Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.

Learn how to spot deceptive requests online and take recommended steps to help protect your Gmail and Google Account. Phishing is an attempt to steal personal information or break in to online...

Phishing occurs when criminals try to get us to open harmful links, emails or attachments that could request our personal information or infect our devices. Phishing messages or “bait” usually come in the form of an email, text, direct message on social media or phone call.

Sep 4, 2024 · If you clicked on a link in an unexpected email, update your security software and run a scan to look for viruses and malware. Then report the phishing scam. Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, forward suspicious texts to SPAM (7726), and forward suspicious emails to [email protected]

Dec 11, 2024 · If the answer is “No,” it’s likely a phishing scam. While real companies might communicate with you by email, legitimate companies won’t unexpectedly email or text with a link to update your payment or account information.

Here are five steps to help spot, avoid, and report phishing attempts. Step 1: Be alert. Know the phishing warning signs. Phishing messages can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to skillfully imitate your bank, a government agency, or another organization you recognize or trust. Here are two phishing examples that imitate Wells Fargo communications.

Jan 23, 2025 · Phishing is a type of online scam that targets consumers by sending them an e-mail that appears to be from a well-known source – an internet service provider, a bank, or a mortgage company, for example. It asks the consumer to provide personal identifying information.

Phishing emails will usually direct to a spoofed website or trick the receiver into divulging personal information like account passwords, credit card information, etc. These attacks are often designed to appear urgent and panic recipients so that they take immediate action before verifying the legitimacy of the claim made.

Urgent call to action or threats - Be suspicious of emails and Teams messages that claim you must click, call, or open an attachment immediately. Often, they'll claim you have to act now to claim a reward or avoid a penalty. Creating a false sense of urgency is a common trick of phishing attacks and scams.

Sep 21, 2023 · Phishing emails are one of the most common threats to online security and data privacy. Learn how to identify 10 common signs of a phishing email.