from Phishing?

To protect yourself from phishing scams, it is important to take several preventative measures, including:

1. Be cautious when opening emails or text messages from unknown senders or suspicious sources.
    
2. Check the sender's email address and look for spelling or grammar errors, which may indicate a phishing attempt.
    
3. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from untrusted sources.
    
4. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
    
5. If you are unsure whether an email or message is legitimate, contact the sender directly using a known phone number or email address.