Understanding How to Spot Phishing Emails and Text Messages for Mike Potter Programming and Technology Solutions

TL;DR: How to Quickly Spot a Phishing Attempt

Phishing emails and texts try to trick you into giving away personal information. Always check who sent it, look closely at any links before clicking, and be wary of messages that create strong urgency or seem too good to be true. If something feels off, it probably is.

Understanding Phishing: What It Is and Why It Matters

Phishing is a sneaky trick used by scammers to get your private information, like passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers. They pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank, a well-known company, or even a friend. They do this through emails or text messages that look real but are actually fake.

For non-tech phone, iPad/tablet, and computer users, learning to spot these tricks is one of the most important ways to stay safe online. This isn’t about becoming a tech wizard; it’s about knowing a few simple things to look for.

Spotting Phishing Emails

Emails are a common way scammers try to trick you. Here are key things to check:

The Sender’s Email Address: Don’t just look at the name. Instead, tap or hover your mouse over the sender’s name to see the actual email address. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to a real company but have tiny differences. For example, an email claiming to be from a tech support company might use an address like [email protected] instead of [email protected]. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the company’s usual address, it’s a red flag.
Suspicious Links: Phishing emails almost always include links. Before you click, hover your mouse over the link (on a computer) or press and hold it (on a phone or tablet) to see the full web address it leads to. Does it look like the official website address? If an email from a software update service asks you to click a link that shows unsecured-updates.xyz instead of secureupdates.com, don’t click it. Even if the text of the link says “Click Here for Your Account,” always check the actual address it points to.
Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers love to create panic. Messages like “Your account will be suspended immediately!” or “Urgent security alert – click now to prevent fraud!” are common. They want you to act quickly without thinking. A legitimate tech support service, for example, would rarely use such aggressive language to request immediate action via an unverified link.
Bad Grammar and Spelling: Professional companies usually have good grammar and spelling in their communications. If an email has many typos or awkward phrasing, it’s a strong sign it might be a scam.

Identifying Phishing Text Messages (Smishing)

Phishing through text messages is sometimes called “smishing.” It works similarly to emails:

Unexpected Messages: Did you get a text about a package you didn’t order or a prize you didn’t enter? These are often phishing attempts. For instance, a text claiming “Your device needs a critical update, click here: [link]” when you didn’t expect it, is highly suspicious.
Links in Texts: Just like with emails, be very careful with links in text messages. It’s harder to check the full link on a phone, so it’s best to avoid clicking unexpected links altogether. If a text from a supposed tech provider asks you to click a link for “account verification,” it’s safer to go directly to the company’s official website or app yourself.
Requests for Personal Info: No legitimate company will ask for your password, social security number, or full credit card details via text message. If a text asks for this kind of information, it’s a scam.
Generic Greetings: Phishing texts often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name. This is a small but telling sign.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about an email or text, the safest thing to do is delete it. If you think it might be real, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate, not the one provided in the suspicious message.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is phishing?

Phishing is when scammers pretend to be a trusted company or person through emails or texts. Their goal is to trick you into giving them your personal information, like passwords or bank details, which they can then use to steal from you or access your accounts. It’s a common online scam.

Can I open a suspicious email?

Yes, opening a suspicious email usually won’t harm your device. The danger comes from clicking links or opening attachments inside the email. If an email looks fishy, it’s best to delete it without clicking anything. Never reply to it either.

How do text message scams work?

Text message scams, or ‘smishing,’ trick you similarly to emails. They often send unexpected texts with links, claiming to be from a known company like a delivery service or your bank. Clicking the link might lead to a fake website designed to steal your login details or install harmful software.