Phishing Scams

What Is a Phishing Scam?

A phishing scam is when someone pretends to be someone they’re not—like your bank, a government agency, or even a grandchild—in order to trick you into clicking a link, sharing a password, or sending money.

They often come by email, text message, or phone call and can sound very convincing.

Example:
You get an email that looks like it’s from Social Security. It says there’s a problem with your account and asks you to “click here to fix it.” That’s a scam.

How to Recognize a Phishing Attempt

Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

• Urgent language: “Act now!” or “Your account will be suspended.”
• Requests for personal info: Like your Social Security number, password, or bank details.
• Suspicious links or email addresses: They might look close to real ones, but not quite.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: If someone says you’ve won a prize—but you never entered—it’s likely a scam.



What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Never click on links in emails or texts from unknown senders.

If you’re unsure, call the company directly using a trusted number—not the one in the message.

Use strong passwords and don’t reuse the same password on multiple websites.

Install antivirus software and keep your devices updated.

Talk to someone you trust before acting on a suspicious message.

Remember: It's OK to Be Cautious

Scammers want you to act fast. The best thing you can do? Take your time. Ask questions. And when in doubt—don’t click.

Stay tuned for future posts where we’ll cover other common scams and simple ways to protect yourself online.

If you need help with your online security or want to learn more, contact me—I’m here to help.