Tips on Identifying Phishing Scams

You open your email and you have a message claiming your bank account has been hacked. You click the link, log in, and, whoops, you just handed your credentials to a cybercriminal. You’ve been a victim of phishing, where scammers bait you with fake messages and reel you in like an unsuspecting fish. You don’t have to be their next catch. Listed below: how to recognize and fight back against phishing attempts.

Trust No One

Phishers love to impersonate people or companies you trust like banks, social media sites, even your boss. If you receive an urgent email demanding immediate action, take a deep breath and analyze. Hover over links to check if they actually lead to the official site. Spoiler alert: If an email tells you to send money via gift cards, it’s 100% a scam.

Spelling and Grammar: The Secret Code of Scammers

Legit companies proofread their emails. Phishers? Not so much. If you spot weird grammar, odd punctuation, or “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name, you’re likely dealing with a scammer who thinks spellcheck is optional.

Too Good (or Bad) to Be True? It’s Fake

Did you just win a lottery you never entered? Or did an email claim your account will be deleted unless you act immediately? These are classic scare tactics designed to make you act without thinking. Take a moment, breathe, and verify from the source, by going directly to the website in question instead of clicking any links.

Multi-Factor Authentication is Your Best Friend

Even if you accidentally hand over your password to a scammer, MFA can save you. With two-factor authentication, hackers need more than just your password to get in—like a code sent to your phone. Enabling MFA is like having a bouncer at the door of your digital life.

Double-Check the Sender’s Email Address

Scammers love to use email addresses that look real at first glance. Look closer. An email from something like “” is a nasty trick. We tend to move quick when we are navigating online, but there are some very sophisticated methods people are using. If in doubt, contact the company directly through their official website—not the suspicious email.

When in Doubt, Don’t Click

If an email, text, or DM looks suspicious, don’t take the bait. Instead of clicking links, open your browser and manually type in the website yourself. A few extra seconds of effort can save you from a world of regret.

Keep Your Software Updated

Hackers exploit security holes in outdated software. Updating your browser, operating system, and antivirus software is like locking your doors at night. It won’t stop every threat, but it makes breaking in a lot harder.

Report It 

If you get a phishing email, don’t just delete it; report it! Most email services have a button for doing just that.

Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, but by staying skeptical, double-checking sources, and using security tools like MFA, you can avoid getting hooked. So next time someone tells you you’ve won a million dollars, remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you would like to have a conversation with a certified cybersecurity professional about how to fashion a training platform for your staff, give Macro Systems a call today at 703-359-9211.