Understanding Phishing: How to Recognise and Avoid Online Scams

In today’s digital age, phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. These deceptive tactics are designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details. At Bridgeworks Training, we’re committed to helping you stay safe online. This guide will teach you how to recognise and avoid phishing scams, ensuring your personal information remains secure.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where scammers impersonate legitimate institutions or individuals to deceive you into providing personal information. These attacks often come in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to be from trustworthy sources.

Common Types of Phishing Attacks

1. Email Phishing: The most common form, where scammers send emails that look like they’re from reputable companies. These emails often contain links to fake websites or attachments that install malware on your device.

2. Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks aimed at specific individuals or organisations. These attacks use personalised information to make the scam more convincing.

3. Smishing: Phishing via SMS text messages. These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites or prompt you to call a fake customer service number.

4. Vishing: Voice phishing, where scammers call you pretending to be from a legitimate organisation, such as a bank or tech support, to extract personal information.

How to Recognise Phishing Scams

Recognising phishing scams is the first step to avoiding them. Here are some telltale signs:

1. Suspicious Sender Information

·         Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight misspellings or unusual domains.

·         If the sender’s email address doesn’t match the organisation they claim to represent, it’s likely a scam.

2. Generic Greetings

·         Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of addressing you by name.

·         Legitimate companies usually personalise their communications.

3. Urgent or Threatening Language

·         Scammers use urgency or threats to make you act quickly without thinking. Phrases like “Your account will be suspended” or “Immediate action required” are common red flags.

·         Take a moment to verify the legitimacy of the message before responding.

4. Suspicious Links and Attachments

·         Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the expected website, don’t click it.

·         Be wary of attachments from unknown senders. They may contain malware designed to steal your information.

5. Poor Grammar and Spelling

·         Legitimate organisations take care to ensure their communications are professional. Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

How to Avoid Phishing Scams

Taking proactive steps can help you avoid falling victim to phishing scams. Here’s what you can do:

1. Verify the Source

·         If you receive an unexpected email or message, verify the sender by contacting the organisation directly using a trusted phone number or email address.

·         Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

2. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments

·         Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails and messages.

·         When in doubt, navigate to the organisation’s official website manually by typing the URL into your browser.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

·         Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if scammers obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second form of verification.

4. Use Antivirus Software

·         Install reputable antivirus software on your devices and keep it updated. Antivirus programs can detect and block phishing attempts and malware.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

·         Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and educate your family, friends, and colleagues.

·         Encourage others to be cautious and to report suspicious emails and messages.

6. Report Phishing Attempts

·         Report phishing emails to your email provider and the organisation being impersonated. This helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scams.

·         Forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.

Conclusion

Phishing scams are a persistent threat in the digital world, but by recognising the signs and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself and your personal information. Stay vigilant, verify sources, and educate others to help create a safer online environment for everyone.

For more tips on staying safe online, visit Bridgeworks Training. Together, we can outsmart the scammers and keep our digital lives secure.

For comprehensive training on online safety, check out our Online Safety for Kids workshop - https://www.bridgeworkstraining.com/online-safety-for-kids-landing-page and other resources at Bridgeworks Training. Let's stay safe and informed together!